Wedding Reception - May 18

The reception took place at Belmont Abbey. We had a buffet dinner with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and enjoyed chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry cake. The first dance was performed beautifully, Megan and Michael shared a daddy/daughter dance, and Madison and Bonnie shared a mother/son dance. We also had anniversary dances for Billy and Bonnie, Sandy and Michael, and Jim and Pat, during which we played their wedding songs. Madison played Megan and Madison's song, which he has been writing throughout their relationship, on stage. The DJ took requests for songs, so we danced to Thriller, did the Hokey Pokey, YMCA, and congo line, and jumped around to other fun songs. The Carolans did their traditional toast with Jameson, complete with a beautiful speech by Jim. Guests also enjoyed the photo booth and sent Megan and Madison off in a cloud of bubbles.

Post-Ceremony Pictures - May 18

The fun continued with post-ceremony photographs. We giggled and took many goofy photographs. The kids ran around and played games while the rest of us took group photos. We took pictures of us signing the marriage license. Madison and Megan also took a photograph in the same place Madison proposed 8 months prior.

Wedding Ceremony - May 18

The ceremony was beautiful! We loved being able to have Madison's cousin perform the ceremony; Madison and BJ shared a private laugh during the "I do"s. Michael, Al, and Janni sang a song for Megan, something she had wanted for many years. They rewrote the lyrics to a song Michael had written in his 20s called Substance of My Joy (or, So-So Joy, as the Firestones have taken to calling it). Megan often asked the three of them to sing the song at family gatherings, so rewriting the lyrics to this song was perfect. Megan and Jim were able to share a private moment; we played the introduction to "It's a Small World" as Jim stood to give his reading. The involvement of so many of our family members in this ceremony made this a heartwarming experience!

Bottom left: When Megan and Madison were pronounced as husband and wife, Megan was so excited that she jumped up and down. 

Pre-Ceremony Happenings - May 18

Today is the day! Megan and Pat had a chance to share a mother/daughter moment as they got their hair styled together. Megan and the bridal party had their own dressing room at Daniel Stowe, while the guys changed in the bathroom. Bridal party and groomsmen took pictures before the ceremony.

Rehearsal Dinner - May 17

Our rehearsal dinner took place in the Villa, where we will also stay for our honeymoon. We had lasagna and caesar salad, made by our wedding caterer. After dinner, we handed out wedding party gifts.

Ceremony Rehearsal - May 17

We had an hour at Daniel Stowe to rehearse the ceremony. We started a bit late as the ladies were coming from their nail appointments, which ran late. The rehearsal itself went well. We asked BJ not to use any of the real words for the ceremony, though he reminded us to actually say "I do" tomorrow instead of "Yep." We also worked with Logan to walk down the aisle at a slower pace. Everyone was in good spirits and enjoyed themselves.

First Dance Rehearsal #2 - May 17

The whole family band was able to meet in the reception hall to rehearse the first dance. Again, Madison ran the rehearsal, while Megan was at her nail appointment.

• Michael - Lead Vocals
• Janni and Lizzi - Backup Vocals
• Al - Drums
• Billy - Keyboard
• Brandon - Guitar
• BJ - Bass