Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Wedding Day Bliss -- Part Two


I've already showed my daughter's wedding ceremony, which you can read about on this post, and also more photos are on this post, so now, as promised, I want to show some photos from the wedding cocktail hour and dinner reception celebration that took place afterward. All of the photos are a conglomeration of many photos taken by family and friends, all of which I have been enjoying immensely while we wait for the professional photos taken that day.


The wedding ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour, held right off the veranda of the catering hall where the ceremony was held, both outside and indoors. The string quartet we hired played a selection of songs during the entire hour.  I loved this photo of my daughter and son-in-law enjoying their antipasti selections...my daughter has a napkin neatly tucked into her bodice to protect her dress.


The cocktail hour was an Italian "abbondanza" buffet, as in addition to the usual cocktail hour hors d'oeuvre selection we added on a "Tuscan Table" of an assortment of Italian cheeses, sausages, olives and loaves of bread, plus pasta selections, and a roast suckling pig.  We also had a deluxe seafood selection of lobsters, shrimps, mixed seafood salad, oysters and calms on the half shell, with an open bar of premium liqueurs.  My husband and I hardly ate anything, as we tried to walk around and greet everyone, but we were very pleased that our guests were enjoying all the food. My grandsons were very good, as were all the assortment of young nephews and great-nieces and nephews. There are so many children in both families that my daughter and son-in-law felt they couldn't choose one ring bearer or a few flower girls, so none of the children were part of the ceremony, but they were all happy guests.



After the cocktail hour, our guests were called up to the main dining area for dinner and dancing. As you can see from the photos above the room has almost floor to ceiling windows taking in Brooklyn's fabulous view of the East River, and both lower and midtown Manhattan and the Williamsburg Bridge. One of the table centerpieces is shown in the upper left of the photo collage. They were a full blend of white and purple springtime flowers in a square glass vase, surrounded by square votive candles. The wedding cake was on display and was also decorated with purple and white roses and flowers.


After the parents, and the bridal party was announced by the DJ and entered the room one by one, my daughter and son-in-law were announced and made their entrance to the applause of the guests.


They then begin their first dance as husband and wife.  Their wedding song was a beautiful Blake Shelton song: "God Gave Me You," which you can hear on this link.


My husband gave a speech welcoming everyone, and the best man and matron of honor gave their heartfelt toasts to the new couple.



At this time the bridal party was called back outside to take more photos and the girls took the opportunity to change into the purple sneakers my daughter had given them as gifts so that they could dance the night away.


 It made a fun photo!


The sun slowly set...


.....and more dancing began, as the music played in between dinner courses...

We all had a wonderful time!


Later in the evening, there were the very touching and special father and daughter, and son and step-mother, dances...


..... followed by the cake cutting ceremony. My daughter and son-in-law chose a chocolate and raspberry flavored cake with whipped cream frosting...it was very delicious! We also had a three-tier tray of fresh fruit, cookies and assorted pastries set on each table for our guests to enjoy.



One of the last dances of the night was the traditional Italian Tarantella! If you can not see the video above you can watch it on this Youtube link. My older grandson was trying to swing around with me so exuberantly I had to pick him up at the end of the dance so we wouldn't fall down.  It was such a wonderfully fun and celebratory party!



By the end of the night, the city was ablaze with twinkling lights.


It was the end of a beautiful day...


..and a beautiful wedding!



Our little girl who delighted in trying on my wedding dress when she was four years old was now all grown up and herself a beautiful bride, and we couldn't be more pleased and happy for her. Thank you for sharing our happy and blessed day with us and for all your best wishes to the new couple!


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70 comments:

camp and cottage living said...

Pat
Wowsa, what a beautiful bride, handsome groom and lovely wedding!

Ola said...

what a beatiful wedding dress!


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diane b said...

Gosh it was like a wedding out of a movie. The setting was fantastic, the reception rooms wonderful, the dresses and cakes fabulous. So many people and so much fun, typically Italian. The food sounded delicious what a shame you didn't have time to enjoy it. I bet the bank balance suffered a bit after this amazing party. But its all worth it to see how happy your beautiful daughter is. One of the first weddings I attended was Italian and it was so much fun.

Old Kitty said...

Oh Pat!! The Tarantella!! Oh that was such fun to watch, thank you!! I so want a wedding now with all the trimmings! How adorable and so lovely to see you in all your gorgeous glory dancing away with your beautiful family!! Love the purple sneakers shot - great idea though for dancing! LOL!! I may have to steal that idea for future reference! LOL!

