Remember how I grabbed some bread ends at the hotel prior to the reception because I was so starving? Well needless to say, sitting down to dinner was such a welcome treat. It was the first time I was able to sit back after the hectic schedule of the day and the first time I was able to get a good look at the reception hall. I could not have been more pleased.
Bucking tradition, Mr. Hawk and I chose to sit with our families at the head table, and I'm so glad we made that decision. It's not that I don't love my bridesmaids and groomsmen, but with my family traveling from California, I was so thankful to have those extra moments with my parents.
I vividly remember the conversations I had with Momma Hawk about the day, and our wedding party was able to mingle with their other friends. Plus I actually had the opportunity to eat.
Have you given though to your head table set up? Will it be family or your wedding party? Are you planning on a having sweetheart table?
After Daddy Hawk and I's emotional daddy-daughter dance, it was Mr. Hawk's turn to take the floor. Originally Mr. Hawk was against doing a mother-son dance. He typically avoids dance floors at all costs and didn't want to be the center of attention; however, as the day approached and we had our final vendor meetings, he had a change of heart. He selected Louis Armstrong's classic, "What a Wonderful World."
It was a beautiful moment. I'm sure Mr. Hawk thought it was well worth the extra two minutes of eyes on him!
Although I had the best intentions not to cry, there was no fighting the tears back when it came time to dance with Daddy Hawk. Working with my DOC/DJ Liz, we created a special surprise recording to the beginning of our song. While I had already made the recording and knew what I said, nothing could have prepared me for hearing it for the first time and seeing my father's reaction.
"Nothing Can Change This Love" by Sam Cooke with Hawk intro:
My special message received plenty of applause and tears from our guests. Luckily the remainder of the dance was mostly tear-free.
It could not have been a more perfect moment for Daddy Hawk and me.
Did you/do you think you will get emotional during the parent dances?
After making our grand entrances, it was time for Mr. Hawk and I to have our first official dance as man and wife.
I never really talked about our song selection process, but Mr. Hawk and I both contributed songs from some of our favorite artists to a playlist. I added a few classic love songs to the mix, and over a couple months, Mr. Hawk and I listened to the music separately. We each had the same two or three songs on our individual lists, but when it came down to it, Ray LaMontagne's "You are the Best Thing" was our choice.
"Baby, it's been a long day, baby Things ain't been going my way You know I need you here To clear my mind all the time"
"And baby The way you move me, it's crazy It's like you see right through me and make it easier To please me you don't even have to try"
"Oh, because
You are the best thing You are the best thing You are the best thing Ever happened to me"
"Baby, we've come a long way, baby You know I hope and I pray that you believe me When I say this love will never fade away"
"Oh, because
You are the best thing You are the best thing You are the best thing Ever happened to me"
"Now both of us have known love before To come on up promising, like the spring, just walk on out the door Our hearts are strong and are hearts are kind Well, let me tell you what exactly is on my mind"
"You are the best thing You are the best thing You are the best thing Ever happened to me"
"You are the best thing You are the best thing You are the best thing Ever happened to me"
With our DOC/DJ, Liz, we not only picked music, but also wrote fun scripts for the grand entrances. I think it really added something extra and fun.
Momma and Daddy Hawk were introduces as "Disco Inferno" began to play...
...followed by the Hawk In-laws entrance to "Get Ready."
Once the parents were introduced, the fun with the bridal party began. Sissy Hawk was first up.
"At 12 years old, Sissy Hawk has devoted herself to swimming and she loves listening to music, just not Justin Bieber!"
"Please welcome Mrs. Hawk's little sister, Sissy Hawk!"
"GM J and Mr. Hawk have been friends since college. They were fraternity brothers in Delta Chi, and bonded over their love of sports. And even though he keeps his own hair very short, he makes his living selling hair products."
"A recent newlywed himself, give it up for GM J!"
"Mrs. Hawk and BM R have been friends since college where they bonded over going dancing and going shopping! Rachael is obsessed with her dog, Chloe –AKA 'stinky face'. The years may have gone by, and R is still the only person who can outlast Mrs. Hawk at the mall! Guess it’s a good thing she’s an accountant!"
"Mr. Hawk and GM R met in college and were fraternity brothers in Delta Chi! They bonded over college parties, flag football and watching sports! Rich is currently in law school and has high political aspirations! Try as he might, he just can’t get Aaron to debate politics with him! Please welcome GM R!"
GM R and Mr. Hawk met in high school and have been buddies ever since. BM K and Mrs. Hawk bonded over their love of reading and Dave Matthews! R is a huge Hokie football fan. K will sit and watch the games with him. R is also big Phillies fan! K will sit and watch those games with him too! They are a great couple and have been together forever. They just had a little girl seven months ago, and little M is the light of their sleep deprived lives. K and R!
"Mrs. Hawk and BM T have been friends since middle school. They were so close, they practically lived at each other’s houses. They were on the same dance team in high school and somehow survived being chased by all the boys. They were also obsessed with Austin Powers! While each in their own bedrooms they would start the movie together and recite the lines to each other over the phone! T!"
"The Best Man, J, is Mr. Hawk’s younger brother who loves to party. In fact, he is a very accomplished bar hopper! However, he is under the mistaken belief that he is the better looking brother. He loyal, he’s brutally honest, and he is someone you can always count in a pinch! Show your love for mister I’m the life of the Party, Best Man, J!"
"A is Mrs. Hawk’s best friend and Maid of Honor. They were sorority sister in Alpha Chi Omega, they had the same major, Economics, and they were roommates until Mrs. Hawk ditched her to go live with Mr. Hawk! A loves dogs and spends countless hours making sure that shelter dogs find loving homes. And finally, she loves football and watching the football players! Maid of Honor: A!"
We finally made our appearance as as T.I.'s "Bring 'Em Out" started to play.
Liz officially announced us as Mr. and Mrs. Hawk amidst plenty of cheers.
Liz called out the wedding party to dance out the rest of the song, but Mr. Hawk was being a bit reluctant.
With a little encouragement yanking from me...
...plus a hand from GM J, we got him out there for a moment or two.
The party had officially begun!
Will your wedding party be introduced individually?
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