The Reception

The reception was held at the Grand Colonial in Hampton, NJ. The cocktail hour was wonderful. Although I didn't get to taste everything what I had was great and everyone said the food was delicious and drinks were plentiful. Since the weather was so stunningly gorgeous guests were able to spend time outside and inside. It was so nice to see everyone celebrating the day and enjoying themselves. I did catch some of the pictures the photographer was taking and he got some great shots....can't wait to see them! Allie & Ryan had the grandparents introduced (as they felt they were blessed to be able to have two sets of grandparents there at their wedding) then the parents, bridal party and finally Cpl. Daniel Ryan Lovette and Mrs. Allison Suzanne O'Brien Lovette.....nobody thought to ask the DJ to pronounce their name prior to the introductions and the DJ screwed up their name, but everyone knew how it should be said...no worries! They had their first dance to "It's Your Love" by Faith Hill & Tim McGraw...a lovely perfect song for them. I played the song several times before the wedding so I wouldn't cry when they danced and it pretty much worked. They sang to each other and danced so great together....you couldn't help but smile and enjoy the moment with them. Allie & Bill then danced to "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban, again perfect. That really made me cry....Bill had stepped right up and really did help raise her up......with my Mom & Dad whom we lived with, and watched Allie while I worked until Bill and I married when she was in first grade! Ryan danced with his mom to "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart....the words to that song are great.....they looked great out there dancing together they to have their own story of making it through! Ryan's grandfather Doug did the blessing and then the meal began. Later in the evening Allie danced with her Poppy to "My Girl" a very sweet song for them. Finally, Stef asked the DJ to play "You Got A Friend" for him & Allie to dance and Ryan and his sister Hannah danced to the song also! So sweet and loving.....Allie and Stef cried when they danced together.....again it made me cry to see it. Stef said it was half puberty and half sadness. It brings a tear to my eye to think of the scene. All too soon it was time to have the venetian table with a huge chocolate fountain....yum. Then it was time to cut the beautiful cake they cut the cake to "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and they both behaved a fed each other cake with love and respect! Before we knew it ....it was time to throw the bouquet, and garter. All the Marines danced to "Soldier Boy", they had a great time and sang the Marine Theme Song with my dad. It was then time to send them off on their way.....Stefan, Josh and Sam decorated their car ....complete with white window paint, magnets and tin cans! Very cute. Bittersweet goodbyes were said and a kiss for luck and they were on their way....and yes, theyv'e just begun....... We had brunch at the house on Sunday for all who could come and even had two of Ryan's groomsmen come. The weather remained hot and humid and they even got to swim in the pool and go in the hot tub! It was great to be able to spend time with my sister Eileen and her daughter Suzy who came from California for the wedding. Unfortunately time was not to be had to visit with them for very long. They got in Thursday morning, Friday we had the rehearsal and dinner, then the wedding. The California crowd left Monday morning and some friends who came from Washington DC, Texas, Idaho and New York left on Sunday morning. Allie & Ryan have been married for 5 whole days now. They are now relaxing in western North Carolina in our new house and enjoying being a married couple!