The Reception

We somehow managed to squeeze into the limo despite my huge gown. We tested our driver's skill by having her drive into the Boulder Running Company's parking lot (definitely a tight fit for a limo!). Here Mark picked up a pair of sunglasses to replace those that I had inadvertently left at the hair salon!

We arrived at Gleneagle Golf Club where we rejoined the wedding party. Sarah and Michael served as MCs and introduced themselves and the remainder of the wedding party. Then, we made our grand entrance to thunderous applause! Once everyone was settled in at the head table, we all grabbed a bite to eat. While the remaining guests were enjoying their meals, we slipped away for a photo session on the green.
The rain clouds which had rolled in caused some concern initially but, thankfully, these clouds were actually a blessing since the sun's reflection on them produced a stunning backdrop for many of our photos. The Rocky Mountains, in their summer splendor, and the well-manicured scenic golf course ensured that our photos would be spectacular. We have included one of our favorite "whimsical" shots here!

Once we were finished with picture taking, we returned to our guests and participated in several common wedding traditions. I danced with my father to Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" - a song she chose not only because of the words but because its background music had a bit of a Scottish flare I knew my papa would love! We've heard that a few guests were close to tears as they watched us glide over the dance floor. Papa was especially pleased that I sang along with the song to him while we shared our special moment.

After a warm embrace, Papa handed me off to Mark. We danced to Josh Groban's "When You Say You Love Me." I was a bit nervous about using two songs from the same artist for both the father-daughter dance and the bride and groom's first dance, but since the two songs expressed my feelings for the two most important men in my life so well, I decided to throw caution to the wind and just do what felt right.

Once our first dance was finished, Mark's parents surprised us with leis to welcome me to the family and to express their congratulations to Mark. They had us dance to the "The Hawaiian Wedding Song" and our bridal party joined in. After the song was over, we opened up the floor to all of our guests.

After enjoying a little dancing, it was time for the toast, the bouquet and garter tosses....and, most importantly, the triple chocolate mousse cake. These events brought some unexpected excitement to the party. The bouquet broke apart in to six individual roses (on purpose, we should add!), Mark had to make two garter toss attempts, and, of course, the triple chocolate mousse cake was to die for. All of our guests' culinary senses were delighted.

Much too quickly, the party was over and it was time to clean up and return home. But, the celebration wasn't over - since we had been married early in the day, there was still time for an after party! This was held in the hotel's hospitality suite and gave close friends and family a chance to spend a little more time with us in a more intimate setting. As part of this celebration, the guests put together the guest book puzzle to reveal the montage that had been created especially for it by my mom!

As the evening wound down, we retired to our honeymoon suite, which had been decorated with rose petals and where a bottle of champagne, a box of chocolates and a plethora of spa delights awaited us. We enjoyed some of these and then went off to dreamland with many happy memories to cherish from our special day!