After much planning and preparing, the time had finally arrived … Deanna and Loryn were getting married! I was running around like a crazy person trying to get us all packed and ready to go for the wedding. The wedding was in Temecula and we were staying out there for the weekend so it was our first overnight trip with Landen. I was trying so hard to make sure we’d have everything we might need, but not pack up everything in his room. I think I did pretty well. Plus, I had to get Nala packed up for her fun weekend with Aunt Joi. She obviously didn’t need as much, but since it was her first time staying with Joi I wanted to make sure she had everything. After running around frantically all morning I finally got the car packed and the dog dropped off and told John we were ready. And not only were we ready, we were 100% on time. He was a little in awe I think. And duly so, it was impressive.
We hit the road and headed out to wine country. Landen promptly fell asleep.
We got to the hotel, checked in, and got settled. Then I took a shower and got dressed for the rehearsal. My parents were also attending the wedding so they watched Landen for us that evening. John and I drove to Callaway Winery where the wedding was to be held. We practiced what we were supposed to do.
Bobby and Deanna’s brother Matt catching up
After we’d gone through the ceremony a couple of times we were off to PF Chang’s for dinner. They had so much food!! It was delicious and we had a really nice time. Unfortunately I didn’t take a single picture. L After dinner we headed back to the hotel. John went to bed and I went downstairs for a little bit to visit with Deanna and her family in the bar. I didn’t stay too long though because we had an early morning the next day for wedding preparations.
The next morning we got our hair and makeup done in the hotel. Then we drove over to the winery and got dressed there. When we first arrived there was some intense discussion about whether or not to move the ceremony indoors. It had been raining all morning, but it was clearing up. There was still a good chance of rain though. They decided to risk it and they set everything up outside. It turned to be a good decision because the sun was shining by the time the wedding started at it was beautiful. Absolutely freezing cold, but beautiful.
We don’t have any pictures from the wedding (John was taking pictures for Deanna’s family with their camera) but their photographer just posted some on Facebook.
Isn’t she beautiful?
I was able to keep the tears under control until I saw Dee and her dad start walking. After that I was ok, but that minute or two until she got up to Loryn was rough!
So happy!
I was literally an icicle by the time we took pictures and got inside. They had outdoor space heaters in the reception room so I posted up next to one and defrosted. I was really nervous about making my maid of honor speech. I’d had to rewrite it at the last minute because after practicing it a little I realized there was no way I was going to get through it without turning into a crying mess. As it was, I blubbered through a part of it but it went well and several people commented that they really liked it.
My speech:
Hi, I’m Debbie, for those of you who don’t know me, I’m Deanna’s best friend - and now her Matron of Honor. I’d like to take a couple of minutes of your time to toast this couple on their first day of marriage. It’s really been wonderful to be a part of this new chapter of their lives that is beginning today.
I’ve been friends with Deanna for a little over 20 years. Although we met 20 years ago, our story really starts about 13 years before that. Deanna is my birthday buddy – we were born on the exact same day, in the same hospital, delivered by the same doctor, just a couple of hours apart. We didn’t know any of this until the 8th grade when we met on the pop warner flag team. As we got to know eachother over time, we discovered that we’re just about the closest you can possibly get to being twins without actually being blood related. We are soooo similar! It’s kinda scary and really awesome all at the same time, and I love the connection we have.
I’ve heard Deanna’s mom Marla say that we giggle a lot when we’re together. I’ve never really paid attention to it but I bet she’s probably right. We always have such a fun time together no matter what we do, whether we’re traveling to Europe with Mr. Daniels, watching 90210 and Party of 5 every week at her house, dancing on tables in Isabella, tent camping in Doheney (in a torrential downpour), getting sunburned in the shade, or just going to Disneyland for dinner and a few rides. I feel so incredibly blessed to have a friend like Deanna in my life, and I cherish all the memories we’ve made over the past 20 years.
One thing I learned about Deanna over the years is that she had some very high standards when it came to dating. I actually thought it might be hard for Deanna to find someone who lived up to all of her standards. To be honest, when it came to men, I thought she was always being ridiculously picky. But then she met Loryn, and everything changed. I realized that she wasn’t being picky, she was just waiting for the right person to come along. Her patience paid off because Loryn is incredibly sweet, thoughtful, smart, and funny. I can see how much he loves Deanna every time I see them together.
Who would have thought that a work conference 4 years ago, would lead to this day? In the past four years, I have seen you two grow individually, and thrive as a couple. Separately you both are very special, remarkable people, but together you are complete.
Loryn – I want to thank you for making my best friend so very happy. I can hear it in her voice when she talks about you and I can see it in her eyes when she looks at you. You have made her life all the more special just by being you and treating her the way that every girl dreams of. I cannot think of a more perfect person for my twin to spend the rest of her life with.
Deanna and Loryn - take each day and cherish your time together. Take time to talk to one another. Put your love and family first, and your job and hobbies second. Never lose your sense of adventure. And may your future be more than you could ever wish for! Cheers!
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Not too shabby huh?
The cake (I just noticed the hidden Mickey’s on the front!)
First dance
About an hour into the reception things started to go South for Landen. He’d spent the day with John and apparently hadn’t taken his usual naps. Then with all the people, commotion, and noise he got WAY WAY WAY overstimulated at the reception. He cried and cried and cried. He fell asleep in my Mom’s arms for a bit in another room. I made the mistake of trying to change him into a more comfortable outfit and he lost it again. John took him and fed him a bottle. He seemed ok after some quiet time but we took a few steps into the reception and he melted down again. Poor little guy had just had enough. We decided the best thing for him would be to go back to the hotel and go to bed. I stayed at the wedding and John left. I didn’t get any pictures of him in his cute wedding outfits so I took some later.
The fancy ceremony ensemble (he wouldn’t let me put his tie on but he wore it at the wedding):
The fun party clothes for the reception:
The winery had allotted a short time for the reception so it seemed like it was over way too quickly. Everyone was having a great time. We headed back to the hotel and again went down to the bar to hang out for a little bit. Deanna and Loryn were really happy with how everything turned out except for how short the reception was. We were all tired so we didn’t stay too long again.
When I went back up to the room I decided to snap a quick picture of my hair because by some miracle the curl hadn’t completely fallen out. John was snoring in bed so I wanted proof to show him.
Once I took out all the pins I took another picture for John. He’s always talking about how “flat” my hair is so I thought he’d like to see it. (He’s right about my flat hair by the way.)
We got up the next morning and had brunch with everyone before we headed back up to the room to pack and drive home. The fun wedding weekend was over. But Deanna and Loryn were married and everything had been wonderful!
