Marriage Monday ~ Our Wedding Day!

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Tim and I got married on August 22, 1998, after dating for 5 years. We were both 23 years old. YEP, we are celebrating our 10-year anniversary in just under 3 months! The year of 1998 was definitely one of the most eventful, busiest years of our lives. That is the year my mom fought and conquered Uterine Cancer. She also owned her own business with my (now) step dad, Cecil (aka Poppop), in which they created personalized gifts. They closed down the business that May (after 3 years) and went through a rough spot in their relationship at that point. Also, my mom was trying to re-establish herself in the working world, recovering from her cancer dilemma and the loss of their business (which happened to be their sole source of income). I graduated college (West Chester Univ) in May with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I started a new job at GENEX Services in King of Prussia in July. Tim was working in a Sales position with my friend Nancy, but started a new job as the Flight School Director at Limerick Airport just after our honeymoon. A few months before our wedding, Tim and I moved into an apartment together in Gilbertsville. My cousin Karen had her son Julian in July, who was in the hospital for a bit, which was hard on us all, especially Karen and Julio of course! Karen and Julio got married the week before us. Also, Tim and I had our 5-year high school reunion that August as well.

OK, now that I've given you the (brief) review of the year we got married, now we can get into the fun details of our wedding day! I have to start by saying (which those who know me well, already know)... my memory is awful. Yes our wedding day was one of the best days of my life, that is for sure. But remembering all the specifics...uhhh...not so good at that! So, here we go... (oh and remember you can click on any image to view it larger)...

The night before our wedding, we had a rehearsal at the church and then rehearsal dinner at Tim's dad's house. After the party, I slept at my mom's house (with my sister-in-law Holly aka Boochy and my mom). Tim slept at our apartment with his brother Gary. We woke up early at my mom's house and began the preparations for the big day. My friend Krista came over around 10 am to do my hair. The photographers came to my mom's house to take pictures of me and the bridal party and my parents. Even my Poppop was there, which I was so very thankful for! (he died 1.5 years later and sadly never got to meet our girls) We were picked up by a limo and taken over to the church - St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Stowe, PA.

Church rehearsal...Wearing Bride & Groom shirts made by Tim's dad:

Brian holding baby Julian at the Rehearsal dinner...just over a month old:
Hair & makeup done, having fun getting ready:
My Poppop & I:
Sean & Brian outside the church before wedding:

Tim & his Aunt Angel heading into church together:
Brotherly love:

I remember being downstairs of the church with my closest family and friends (minus Tim of course!) It was a hot, hot, HOT day - the end of August, in a church with no air conditioning. My dress was heavy and long sleeved (what was I thinking?!?!) We were so stinkin hot down there and I was feeling true nervous excitement. Our photographer & videographer were there capturing the moment. Everyone was fanning me with papers and booklets to keep me cool. I stood in front of a fan, trying not to sweat off all my makeup!

Our Bridal Party consisted of:
Maid of Honor: My cousin Karen
Bridesmaids: Sister-in-law Boochy (Holly) & Friend Nancy
Best Man: Tim's brother Gary
Groomsmen: My brothers Sean & Brian

Tim's mom played the organ/piano for our wedding ceremony. So I knew the cue when I heard that traditional bridal march, it was time! My dad walked me down the aisle. I will never forget the look in Tim's eyes as I slowly walked toward him. The tears were going already (sorry if this embarrasses you baby, but I have to tell the truth!) so of course, that brought out some of my own tears. My dad kissed me and shook Tim's hand and there we stood, together for the first time on our Wedding Day!

Walking down the aisle (my dad was more nervous than me!):

Yep...those are tears you see...awww, isnt that cute?

The ceremony was about an hour and my favorite part was when we said 'I do'! We got married in the church Tim's mother belongs to (and is the Music Director for) so that was the reason for our choice. My cousin sang for us. I had chosen our wedding song 'The Gift', but last minute, my mother-in-law had her sing 'The Rose'. Not quite sure why, even to this day. But either way, Karen was awesome and it sounded beautiful! We had a Unity Candle, which I think is a nice wedding tradition.

