jennie + mike :: 10.11.13

There's no question that I love weddings, and when it's my sister-in-law getting married... that just adds to the fun. Mitch and I ended our work week on Wednesday last week to gear up for the weekend wedding festivities. We had our itineraries ready, bags packed and party pants on ready for the long 4-day weekend.

Jennie set up a fun Thursday for all the ladies. Massages in the morning, a nice lunch at Biaggi's followed up with a mani/pedi at our favorite nail salon. It was a delightful morning being pampered, spending time with the blushing bride and the girls. After getting our fingers and toes beautiful, we went our separate ways to get ready for rehearsal. 

We met at Lord of Life Church at 6pm ready to walk through the ceremony. Jennie looked beautiful dressed in her cute one shoulder white dress and sporting her new cowboy boots. Mitch and I debated if we should bring Harper to the rehearsal, and after deliberating we decided we would give it a shot. The wedding party gathered outside the sanctuary ready for our first run through. We lined up, and practiced walking down the long aisle. Harper managed to make it down the aisle, but she thought running sounded more fun than walking. After a few minutes standing up front, Harper's patience dwindled. She was running up and down the stairs, marching to the beat of her own drum. I could tell the wedding coordinator was getting a little irked, so Harper and I decided to ditch listening to the rules and headed outside. After running off some steam, and taking a quick detour to the coloring table we managed to do one last trial run through the ceremony. 

After rehearsal, we made a pit stop at my parents to drop Harper off for the night. Dinner was scheduled around Harper's bedtime, and we knew she wouldn't last. We headed to Cooper in St. Louis Park to celebrate the day before the wedding. The Moren's hosted a great dinner. There were lots of laughs, wonderful speeches, great food and plenty of drinks. 

All the girls were staying at the hotel across the street, so after we wrapped up at Cooper we headed over to Toby Keith's for one more drink. Since it was a Thursday the bar crowd was sparse. We ordered a round of drinks and made our way to a table big enough to seat the 6 of us. Luckily it was near the dance floor, so we were highly entertained by the handful of intoxicated dancers. Minutes after we established our "dancer watching zone" the boys came through the door. Toby Keith's has a significance to Mike & Jennie's relationship, since it happens to be the bar where they met. It only seemed right to spend their last hours as an engaged couple where it all began. We finished our drink, the couple said their goodnights and we headed to the hotel. We shared some unforgettable moments in that hotel room. It's been a while since I laughed that hard. Finally around 1am our giggles died down and were off to bed.

It was wedding day! Due to excitement, we all woke up before the alarm buzzed. We headed to Blast Blow Dry Bar for hair and makeup bright and early. Deb was sweet enough to bring breakfast and mimosas to get us through the morning. Jennie looked stunning when she walked into Blast early that morning, but it was so fun to see her transformed into "Bride Jennie." Her makeup was flawless and her hair absolutely perfect down to the adorable white flower in her hair. She was ready to get married!

We made it to Lord of Life a little after noon. We were all eager to see Jennie get into that incredible gown and see all the pieces come together. She put on the custom necklace she designed from old jewelry both her Grandma's passed down. Next was the dress! As Deb zipped up the back of Jennie's dress she was glowing. The smile on her face was darling, and all of us watching couldn't help but grin. Jennie was officially a bride, and she couldn't have looked more lovely.

I was nervous about Harper wearing all the accessories I brought for her. We were able to put on a big poofy dress, ruffle socks, navy blue mary janes and a flower in her hair without a peep. I was shocked. For her cooperation, I let her pick something out of my "bribe bag." We put the Sesame Street puzzle together close to 10 times before she got bored. Pictures continued throughout the day, and she was doing great. When we headed outside for group pictures - that's when she hit a wall. At that point, Mitch and I looked at each other and said, "nap time." We stripped her down to just a diaper, and put her in the pack-n-play for a much needed nap. She didn't fight back at all, she just laid down and gave us a classic "night night." 

With nearly 30 minutes until wedding time, we decided we had to wake sleeping beauty up to get ready. I hate waking her up, since 9/10 she'll be a total crab apple. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened. We were able to change her diaper and get her completely dressed again without too much of a fight. She didn't want anyone to look at her, talk to her or touch her - and if they did she just yelled "all done." With 5 minutes left before the ceremony started, she finally started to relax a little. We lined up in the back of the church ready to walk in, and decided to have Harper walk down with Mitch and I rather than alone. 

It was go time. The music started and everyone made their way down the aisle. Harper did great with Mitch and I and she even carried her bedazzled wand. The guests stood as Jennie walked down the aisle escorted by Bob. Pure joy on her face, and a smile ear to ear she made her way to her soon to be husband. Pastor Peter officiated a beautiful ceremony. We laughed at his jokes, and cried as they said their vows. They sealed the deal with a kiss and were announced as Mike & Jennie Moren. It was perfect. 

Immediately following the ceremony, we hopped on the party bus ready to celebrate! My parents took Harper again, and planned on meeting us at the reception later that night. The bus was busy with champagne, cold beer, selfies and lasers. We made one pit stop at their meeting place (Toby Keith's) for a drink and some photos. Before we knew it, we were on our way to Five Event Center to get the real party started!

When we arrived at Five Event Center many guests were already there. We found my parents and Harper and started mingling. The venue was stunning. Candles lined the staircases, and pictures of Mike & Jennie staggered the steps. It was such a cool vibe, perfect for the newlyweds. 

Harper stayed for roughly an hour, then it was bedtime. Deb had arranged a babysitter at the hotel to stay with the sleeping babies, that way we could all enjoy the wedding without having to leave early - so that's exactly what we did. We were dancing fools. Maiden Dixie played great music, and I'm pretty sure Mitch and I just parked ourselves in front of the band the entire night. Those Moren's sure know how to throw a great party! 

The next morning came early, since Harper decided to wake up at 6am. Since we were staying at a hotel, she was sleeping at the foot of our bed. Around 6am I heard, "Mom. Mom. MOM! Mom sleeping." When I looked up at her, she smiled said a cute "hi" followed quickly by "out!" I realized a few things at that exact moment.

1. Staying out late when you have to wake up with your toddler the next morning is not a good idea.
2. I can't function on 4 hours of sleep.
3. I really needed a Diet Coke.

A couple hours passed of watching cartoons, walking the halls and eating ice cubes (one of Harper's favorite things to do right now) then we decided to pack up and head home. We didn't stay at home long since the bride and groom were hosting a brunch at their house at 11am. Everyone was a little sleepy, but it was fun to see everyone and recap the night before.

Luckily we were able to go home and sneak in a quick nap before heading over to Bob & Deb's for dinner. I felt like a new person after a few hours of rest. Mitch's cousins from Colorado were in town for the wedding and were all hanging out at the Helleen's. We knew Harper loved playing with the Colorado cousins since she followed them around like a little puppy when we visited them in June. It was a fun lazy evening visiting when them, and letting the kids play.

It was a busy tiring weekend, but totally worth it. We couldn't be more excited that Mike is officially a part of the family, and Harper gained a new Uncle. Cheers to the Moren's - to many years of love and laughs!

Until next time...
The Helleen's