HUGE Congratulations to your beautiful daughter and son-in-law!

Take care
x

Jojo said...

I loved seeing the dancing video! It looks like everyone enjoyed the celebration!! The cake, the sneakers, the sunset-everything was beautiful though nothing can compare to the beautiful bride!!

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Wonderful, this wedding will be remembered a long time by all who were there.

Pat said...

What a beautiful bride, couple, setting, cake, grandsons.... oh, all so lovely. An event to remember forever!

Viki said...

I loved looking at all the pictures from the wedding. It looks like it was a glorious day for your family. How sweet that you ended it with a picture of your daughter in your wedding dress and now in her own.

pam said...

Oh Pat...what a lovely setting for such a glorious new beginning. A new family was started, new hopes with great joy! I imagine you had to have been exhausted after that wondrous day, yet so filled with beautiful memories. I can not imagine watching your child get married...all the years of raising them. I think I would be wondering HOW DID WE GET HERE SO FAST? (c: Joy to you my friend! Thank you for letting us peek in.

ellen b. said...

Wow Pat! Everything really looked perfect. The dresses, the food, the views, the dancing. So glad for you all that the day turned out so joyful! Yippee for friends and family who take lots of photos. Now I'm craving antipasti!!

Proud Italian Cook said...

Everything about the wedding was beautiful Pat! Thanks for sharing it all sounded wonderful, that view is gorgeous, the bride stunning, and a big Wow for the food!You guys really know how to party!!

Vee said...

Oh I enjoyed this so much...loved seeing you dance with your grandson...loved seeing all the beautiful photos and the purple sneakers. That last photo...well, it made me tear up. May your daughter and son-in-law enjoy a long, happy marriage!

Sheila said...

Wedding Day Bliss is a good name for this post. Your family and friends must have so enjoyed the whole experience form the lovely ceremony to the wonderful reception. The Italian buffet sounds amazing and the dancing must have been so much fun. I'm looking forward to the video. Thank you for sharing all the details - it felt like being there and I love weddings! Your daughter and son in law had a beautiful wedding. Throughout the pictures it's the smiles that tell the tale. Your daughter is beaming. She and her new husband have begun their own journey.

Beverly said...

Okay, now I'm crying. Pat, I can't imagine anything more perfect. Thank you for sharing this incredible day with us.♥♥♥

GailO said...

What an absolutely fairy-tale wedding!

Pamela Gordon said...

What a beautiful bride your daughter is. I love the photo of her at age 4 and in her own bridal dress. The reception looks super. You got some gorgeous shots of the evening skyline too. Pamela

Claudia said...

Wow. I am speechless. Wow.

Pondside said...

How beautiful!....everything! I loved the video clip and the air of festivity that it gives the entire post. I am still in recovery mode here, with the last of the guests having departed on Sunday. I'm trying to get a post together! Thanks for the inspiration!

Pondside said...

How beautiful!....everything! I loved the video clip and the air of festivity that it gives the entire post. I am still in recovery mode here, with the last of the guests having departed on Sunday. I'm trying to get a post together! Thanks for the inspiration!

Snap said...

Pat, What a beautiful day! Your daughter is gorgeous. I love the purple sneakers! Great idea! Thanks for sharing with us.

Kris said...

Oh Pat, what a thoroughly wonderful celebration for your daughter and her new husband, and entire family! The entire event was beautiful! I loved the video and seeing all of you have so much fun!!! Thanks for sharing this with us, your viewers!!!
Hugs,
Kris

podso said...

Q beautiful, heart felt post! You told the story so well. And wonderful pictures! I love a wedding with some traditional dancing, And such a perfect spot with the view of the city. Simply amazing! I'm sure your memories just fill you with great joy! Loved that last photo of your daughter at four and now! And the setting sun. Such a pleasure to visit today.

Anonymous said...

these are simply wonderful. I found myself grinning like an idiot at every picture. I love the first one, too. The back ground is very special, but with such a beautiful couple front and center, I almost missed the river.

I'm so glad it went well. In case I didn't tell you, YOU and Hubs looked incredible, too!

Barbara F. said...

Pat, I haven't been to a big Brooklyn wedding in a long time...I could use one! The venue looks fabulous, the views are spectacular. Was it Gianni's? Your daughter looked glowing and gorgeous and her groom is handsome. You and Vinny looked great too, and your grandsons are adorable. I enjoyed the videos, especially the tarantella. Talk about a 'happy dance'! xo

Sarah said...