View of the front of the church while Karen was singing:

Posing with the Pastor:
Our wedding rings, with Unity Candle & Marriage Certificate:
The whole bridal party!
Tim & I with Poppop Burns:
My mom & Cecil:

My dad & his wife Karen:

Tim's mom and (her now husband) Rick:

Tim's dad & (his then wife) Barbara:

I am thankful that we decided to have a receiving line, so we got to see every guest personally as they walked out. Also, everyone blew bubbles on our way out of the church, which was a lot of fun. After the ceremony, the bridal party went over to a park with a pond, in Gilbertsville to have formal portraits taken. It was beautiful and we got some great shots.








Then it was time to move on to the reception! Isn't that the fun part?! Our DJ was great and he really made the night spectacular! Everyone commented how much fun it was and he really did keep the crowd involved.

There were about 100 guests there, everyone was served a full-course meal with a choice of chicken or roast beef. We had all you could drink beer, wine and soda plus a champagne toast.

Tim's Aunt Angel made our cake for us and even chose the cake topper. Of course, we had to smash some into each other's faces!

Champagne toast:
Our first dance...'The Gift':
Cutting the cake:
...and...SMASH!

Tim requested that we not do the Chicken Dance, so what do you think the DJ did? Not only did we do the Chicken Dance, but we had to wear these ridiculous props while the song was played.

Of course Tim was a goofball taking the garter off of me - I was shocked (if you cant tell in the pic!) My friend Jai from college caught the bouquet and my bridesmaid Nancy's boyfriend (at the time) Jason caught the garter. Well the funny part was that Jason had never been to a wedding where they did the traditional garter thing, so our DJ had a surprise for him! He put a blindfold on Jason and sat Tim in the seat, then talked Jason through what to do. It was SO FUNNY! Thank goodness Jason was a good sport, then they did it the normal way of course!



The most emotional part of the entire day for me was when I danced with my father to 'Butterfly Kisses'. We both cried and that is the moment I truly felt that this was real. I was no longer a little girl. I was to become fully independent of my parents. Just an overwhelming feeling at that point.

Here are some fun dancing pics of the bridal party...




A nice picture of my mom and I together after a night of dancing!

Many people told me that I was one of the happiest brides they had ever seen! It was my goal to just have fun. All of the stress stopped that morning - I figured there was nothing I could do after that, so no sense in wasting time worrying about it. We were so excited to be getting married after being together for so long!

Here we are saying goodbye - on our way to our honeymoon in Aruba!!

Marriage Monday is Coming!!

You're invited to join us for Marriage Monday on June 2, 2008.

Easy Guidelines

The Marriage Monday meme meets at Chrysalis the first Monday of every month. Similar to a group writing project, bloggers post their thoughts on specific topic, and then link up there. Afterward, participants enjoy visiting as many other linkers as they have time for.

June: The Month of Weddings

This Monday at Chrysalis the topic for the Marriage Monday meme will be, "Our Wedding Day." Here's your opportunity to share the exciting details of your wedding.

May also include...

• wedding reception • honeymoon • wedding vows • funny anecdote

Use Your Creativity

You can tell your story any way you want! And feel free to make up your own title to go with your piece. In lieu of prose, you might consider creating a...

• slide show • song • poem • video clip • podcast

Marriage Monday ~ The Crazy Way We Met

I would like to start a new meme, in addition to my Ten on Tuesdays, called Marriage Monday. The ideas will come from this blog. This meme is done on the first Monday of each month - which happens to be today!

The topic for May is: The Crazy Way We Met

So here goes...
I was born in Philadelphia, PA. We lived there until I was 3 years old and then moved to Hatfield. When I was 6 years old we moved to Lansdale. And finally, at 14 years old, we moved to Gilbertsville. I started at a new school in 8th grade on May 1, 1989. Luckily, I met many people during those few weeks of school before summer vacation. It was nice to fit in right away and feel like I was 'home'.
Apparently (I dont remember this...) but I sat next to Tim in homeroom starting that very first day. Of course I was a tad overwhelmed and couldnt tell you exactly who I met during those first few months. He says he tried to talk to me a few times, but again I dont recall. I did sign his 8th grade yearbook, so I know he's telling the truth...heehee!
My picture didnt make the 8th grade yearbook, but here is Tim: now remember, this was 1989, so dont go hatin' on his sweater! (Julio term):

Somehow, our paths did not cross at all during 9th grade and by then I had formed a pretty close-knit group of friends. OK, check us out, Tim in the nifty sweater and me...what's up with that hair! Was that REALLY the style?!?!

