We tied the knot, folks! Yes, again.
You’re probably wondering why. I’ll tell ya: When Michael and I got married almost two years ago, we had a non-denominational ceremony (NO REGRETS). But as good Catholic kids, we thought it would be nice to follow through on the sacramental side of things too, if not for the Jesus points, at least to make our families happy.
So we arranged a small ceremony at my great-aunt’s convent down in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. This was a great honor because very few people get permission to get married there, and also because so many exceptional women dedicated their time to make it a really memorable day. One sister even volunteered to play the Irish harp during the ceremony, which was a real treat. Visiting the convent there is a really wonderful reminder of what sisterhood can do and this day in particular reminded me of how lucky we are to have so many people that love and care about us.
After the brief ceremony, we enjoyed cake, the beautiful patio and an A+ playlist chock full of Sister Act tracks (could not help myself). I have to say this part of the day was flawlessly coordinated thanks to my aunt Pat and Sister Mary Ellen (and I’m certain a handful of helpers). Sitting back with a wedge of cake and catching up with a few of the sisters was really wonderfully relaxing. It was nice to be able to share the day not only with our fams, but some of the sweetest well-wishers around.
After we stuffed ourselves with cake, we did the logical thing: stuffed ourselves with dinner. We hit up Caroline’s Restaurant inside the Hotel Julien in Dubuque, Iowa (just over the Mississippi River from the convent). Michael and I capped off the whole affair in the hotel’s lounge where I had an exceptional Bee’s Knees.
One of my favorite parts of the day, though, exchanging gifts with Michael pre-ceremony – we wanted to do something special since we already had wedding rings. I went the practical yet sappy route, getting Michael a tie clip with his initials on the front and a secret Beach Boys message on the back (OK OK – it says “God only knows what I’d be without you”). Michael, though, knocked it out of the park with this wonderfully weird UFO ring from Little Rooms. The guy just gets me.
Overall, I feel incredibly lucky to have shared this day with my fam and some special nuns. I’m also obscenely fortunate to get to marry the dude of my dreams twice over.
Also I realize I never shared photos from my actual wedding (other than a few here and there). Maybe I’ll do that soon.
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