Rainbow Bride: Eat, Drink, and Be Married!

Because every story needs a soundtrack, please press play and enjoy along with this post.

After the cake was cut...

...hors d'oeuvres were gobbled and drinks were served.

Rainbow Pops kicked off the toasts, welcoming Mr. Rainbow to the family and telling him that he couldn't have asked for a better son-in-law. All together now: "awww". My mom then followed suit, wishing us a lifetime of happiness. My step-mom (and officiant) wrapped up the toasts with a sweet story about Mr. R and I meeting at such a young age and being "meant to be".

After the toasts, dinner was served. I've heard a lot of stories about the bride and groom not getting a minute to sit down and eat, so I am so glad that we kept everything small and simple because I would have been kicking myself had I not gotten some of this delicious food:

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Ridonk delicious spinach salad with an applewood bacon vinaigrette.

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Grilled NY strip with a balsalmic reduction (omgsogood) and garlic mashed potatoes.

Having such a small wedding (17 people including ourselves!) really allowed us to relax and focus on each other as well as get some face time with each of our guests. Small weddings aren't for everyone, but I am so, so glad that we went that direction.

Initially, we were worried that we might miss those who weren't invited or chose not to come, but on the day, not one thing was missing. I remember at the end of the night, both of us looked at each other and just marveled at the fact that everything was so perfect. Everyone who was really important in our lives was there, and that was all we wanted and all we needed.

It was our perfect wedding.

We ate, we drank, and we got married!

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Proof.

Miss a recap? Don't fret!

First, we rang in our New Years Day wedding day!

Then, the Rainbows got ready... together!

Next, I became a bride.

I walked down the aisle toward my love,

and we got married!

We made our way back up the aisle as husband and wife,

and made some time for family photos.

Afterward, we posed for portraits,

then I dusted Mr. R in a ballon adorned foot race.

I slipped into my sassy (non-white) reception dress,

and we got to greet our guests and see the reception set-up!

Then, we cut our crazy amazing cheesecake wedding cake.

all photos (c) Jessica Charles Photography unless stated otherwise.