Meghann and Derek’s Wedding: Part 1

I can’t believe the weekend’s festivities have already come to a close for us. Bo and I are sipping smoothies at the Orlando Airport right now, waiting on our 12:15 flight back to New York City. After 3 straight weeks of travel, we chose an early flight over the wedding brunch. While we so wish we could review the night’s events with the wedding party and friends but sometimes an afternoon at home, especially on a Sunday, wins.

Meghann has happily told all wedding guests that she has no issues with us sharing pictures via our social media outlets over the next few days. I love this idea as it allows she and Derek to enjoy this time while also sharing some first glimpse of the wedding day with those who were there physically and in spirit along with those who have read about her planning via her blog for the past year.

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Before the Wedding

After the run and breakfast, the bridesmaids and mothers spent the morning relaxing together at Meghann’s house while we all had our hair and makeup done. I really enjoyed this time with everyone as it gave us some down time together in between the excitement of the rehearsal and the wedding. Over the course of four hours we each had our makeup done by a local Mary Kay consultant who had done Meghann’s makeup trials previously. She was really friendly and asked a lot of questions to ensure that she did our makeup in a way that we would each like.  In addition, the woman who did Meghann’s hair trials came and did up do’s for each of us. She happily obliged Pintrest inspired requests and took her time, ensuring that she used plenty of bobby pins and spray so our hair would withhold the hours of photographs, dancing, and humidity.  While Meghann didn’t require any of us to get our makeup or hair done we all chose to enjoy the luxury of having someone else do our hair and makeup. We were also able to don our bridesmaids gifts, personalized cotton waffle weave robes, during this time. I loved the robe as I do not have one and it is the perfect weight and length for everyday use!

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We hung our dresses up so they could get some air and would be ready to go once our hair and makeup was done. This also allowed us time to make sure everyone had their boots, socks, necklaces, sweaters, and any other needed accessories. By coincidence, we all wore pearl earrings with our outfits which worked perfectly!

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In case you’re interested, our bridesmaids outfit included cowboy boots of our choice, matching gray cardigans from American Eagle which were on sale during the holidays, and navy JCrew bridesmaids dresses which we found on sale earlier this year. The dresses were flattering on each of our figures due to the V-neck and loose, flowing cut.

Around 3pm we headed over to the wedding venue, Birdsong Barn, for Meghann and Derek’s first look followed by bridal party and family pictures. Due to the early sunset this time of year, they opted to do majority of the photographs before the wedding which also would allow for them to spend most of their time enjoying the wedding versus taking pictures. We were worried when the breeze picked up around 3pm, as the Weather Channel had predicted rain to begin at 3pm. Each minute that passed during pictures rain free was truly a blessing and Meghann wouldn’t let anyone talk about the weather until pictures were over!

Once the bridesmaid photos were done I was able to captures a few candid shots of the family and groomsmen shots.

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Just as guests started to arrive, the photo session ended allowing us time to grab some water, food, and a quick rest in the bridal suite before the wedding.

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Okay, maybe it allowed time for swig of rum too, courtesy of the guys.

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Finally, it was time to walk down the aisle!

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I’ll be back later with Part 2, the wedding ceremony and reception!

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Meghann Finally Gets to Marry Her Prince

For almost 3 years, I’ve heard Meghann talk about the man of her dreams, her prince Derek. Like a great Disney love story there time together has been long and filled with adventures, distance, and love.

The first day we truly met each other, February 9th 2010, we ran 4 miles and spent at least 1 of the miles talking about Derek. They had been together for about a year and half and already she knew that he was the one. A great guy who she met for the first time at FSU, they were meant for each other.

Shortly thereafter, both Bo and I had the great fortune to spend many a weekend with Meghann and Derek. They’ve spent 2 weekend trips with us in New York, one ski weekend with us in Vermont, and we had a magical weekend in Disney World feeling like kids last year. There has never been a question in our mind about whether they would get married. They balance each other on a daily basis. Derek is the strong, calm energy that keeps Meghann sane while Meghann brings out the best in Derek’s personality.

Now, it’s finally time to watch them say those two magic words, “I Do” in front of their friends and family. Being a part of this wedding has made the whole event that much more magical for me as I’ve watched both Meghann and Derek’s families and friends support them.

The rehearsal and dinner have been enjoyed.

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A group of ladies came out to run 3.5 miles with Meghann this morning, excited to hear all her feelings about the wedding weekend. A filling breakfast complete with scones, fruit, yogurt and bacon was enjoyed at Meghann’s home while everyone laughed and smiled with the excited bride. The excitement is absolutely contagious at this point!

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The champagne has been popped and any last minute nerves have melted away in the shining sun.

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After over a year of planning and 7 years of friendship, it’s finally time for Meghann + Derek’s big day!

Congratulations to the couple who bleeds FSU garnet and gold and already has the most loving and laughter filled family of their own, including Maddie.

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My 2013 Fitness Goals

This year, my resolutions, or goals, are broken up into groups including fitness, personal, and professional.

While 2012 was a wonderful year for my running career, this year I’m excited to continue speed work and push myself in new ways most notably, a triathlon. I’ve stood on the sidelines for the past 2 years, cheering on Bo or Theodora during their races and this year I’m ready to conquer my fear of the pool and broken chains.

2013 Athletic Goals

It won’t be easy and I’m sure the triathlon, especially, will challenge me but I’m excited fro something new! I’m hoping to complete at least one of these, the half marathon, by the end of March since Bo and I both made it into the New York City Half Marathon thanks to the lottery luck this year! The race is on March 17th which gives me a good 8 weeks of training once I return these crazy few weeks of travel! Speed work will be the perfect way to sweat when I’m in Geneva in 2 weeks!

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