A Lama's Life For Me : Wedding Day

It's hard to believe this happened almost 4 years ago!!! It was a crazy busy time for J and I, but we made it through like we do with everything! We could not have done it without all the awesome support from family and friends.

1st picture of us "talking"

J and I started dating in high school...the exact date is still debated because I wasn't allowed to date our freshmen year. We met each other through common friends, but went to rivaling schools. A few girl friends I danced with wanted to do a dance for the talent show and that's where J and his friend N come into the picture. I know I am aging myself, but that was December 2002!!! J was shorter than me, so it wasn't love at first sight, but as we started talking I knew he was all I would ever need! We became best friends and even started "talking" through that next summer. The end of the Summer came, and we decided we valued each other too much to lose a friendship over a stupid break up... so we decided to just stay best friends. That homecoming, I asked N to go with me and J was going with my bestie M. The four of us danced together the year before and were inseparable from then on. At the dance, M and I ended up switching dance partners like the whole time! Something was there and we couldn't deny it much longer! After a few more months of "talking" we officially started dating January 10th 2004. I would love to have J write how he felt during this time too 'cause I know we were both really nervous, but probably for totally different reasons! :)

Now, fast forward to 2009...Proposal time! I absolutely loved how J asked me!!! We were already starting to plan the wedding because we knew we would both be graduating from UCF in the spring and moving wherever J was accepted for his PhD. I knew it was coming, but the how was the surprise. October 3rd (2 days before my birthday) we were going to a concert for our favorite local band "between the trees." J and I worked together and I knew he was really jittery all day so I guessed it was coming, but then when my adopted brother and brother backed out at the last second, I was like oh...maybe something changed... maybe he can't do it if they aren't coming... turned out, J was trying to pull strings to ask on stage, but I honestly like the way it worked out better! Some of our best friends and a group of mosh dancers helped clear a huge circle around us during their best love song "changed by you." Joey said a whole bunch of stuff, but between the noise and his nerves all I really understood was PLEASE????? lol That's a perfect memory that I will never ever forget!

lead singer with us after the show!

We went through a crazy few months of planning! We were both in school full time (4-5 classes) and working several days a week. I was still interning part-time and getting paid some, and J was working in a lab. We had crazy family drama (as always) and my paternal grandfather passed away. I was sleeping an average of 4 hours per night and almost didn't notice I had mono because I was so tired anyway! J and I both got that from our roommate and Maid of Honor K. Honestly, that whole year was a whirlwind and I'm just thankful we survived it!

The Big day finally arrived!!! The rehearsal dinner was disastrous, but nothing we could worry about! I like to think we were just getting all the kinks out because wedding day went perfect! My mom and my Aunt D planned almost everything since I honestly didn't have time! My Dad and step-mom K helped tons too and helped spray paint my makeup! Not many girls can say their straight daddy did that! :) Girls got ready at the in-laws house because it was closest to the club house and Boys were all at my adopted mom's house.

Loved All the PINK!!! I don't think J knew he had a choice :)

We decided to see each other before the ceremony and I'm SOOOO GLAD!

It makes it so much easier to get to your party!

So this is the first time he sees me...

M,B,N,A,L

MOH A and Bro

My Aunt R, Mom, and Aunt B love them!

So Thoughtful!

This view is why we picked the location!

All of our girls and guys!

Love these girls! L-R

My cousins B,N,M my roommate K (MOH), my second MOH and High school BF A, unbiological sis N, and 2 college BFs L and N

Most of these guys have been my best friends forever!

Cousin D and M were the ring dudes, L-R

Adopted bro B, BFs J, C, and E, my new hubby J!!!, college friend D, my bro B, BF since elementary school D, and J's Bro J.

My huge Family

Mom's side on the left, Dad's side on right

My best friend and Bro B

LaMattina Family

Last minute practice run!

Mr and Mrs!!!

1st dance! Viennese Waltz that we fit into our crazy schedule the last 2 weeks!

I never cry especially not in front of everyone; BUT, if I were going to cry, this would have been the time. B gave an awesome Best Man's toast! He earned his title that's for sure!