Oh yes folks, this was a two wedding weekend... and we have the lack of sleep to prove it! Gina and Mike tied the knot this past Saturday afternoon with an evening wedding reception to follow. Aaron and I headed down early so that he could hang out with the guys in the morning, and so I could hang out with the girls as well. The wedding was in Arlington, so some of us girls went downtown for the morning and ended up eating at this awesome Irish pub where Mike actually asked Gina to marry him.
The wedding was beautiful, but was a bitter sweet occasion as well. Mike's family has gone through several tragedies over the past year including losing a grandmother, a brother/son, and just a few days before the wedding, a grandfather. Mike's brother John died suddenly just a mere week before Will was born last year. John was not only Mike's brother, but also his best friend, and would have been the one to stand beside him as he said he vows to Gina that afternoon. It was sad that John wasn't able to be there, but we all know he was there in spirit standing right beside Mike. Mike even left the best man spot open for John and had his Dad stand beside him in remembrance of John. I believe my favorite part of this entire wedding was right as Mike and Gina were pronounced husband and wife, Mike's dad looked over and gave the most wonderful smile to his wife...Mike's mom. This family deserves this kind of pure happiness, and truly deserved this wonderful day.
The reception followed suit of the wedding, and there were so many wonderful stories shared, so many memories, and so many wonderful speeches. I think I cried more that day that I have total in the last 6 months of my life. John was remembered with a candle, a picture, his traveling VT gnome, and our favors were donations made in our name to John's memorial fund. We had a blast catching up with old friends we hardly ever get to see because of distance and jobs and children, and we had a great time making new friends as well. Hopefully we can start making these get togethers more regular in the months and years to come.
Mike is such a wonderful person, and has always held a special place in our lives. He is such a loving, caring, and devoted friend. He was one of the first people that came to visit us in the hospital when Will was born, and I still remember how tiny Will looked in his arms, and the look on his face when he held him for the first time. Mike has always been one of those people that puts others first in his life, and we couldn't be more thrilled to see him find true happiness and love with Gina. We wish much love and happiness to the new Mr. and Mrs. Mike Leonard for many years to come!!
Some handsome groomsmen
Aaron and I
Posing with the bride and groom
Aaron and Stryker being silly
A toast to John
2 comments:
Nice dress, you clean up so nice!! You should send my last post to that girl and her dogs! That is hilarious. What an idiot. I'm suprised you all didn't shove party favors up her nose!! What fun today was!! I can't wait until next Tuesday! Where are we going?? :)
You crack me up! Trust me, I so wanted to, but she was holding a bottle of champagne and I wanted her to share with me so I didn't want to get too mean :) I think we're going to Tumblebees gym in New Market next Tuesday. They have an open gym at 9:30 that is only $6 a kid!
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