Well, as promised, here's the big finish to The Wedding:

As the ceremony ended, we (the wedding party) stayed behind and had picture after picture taken. We did all sorts of poses. Me with Valerie. Valerie with the Groomsmen. My entire family with Valerie, and so on and so on. I would complain about how long it took to get all these pics posed out and taken, but I know the girl who took them, and if I do whine about it she'll find me and probably kick me in the throat. Anyhow, after all the pics were done, it was time to head to the reception where there was going to be plenty of cake, pizza, and soda (fat guy planning the menu).

Once Val and I got there, we were planning to be introduced to the majesty of the Star Wars opening title theme. Second before we were set to arrive, the videographer had to bail because his camera's light malfunctioned. As he ran to change the bulb out, the music started up. But they would not allow us to walk in until the videographer could be there to capture the magic moment. So we stood there like big dummies as the theme blared. I could only imagine the looks everyone was giving each other as they waited for us to show. Finally, the videographer arrived and was ready to roll. So we re-started the theme and THEN we walked out to cheers and applause as we were introduced.

In a moment of confusion, we ended up heading for the cake table first. But then it didn't matter, because we were both ready to see the cakes that my sisters had prepared for us.




This was Val's cake. The only person who loves purple more than my wife is Prince, and I'm pretty sure he's be stoked if he saw the level of purple that was on display here. My sisters are cool. Oh, if you want to see some real awesome, check this out:




Here's my sweet ass Ghostbusters cake. When I saw it, I was definitely amazed beyond the capacity for rational thought. Totally awesome and delicious as well. My sisters did an absolute bang-up job! Give 'em a hand, folks.

After the cake cutting and the seven thousand "Congratulations!" and "We're Happy For You's", it was time to give out speeches. My brother Tommy was my best man, so he was up first. The funny thing is that Tommy was a little nervous about speaking in front of so many people; the ironic part, according to my mother, is that usually all sorts of shit flies out of his mouth on a never ending basis. But Tommy stepped up to the plate and delivered a great and heartfelt speech.





Good job, Tommy. Thanks again.




This is a shot of the decor that was on every table in the reception hall. And yes, they were filled with tons of Halloween candy. It's a long story, but me and Val pretty much owe our relationship to the holiday of Halloween (and Jarrod Blanchard) because of our meeting at Spirit Halloween way back in 2007. Actually, I saw her back in 2006, but I was not introduced to her until '07. Do ya wanna see what she looked like the first time I saw her? Do ya? Do ya?!




Yup. This is exactly what she looked like the first time that I saw her. And you know what? I never forgot her.


I touched on what the first words we said to each other were in a different blog; they were stupid. It's funny. Every significant thing in our relationship happened in October: first meeting, first introduction, first date, first......ehh, let's not write that here; but that first also happened in October. So it was a natural fit that we would be married in October.


I said it once, and I'll say it again: Thank God for Spirit Halloween. I made a lot of friends; I achieved a few historical firsts; and I had the most fun at any job I've ever had or will probably ever have. Thanks, Reggie. You were the best boss I've ever had.


But back to the reception. As anyone knows, it's tradition for the groomsmen to screw with the new couple's car. Well, this wedding was no exception. The car was wrapped in plastic wrap, then all sorts of things (that are too salacious for myspace) were drawn all over the car.




When we finally exited the party (and were covered in rice crispies) Val looked at her poor car in shock. Fortunately, everyone else thought that this was really damn funny, especially me. We eventually cut the wrap off the car. When I attempted to help Val in the car, an additional shower of the crispy cereal rained down on Val. I threw up my arm to block the next volley, and when I did, I startled my little brother; who dropped the punchbowl and shattered it. I swear, we laughed for twenty minutes. Valerie sat there in shock. The only words that escaped her lips were: "He broke my punchbowl..."

Ultimately, it was no big deal.

After all that excitement, planning, stress, and paranoia, Valerie and I were finally married. We eventually got into the car and drove off into the night as husband and wife...right before I realized that I had to go back to the church and get my other clothes that I had left there earlier in the day.