Going to the chapel, nope wait…..

We went to the chapel, and we got MARRIED….

I am overwhelmed with happiness just thinking back on the weekend – – it was amazing, and amazing doesn’t even touch the surface of how great it was.

11/1/2024

One of my best friends, Evette, (also a bridesmaid) came in on Wednesday afternoon – let the celebration BEGIN.

11/2/2024

My SIL (Terry) arrived – there was now 2 people with me getting ready to celebrate and take care of last-minute stuff.  Just by chance we went to the venue; we had a freeze the night before and the vegetation was all DEAD.  Our goal of an outside wedding looked bleak; the beautiful venue looked NOT GREAT, and the venue was not sure they could do anything to make it look good.  I was freaking out – but then we stumbled up Jungle of Niles, a nursery near the venue and they were a LIFE SAVIOR.  They had HUGE mum plants, and the price was RIGHT and after I did some negotiating (that would make Catherine proud) we got an even better deal.  WOO HOO.

Lots of other family arrived the evening of 11/2 and we had a little family gathering at our AirBNB – it was great to see everyone, great to know so many people had come to Chicago to celebrate me and Daniel. We had pizza and laughs and just plan fun.  

Side note…. It is often said that family only gets together at funerals, and I guess weddings too – – – – I plan to change that.  Once Daniel and I have settled on a place to live and have our house, we will plan a housewarming – – consider yourself invited.  No gifts, but we will have all the love, good food AND DANCING.

11/3/2024

Holy heck – it is the day before the wedding.

Daniel and my cousin Bo (who was also a groomsman) delivered all the mums to the venue and happily discovered the grounds people at the venue had the place looking great. 

The rest of the bridesmaids arrived (BFF Cathleen, college roommate Joanne & niece Olivia) we went to a bridesmaid’s luncheon – fun was had by all. 

That evening we had a welcome dinner for the wedding guests at a Mexican restaurant.  Everyone had a cheer for Daniel and I and we had a chance to thank everyone for making the trip to Chicago in NOVEMBER. 

11/4/2024

8am – up early for hair and makeup.  We had a great morning at the beauty shop – drinks, food, laughs – – it was fun. 

11am – arrive at the venue to get dressed and start with pictures.  More to come on the pictures

1pm – the ceremony.  OMG, I LOVED OUR CEREMONY.  Our good friend Tammy officiated – she can have a very successful 2^nd career as a wedding officiant. Our friend Lahaja read Stand By Me – if not for Lahaja there would be no wedding, I would not have been at OBX to even meet Daniel.  Our friend Brenna sang Climb Every Mountain – WOW.   https://youtu.be/v88VyVQtfKk

Daniel and I wrote our own vows – it was great.  But I did forget to bring them with me and I forgot glasses – – fortunately one of the bridesmaids had them on her phone – – crisis averted.  Here are our vows:

Victoria:

My dearest Daniel, 

The guide to writing vows mentions a few times to be sure to say I love you.  So here goes – I love you.

I love you

Even though I had a perfectly good life before I met you, as I told you thru drunken tears

I love you

Even though we can’t make each other happy, we know happiness comes from within ourselves

I love you

Because you have proven yourself to be an outstanding fox hole partner

I love you

Because you know Love lasts as long as you take care of it and we take care of our love

I love you

Because the life I see in front of us – is filled with adventure, understanding, friendship, romance – all ingredients needed for a very happy life

Thank you for being mine

I promise to love you more each day

I promise to try my best to be the wife you deserve

Please remember 

I LOVE YOU

Daniel:

To weather Life’s storms,

and share the gentle sunrises. 

We will walk our path together,

hand in hand, 

wherever it leads. 

In You, I’ve found not just Love and Acceptance,

but also Laughter, Support and Understanding. 

These and more, I pledge in return. 

Our bond is True and Forever,

and we can make every day a Date!

I love our vows; they are perfect and 100% true to who we are as individuals and as a couple.  

RECEPTION

First Dance:

My Love by Wings + Paul McCartney

Toasts:

Daniels brother Paul and my college roommate Joanne each gave the most touching and perfect toasts

Paul mentioned there may have been an assumption that Daniel would end up living alone in the woods, but I came in like a whirlwind and all that changed for the better

Joan spoke about how the sadness had gone away and there was light and happiness back in my eyes

Food + Drink:

We had a cocktail reception – meaning no sit-down dinner – heavy apps and a grazing table.  This was 100% up my alley.  I wanted people mingling and dancing and eating and drinking.  I think that all happened. The food was outstanding.   The cakes were also great –  and I did say cakes (I like variety).  We got the cakes from a supermarket – we had 5 different flavors, and I had a bite of each – – it was PERFECT. Plus, I used my mums cake stands to display the cakes, which I really loved.   

We have wonderful memories of the day , super thankful for everyone who made the trip to help us celebrate.   We are 14 months in and so far ALL IS GREAT.