With all the planning behind them, Anthony and Cecily finally reached their wedding day! Out of sight from each other, they arrived at the Croatian American Cultural Center with only hours remaining before they would finally be husband and wife.
With light rain outside, the ceremony was moved indoors. But the rain didn't stop guests from coming, and couldn't damper the happiness in the air, as Cecily was getting ready in the upstairs room. She was surrounded by family, and the best of friends as she put on the dress she had fell in love with at David's Bridal. They definitely also helped with some celebratory fun before the ceremony!
Anthony, on the other hand, came ready. But that didn't stop his Best Man, Groomsmen, and family from having some laughs and fun with him before the ceremony too.
It's not often that grooms think to acknowledge their mom in a special way on their wedding day. But, with Anthony being the sincere and kind man that he is, he had a special gift waiting. As mom arrived, with pride in her eyes as she saw her son for the very first time dressed as a man ready to get married, she happily accepted, and unwrapped it.
He had found the perfect frame for this very moment, to forever remember that this was the day he would begin the rest of his life-yet in doing so, would never leave mom behind.
With only minutes until the ceremony was to start, Cecily's mom escorted dad up to see his daughter before walking her down the aisle. She was stunning as he approached with eyes closed (no peeking just yet!) until he was just before her.
As he opened his eyes, they were overcome with emotion. Daddy's little girl had grown up, and she was now standing before him as a beautiful bride, ready to be escorted to her husband to be.
And it was time...As the bridal party excitedly began lining up, and Cecily kept tucked away just a few moments more, the music began!
The ceremony was short, but sweet. Both Anthony and Cecily each wrote their own vows and read them aloud, proclaiming all of the love they held for each other and making a promise to be there for one another through everything, both good and bad!
They placed rings on each other, and happily kissed! They were transformed! Forever more to be Mr. and Mrs. Amato!
Although it was still raining outside, we had a great time upstairs with the bridal party! They looked gorgeous as they surrounded the newlyweds, and they were definitely creative as they lined up to take some fun photos with the bride and groom! What fun!
The DJ got everybody hyped for a grand introduction! And dinner was served. Friends and family talked and laughed throughout the dinner, as Cecily and Anthony greeted guests from near and far.
As toasts began, the room grew quiet. There were funny stories shared by Cecily's sister and Anthony's Best Man, and sentimental toasts given by Anthony's mom, and Cecily's dad.
Perhaps one of the funniest moments to date was when the father of the bride shared with the room the potential husband to be of a one time teenage Cecily. He pulled out a poster of her teenage crush-for all to see!
As guests erupted with laughter, he shared stories of his one time little girl, who was now a wife to the love of her life. How far she had come!
He also made it known that he was happy that Anthony was the man there on her wedding day-rather than the once upon a time crush in the poster!
The night finished with plenty of dancing!
The wedding had been perfect, rain and all. They had made it through the ups and downs of their first day as husband and wife, and as the night closed, you could see the love the two have for each other and know that they will live happily, ever, after!
Congratulations to such a beautiful couple! May they always remember their special day-especially the rainy days~"For if you it rains on your wedding day, every day it rains for the rest of your life, you will be blessed with a reminder of that special moment~"