Pat, what a beautiful event! Looks like a perfect setting with NYC in the background and a evening full of festivity. I loved the dance. Made me want to get up and join in. Thanks for sharing all these fabulous images. Hope you are getting some leisure time to relax.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

How very beautiful, Pat! I can see it was a wonderful day, and full of blessings of every kind. The celebration and food and everything else are amazing. Congratulations to the newly married couple, and may God bless them always.

Linda said...

More wonderful pictures!! I love them all...I especially love the last ones of your daughter at 4 and now...so touching!! The cake looks beautiful too...everything looks wonderful!! You guys did a fantastic job!! What wonderful memories!! Have a great afternoon!!

Cindy said...

Your daughter is beautiful! She made a gorgeous bride, you have good reason to be proud of her. Her hubby is also very handsome.
Her wedding was lovely! I'm glad everything went off so nicely.
Hugs, cindy

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

That last photo brings tears to my eyes...how precious! I know you are happy to have had the most perfect wedding for your beautiful daughter! They make a handsome couple and I've enjoyed the photos!

Carol said...

Gorgeous, Pat, what a gorgeous affair! I can feel your excitement. Your grandson's are adorable! That last picture of your daughter in your dress is priceless. Love the purple sneakers. Great idea. 24 years ago I wore white new balance high tops to mine!

Kathleen said...

Beautifully put together. Looks like a wonderful time!
Those grandboys and your son are so handsome! They favor you.
The cake looks very much like what my son and dil chose, and hooray for the whipped cream. That fondant is awful! Everyone pulls it off the cake. Many places won't do the whipped cream as it is much harder to work with.
What a wonderful wedding you gave yiur dau, God bless them and their marriage!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh how awesome, Pat... What a fabulous wedding. Your daughter is one gorgeous lady. I know that you are very pleased with how everything worked out... Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Betsy

Lacey R said...

What a wonderful day Pat, thanks for sharing! The guests will be talking about the wedding for years, I'm sure!

Unknown said...

Blog hopping this morning and I found your. This is such a sweet wedding, great colors and wowzer on the purple tennis shoes! While viewing the last split photo and thought, "What a great beginning of a tradition." Your daughter, (should she have a girl) should do the same with her as you did with your daughter with the wedding gown photos.....

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

Gosh...if only this could be a repeatable event! Way too wonderful to have last only a few magical hours! Your comment about not getting to eat much of the meal due to host duties: I am going to tuck that thought away and suggest to other MOBs that they request plates be made up for the wedding couple parents to take home and enjoy the next day!

Gracie said...

Beautiful! And that cake.....so so elegant! You have evry right to be a proud mama........

Shirleyanne said...

What a beautiful joyful occasion! You must be one very proud Mother!
Loved all the photos & colour theme.
Brilliant Pat!

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

I love the pic with the purple sneakers. I have a pair just like that!

Yvette said...

I feel as if I were there in spirit, Pat. What a wonderful day for you and your beautiful family. LOVE those purple sneakers!!! What a great idea!

Unknown said...

What an amazing receptioin! The food looks and sounds amazing! I love the two wedding dress pictures.

Debbie said...

She is absolutely stunning, and what a happy couple! I love all the details of the cocktail hour and reception, and my favorite part of all was the dancing shoe gift that the bridesmaids wore. Now, that is just plain fun.

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Pat - What a happy, happy day for you and Vinny. Your daughter looks absolutely glowing and gorgeous and you looked sensational too. What a special setting too, for this very special couple.

Annesphamily said...

Pat your share is magnificent! What a beautiful bride your gorgeous daughter made. The wedding was spectacular and you all look so incredibly happy. Love to you and yours and may the newlyweds have a long and beautiful marriage, Hugs Anne

Unknown said...

lovely couple...beautiful wedding.

love the photo with the entourage showing their shoes! cool...

-r1-

Unknown said...

Fantastic set of photos Pat. I absolutely love the idea of sneakers for dancing :) Congrats...xoxo

VBR said...

What a beautiful bride. I adore the photos at the very end. Precious. Many good wishes and lots of good luck to this young couple!

Cathy said...

What a lovely couple & wedding. That cake looks to die for.

Judie said...

A beautiful and fabulous reception, Pat. The sneakers are such an excellent idea!!

Cathy said...

