Show Us Your Life: Wedding Receptions!

I know I'm insanely late on this one, but I'm really enjoying this series of "Show Us Your Life" cause it gives me a legitimate excuse to look through our wedding pictures again (like the half finished wedding album isn't excuse enough....). And so, without further adieu...
Right after cocktail hour everyone was ushered into the ballroom and Warren G's "Regulators" came on as the bridal party was introduced. It was amazing. Then we came out (Rihanna's "Umbrella") and went right into our first dance, "Bless The Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts.
Our first dance was everything I could have ever hoped for. We laughed, we sang to each other, we talked about the ceremony and how we were actually married... and it was just us in the whole room. I don't remember actually hearing the song play or seeing anyone else. I do remember laughing. A lot.


The pictures above were taken about halfway through the dance. Know how I can tell? I'm not wearing my veil. I wanted to wear my veil all night (it's really only acceptable to wear a veil when you're a bride, and you're only a bride once) and our dance started out with it attached to my head.... I guess it wasn't attached securely enough, though, because it slipped right out during our mid-dance dip. Check it out:

See the comb falling out? I didn't even realize it was gone until someone came out on the dance floor to retrieve it! After the dance I put it back on.... it really was a fabulous veil (thank you, Bre!!) and I really did wear it all night.

After our dance, we went into the toasts. First, my handsome brother-in-law:

It was sweet and heartfelt, and I'm truly glad to have him as my older brother (in law).
Next up was my beautiful Maid of Honor, who (as she said in her speech) knew "Ryan and Katie before there was a Ryan & Katie".
She's known both of us since freshman year in college and gave a loving and very funny speech. Just look at my reaction:
After the speeches, Ryan's uncle gave the blessing and dinner was served. As dinner was finishing up, we treated our guests to a classic college sing-a-long. Back in college, it was a rare occurrence to have a house party without breaking out the guitar and everyone singing Billy Joel's "Piano Man". Our good friend Dave played both the harmonica and guitar, and our other good friend Chris took the lead on vocals:And the rest of the boys joined in:
I think the dance floor opened at the point, but I'm not sure. I was having a great time, stuck to my new husband's side, mingling and dancing and laughing with our guests. When it was time for the cake, one of my husband's best friends gave a toast:
His speech was funny and sweet, and I remember feeling so loved. And then we cut the cake, which apparently required massive concentration (note my tongue):
After the cake we did our parent dances, and then opened the dance floor for real. Everyone danced all night long, which is exactly what we wanted.



Here I am with FIL, my father-in-law:

Check out my MIL in the chocolate brown dress (in the middle):

Here's a great shot of my sister (the blond), my best friend (dark hair with the deep side part), and my beautiful mom (far right in the mocha-colored gown) rocking out:

The whole night was amazing. I spent a LOT of time laughing. Sometimes in people's faces, as seen here:


The last song of the night was "Don't Stop Believing" (Journey), and it was so much fun.... God, I really loved our wedding. And I really love this guy:
Thanks for stopping by! Check out all the other wedding receptions at Kelly's Korner... see you next Friday for more "Show Us Your Life" (or tomorrow for the midwest recap!).