The following year, 10th grade, we started High School. It turns out one of my closest friends knew Tim and one day that Fall, we sat at his lunch table. Poor guy. I guess he was smitten from Day one... I remember he used to load all of my trash onto his tray and take it up for me. He would ask me if I wanted any ice cream when he was going up. It was cute. But although it was flattering, I had a boyfriend at the time and didnt even think of Tim in that way. As the months progressed, Tim got his drivers license and offered to pick me up and drive me to and from school. Who would not jump at the opportunity to not have to drive the big yellow school bus?! So I said yes. He seemed nice enough. And our mutual friend (Jen) had known him since before Kindergarten and she promised me he was trustworthy. Other than first thing in the morning when he picked me up, during our occasional lunch together and then in the afternoon when he drove me home, we didnt see each other.

Suddenly, my 16th Birthday was approaching and my best friend at the time (Danielle) pulls me aside and whispers, 'I thought you should know, that Tim Anders guy who drives you to school is planning a surprise birthday party for you!' I was like WHAT?! He doesnt even know any of my friends and I hardly know him. But he had put Danielle in charge of inviting everyone. And the party turned out to be a huge success. I was very thankful, but also shocked that someone I hardly knew would do something like that - hmmm...seems like a nice guy. But once again, I had a boyfriend and was in NO WAY interested in Tim like that.

The following year, on the first day of school, I walked into my French I class and who do I see sitting right in front of me? (think...Anders....Borman (my maiden name) You guessed it. At first I thought, oh my word, is this guy stalking me! But each day, we talked and got to know each other a little better.

By Senior year, we were Best Friends. Literally. We could tell each other anything and everything. We had a lost of mutual friends and spent just about every weekend together. Around January of 1993, Tim began staying at our house during the school week, because he was having some family 'issues'. All through senior year, I dated a French exchange student named Renaud. Although Tim went on a few dates with different girls, he was never able to get serious with anyone. He blamed this on the fact that he was already 'in love' and knew who he was gonna marry (choke, choke). I just laughed him off and continued with our awesome friendship. However, it was around the time of our Senior Prom that Tim had enough. He couldnt stand to see me with Renaud anymore and our friendship was shaky.
Renaud and I on Prom night (with friends):

Tim and his date, Bev:

Ironically, if you'll notice, she and I had very similar dresses in the exact same color - and Tim and Renaud had matching tuxes...what are the chances!?!

By our High School Graduation, we werent speaking :( I was crushed. I missed him like crazy. I knew he was going through some rough times with family (wont go into details) and I wanted to be there for him. But still, I was in a relationship and that bothered him.

In August of 1993, just two months after graduation, Renaud had to return to France - his exchange year was over. Of course being 18 and naive, we thought we would stay together and endure the long-term relationship. I had intentions of flying to France for the holidays (in which I found out later, Renaud had actually bought me an engagement ring and planned to propose at that time!! ooops) About two days after Renaud left, guess who calls? Yep! ...and he says he wasnt watching the calendar, counting down the days!

We started hanging out again. This time, the distractions of me having a boyfriend, peer pressures and popularity, family issues and the other stresses of being a senior in high school were gone. And for the first time, I thought, 'Hey, I really like this guy!' Those few months apart shook me up a bit to realize that I didnt want to live my life without him in it.
On September 20, 1993 we officially started dating. Here is a picture from our first summer together (June 1994):

Tim proposed after four years of dating in the Fall of 1997 and we were married August 22, 1998. The rest is history!!

June's Topic: "My Wedding Day"
To be posted on: June 2, 2008
June is the month of weddings, so don't you think it would be fun to share the story of our nuptials next month? How about sharing a video clip, a podcast, a photo slide show? Be as creative as you want. A good old "bedtime story" will do just fine too. (Tale as old as time... da, da, da, da, da.) This time, the title is up to you!