Oh my, your daughter's wedding was spectacular. What a beautiful young couple. The smile on their faces says it all. I don't think you could have had a more beautiful setting, Pat, and it looks like the weather was perfect for you. Thanks for sharing this very special event with us.

RNSANE said...

How lovely,Pat...I so enjoyed my son's wedding two years ago...and my lovely daughter-in-law invited me to go shopping for the wedding dress with her mom and maid of honor. I am just waiting for my 27-year-old ( no prospects at this time ) and I doubt that the 41-year-old will ever marry.

Your daughter is just beautiful and it was fun seeing the entire family. The setting couldn't have been more perfect.

I'm off to India again in 11 days, this time for 5 - 6 months.

Betsy Brock said...

Oh, this was a fun post! So lovely! Thanks for sharing all the photos...what a handsome couple and beautiful reception!

Cucina49 said...

That is one of the loveliest-looking weddings I've seen in a long time. Best wishes to your daughter on a long and happy marriage!

Susan Anderson said...

What fun!
Gorgeous bride, handsome groom...

And very lucky guests to share the day with all of you.

=)

Lisa @ Grandmas Briefs said...

Such a beautiful and fun time! All the Italian touches are awesome and fitting. I love, love, love the very first photo, as well as the video. Yes, your grandson wanted to get his grandma spinning! Love this, Pat. Thank you for sharing!

Sue said...

gorgeous wedding Pat....the cake looked fabulous...and loved the purple COnverse sneakers...very cute gift for the attendants....and your daughter looked stunning.

Amanda said...

Hi, Pat. Thanks so much for the birthday wishes for Roo. Many congratulations to your daughter on her marriage - the celebration looks like it was pure magic. Very lovely. Best wishes, Amanda

Tracy said...

Gosh, crying my little eyes out here, this is all sooo LOVELY! What a beautiful day... And the cake was amazing! LOVE the purple sneakers--what a great idea! Just love seeing the happy day & happy couple. That last photo of your daughter then and now--wonderful. Thanks for sharing so much, Pat :o) (HUGS))

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

What a wonderful day. Your daughter was a beautiful bride. I love the Italian feast before the actual dinner.

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Pat. I have so enjoyed your stories and photos of the wedding preparations and dress ideas and now your personal photos and video make me feel like I was part of this wonderful event. I'm sure many of your readers feel this way. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful part of your life. Your daughter is beautiful in her gown. I love traditional gowns on brides! And your sil looks happy too! The video of you dancing with your grandson is priceless and the food is amazing. But that view of the NYC skyline at night is making me so homesick for the days we lived there. It truly is a magical place and getting married there is so special. Best of luck to the happy Cute Couple (more C for your link). And even though that's the end of their wedding day it's just the beginning of their life together. Linda

The French Hutch said...

Oh Pat, I've enjoyed this beautiful wedding post throughly! What a delightful evening. Everything was so lovely, the venue, cake and the glowing city. The video is great, everyone enjoying the party. I know all your guests enjoyed it so much. Thanks for sharing it with us.

~Emily
The French Hutch

Dianne said...

she is just gorgeous! and he's a cutie

beautiful place for a celebration
incredible light and space and amazing views

anitamombanita said...

what a cute couple! That cake was amazing. But best of all...the purple keds!!

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

Gorgeous wedding photos! I love the city night shots, and they were great for the end of a busy day!

steviewren said...

What a celebration!!! Your guests must have had a wonderful time. The view inside and out of the reception was absolutely captivating.

Mary said...

Pat~ These photos are wonderful! The SETTING, backdrop, and cake are only surpassed by your beautiful daughter! I love the last photo/mosaic best of all :) Best wishes to the happy couple!

Arlene Delloro said...

Again, Pat, what a fabulous wedding. I'm so happy for you and your familu.

eileeninmd said...

Lovely wedding photos, the dresses the are gorgeous and the setting is wonderful. I like the purple tennis shoes, how cute. Pat, they are a beautiful couple. Congrats! Hope you have a great summer.

Susie Q said...

Once again Pat...perfection!
Love,
Sue

Paula's Postings said...

I want to get this in quick before computer freezes. WOW what a fantastic wedding the setting was amazing your daughter and son in law looked so radiant and happy. Congratulations to them and to all who put the whole wedding together.

Betty said...

So much fun! The video was great. What a great time you were all having. A beautiful setting for the reception. Congratulations to the beautiful bride and handsome groom...and proud family.