The Ladies Weekend: Bachelorette Party, Part 2

PERSONAL PHOTO

Saturday morning the ladies and I dragged ourselves out of bed, changed into our Bachelorette Party gear and hopped on our early morning flight to John Wayne Airport. As soon as we touched down a shot of excitement soared through me and I couldn't wait to get to the park. After grabbing a shuttle and dropping off our bags we made our way over to the most beautiful place in the world and met up with Bridesmaid A's friend who so graciously signed us in.

The sun was shining, the music was as timeless as ever and of course there was that wonderful Disney smell that was in the air. We made our way through out the park and grabbed our fastpass for Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. There was a little sign in front of the entrance that stated the ride might be too scary for children, but the girls and I thought nothing of it. Space Mountain is usually a scary ride for kids- its fast, in the dark with lots of fast twists and turns. We didn't think the Ghost portion was going to do anything to increase its spookiness- I mean this is Disney, we're talking about. WRONG!

Let me just tell you that Ghost Galaxy is TERRIFYING!! I don't think I have ever screamed so loud on a ride in my life. It was absolutely without the question the most scary ride I have ever been on. I am sure there is a youtube video of it somewhere- if you have the guts, google it. But let me be clear that it is nothing to be played around with! It is spooky!

After practically losing our voices on Space Mountain [and most of us declaring our decision to never ride it again] we grabbed some lunch and enjoyed the park until it was time to head over to DCA [that's Disney's California Adventure for you non Disney folk] for our dinner at Ariel's Grotto and the majestic show that is World of Color.

Up next: Dinner at Ariel's Grotto and WORLD OF COLOR!

The Ladies Weekend: Bachelorette Party; Part 1

Authors Note: I interrupt the wedding recaps to share some much belated pre-wedding posts I've been meaning to share. Enjoy!

I realized that I promised you pictures from the bachelorette party- between battling a cold and falling down some stairs [another story for another post] and the craziness that is the week of a wedding I just never got the chance to sit down and write out the details... Forgive me! But alas- here were are about two weeks post wedding and five weeks post bachelorette party and I finally have the time to gab about all the fabulousness that was the Bachelorette Party!

The party started Friday night with my Maid of Honor picking everyone up and driving us to her friend's house which was closer to the airport. Because we were flying out so early the next morning, MOH thought it might be a good idea to sleep a little closer. We arrived a little before 10, had a few welcome drinks with her friend and proceeded to open our goodie bags.. And let me tell you- they were fabulous!

PERSONAL PHOTO- HOW AWESOME IS THAT SHIRT?

Inside the bags were candies, necklaces, buttons and matching shirts. We made the executive decision that everyone would wear their shirts our first day in Disneyland. Finally at about midnight we decided it was time to get some sleep. Making sure the alarms were set for 4am, we changed into our jammies and grabbed some shut eye.

What did you do for your bachelorette party?

Next Up: Disneyland, Day 1

Bittersweet Symphony.. Recap Part One: The Welcome Dinner

Author's Note: I walked down the aisle to the instrumental version of The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony [and heard it twice while we were on our honeymoon!]. I love the classical string in the song and feel that it was truly meant to be my song. So to tie all of my recap posts together, I will start each with the title of Bittersweet Symphony. I hope you enjoy the recaps as much as I enjoy sharing them with you! :o)

While I wait for the professional photos from the awesome, amazing, beautiful and very talented Dorothy Hatchel- I thought I'd share the details of our wedding weekend starting with our Welcome Dinner.

Our wedding weekend officially began the Friday before the wedding, where we had a "Welcome Dinner" for the family and wedding party. Being that I had some aunts fly in from out of town and members of the wedding party that didn't know each other very well, I thought it would be a good idea for everyone to get together in a relaxed environment and hang out. I was hoping it would be an opportunity to break the ice and while the house remained somewhat divided, I was happy everyone came together.

The dinner was held at my moms house, with her husband the creative chef at the helm for food. Since Mr.Yankee is Japanese, our chef was really insistent on combining the flavors of the east and west into the dinner menu. For some reason, J [my mom's husband] thought it would be a good idea to make a sushi pizza- combining Japanese and Italian cuisine... That was until my mom and I explained that we were German/Irish and not Italian. J thought this was impossible because my mom was from back east... I guess everyone from New Jersey/New York is Italian.

Luckily we had a pretty normal menu... but one thing J decided we had to have was Balut... If you'd like to know more about it, click here.... While I respect the cultural aspect of the dish, the idea of it makes my stomach churn... But the boys [and one of my rock star bridesmaids] took part in sucking down the egg. Their opinion? It was more gross looking than anything else and a little chewy. Still not enough for me to try it, but who am I to stop someone else?!

After dinner Mr. Yankee, myself and two of Mr. Yankee's groomsmen made the trip back to our condo where there were some drinks and conversation. At about midnight I was done for the evening and went to bed, trying to prepare myself for the rehearsal on Saturday.

...Did any other brides have a welcome event for their friends and family?

Next Up: We Rehearse!

And I'm married.

That's right, folks. I am now officialy MRS. Yankee. It is still surreal to think of myself as someone's wife. Or to think I have a husband. It was especially weird when we touched down in Florence [our first honeymoon stop] and our ride was no where to be found. I had to call our car service and I couldn't understand what the guy was asking for and I simply said, "Here I'll let you talk to my husband.." There was definitely a lump in my throat..and an odd look from the husband.

I will be writing recaps as soon as I get back into the groove of things... The wedding was beautiful and it went by very fast, but I think I did a decent job of soaking everything in. The one word I would use to describe our wedding day? Joyful. Everyone was so genuinely happy and I felt such absolute love from everyone. I was so humble and honored to be around such amazing people- all of our family and friends made the day something I will truly cherish and remember for the rest of my life.

So to those of you who made it all possible- thank you. I love you. You will always be the most important people in my life.

~ MRS. Yankee :o)