Miller Time: The First Dance

Along with doing toasts and cutting the cake, the last real wedding tradition we chose to incorporate into our reception was the first dance. So, after cutting the cake we transitioned directly into our first dance.

In choosing what song to dance to, we decided to bare it all and use what has always been "our song" - Keith Urban's Memories of Us. Yep our song is a ridiculously sappy country song and I'm only slightly embarrassed to admit it. I remember listening to the song together for the first time - it was our first or second date and Neill was driving me home. For some reason, I made us listen to a country mix that a friend had recently given me and Memories of Us came on. Let's just say, we had a moment. It has been our song every since.

I'll earn your trust making memories of us

Regardless of how many times we've swayed to this song in the privacy of our own home, having to dance in front of so many people made Neill and I a bit nervous. Especially because our dancing skills are pretty reminiscent of a sixth grade sock-hop. To keep our nerves down, Neill whipped up a shorter version of the song by cutting out some of the middle. We figured that since we wouldn't be stunning people with any fancy footwork, we better keep it short and sweet.

Dancing to a song that we've shared throughout our whole relationship made out first dance some of the most special 180 seconds of the reception. While I do remember feeling a little self-conscious at the beginning, by the end of the song it felt like it was just Neill and I in the room. I'm glad Neill and I had this quiet time during the reception to connect (even if there were a bunch of eyes on us) because after this the party really got started.

Miller Time: The Cake Cutting

For the cake cutting we chose Weekend in Western Illinois by the Mountain Goats as our song. We picked this song as an homage to the two years we spent in a long-distance relationship. I was finishing college in Galesburg, IL so we had ample opportunity to spend many a lazy weekend in Western, IL. Go ahead and hit play so you can listen along.

Now that you've got your tunes going, look at that cake. mmm. Neill's aunt made a traditional Jamaican wedding cake for us. We couldn't have been happier with how it turned out!

I'll start this off with a tip for all you ladies and gents out there - PRACTICE YOUR CAKE CUTTING. Or at least talk about what you are going to do. Because guess what, in normal everyday life you don't cut things like you do for a cake cutting. And so when you get up there and realize you don't really know what you are supposed to do it is kind of weird. We did not practice - as you're about to witness.

Things started off okay. Minus the fact that Neill was wedged into the booth so that our backs weren't to everyone. But then trouble quickly started. Check out our crazy faces.

 Oh look, I got a piece! Now what?

Hmm. No plates. Guess I better just eat it.

Oh. You're here? Okay. You can gave a little bite too. I'm going to feed it to you with my hands. 

Hmm. Still no plates? This is weird. Guess I'll just continue to hold the left over cake and shrug.

No. Actually, I have a better idea. I'm going to stuff the whole piece of cake in my new husbands mouth. That will be funny. 

Whew! It's over. Let's celebrate with a big cakey kiss. 

Miller Time: The Toasts

Neill and I wanted to have as much fun as possible at the reception so we opted to do all of the reception rigmarole in one swoop. So, we planned to do the toasts, cut the cake, and then have our first dance one right after the other. While that was a relatively easy decision for us, deciding when to do these things was more difficult. Or - at least it seemed like it was at the time. Looking back, I can't help but chuckle that I spent so much time trying to create the "perfect" time-line. I chalk it up to wedding brain.

Anyway, in the end we scheduled the toasts to start at 8:30--an hour and a half into the reception. With our reception going from 7 to 11, we wanted everyone to have ample time to have a drink (or five), eat, and catch up with friends before opening the dance floor. Mainly the time for everyone to drink - you know how no one likes to shake their groove thing stone cold sober :)

So, at 8:30 Neill's two co-best men and my maid of honor gave wonderful heart felt toasts.

My maid of honor was kind enough let me share her toast with all of you. It brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard it and rereading it now makes me feel all sappy inside. (I replaced my family's very unique last name with stars for privacy sake).

I want to take a moment to thank Alisha and Neill for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful occasion. I also want to raise a glass to the Miller family, it has been a pleasure to get to know you better, and to the ******  family, it has been so meaningful to know you and spend many wonderful occasions with you, and I am overjoyed to be here celebrating with you all.

For those of you who don’ t know me, I’ m Gracie and I have known Alisha for the past 16 years. Needless to say, Alisha and I have been through a lot together, and through all the changing fashions and fads and there have been many- spice girls and “ girl power,” clueless inspired platform shoes, bell bottoms the second time around and cleverly renamed “ flared” jeans, and most recently 80’ s tapered jeans, which we all said we’ d never wear, masquerading as “ skinny” jeans- our friendship has remained a constant- a classic, always there, always comfortable, and always fitting like a glove. I have had the joy and pleasure of being a part of Alisha’ s life, and I couldn’t ask for a better sister to call my dearest friend.

Likewise, I had the good fortune of having been there the day that Alisha first met Neill. Neill was DJing an event at the clothing store where Alisha worked and I, like the good college student I was, was there for the perks that an after hours store event offers. If I had known then what I know now, when Alisha asked me nervously if I thought the DJ Neill was cute and should she talk to him, I would tell her without hesitation that the only perk worth pursueing that night was Neill. I couldn’ t imagine a better partner for Alisha and I know their love will continue to grow and flourish forever. Here’ s to you, Alisha and Neill, your future and all the fads and fashions you will love, and outgrow together.

CHEERS!

Then, Neill and I gave a quick impromptu thank you speech and told everyone to follow us into the other room for the cake cutting and first dance.

I really treasured the toasts. I mean, it's not every day that the people closest to you prepare speeches and lavish you with kind words and funny stories. It is something pretty special. I think Neill and I are both really lucky to have people in our life that took the time to carefully craft meaningful well-wishes. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I kind of wish we had asked more people to say a few words. But, c'est la vie - we had a cake cutting to get to!

Miller Time: The Food

I know I said that the toasts and the first dance were next up on this recap train, but I can't keep passing over all these gorgeous food photos. So, the tasty treats are cutting the line and getting the attention that they are rightfully due.

Instead of a traditional sit down dinner, Neill and I planned a cocktail style reception. Our goal was to provide our guests with the same amount of food that a plated dinner would provide, but in an array of fun appetizers. Check out these beauties!

Volo has a big menu and Neill and I had fun choosing what sounded delicious! I'll admit, we didn't worry too much about our choices. We just picked what sounded good. I guess we did a good job picking the menu because the word on the street was that the food rocked!

Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to tell you. As much as I love food, the only thing I ate all night was one mini kobe burger. Yep, that's right - Neill and I were one of those couples that didn't eat at their own wedding. Oh well! I don't think either of us would give up all of the time we got to spend with family and friends for a plate or two of goodies. Plus, the good thing about having our wedding at a restaurant is that we can go back to Volo anytime we want and pretend we're eating our wedding food!

Our final menu was a combination of passed hor doervs and plated for buffet. It looked something like this:


Trio of Seasonal Spreads w/ Housemade Toasts (such as):
Tomato Bruschetta, Cod Brandade, Hummus

Wild Mushroom Tarts

Bacon Wrapped Dates on a stick (and pineapple)

Trio of Assorted Gourmet Artisan Tea Sandwiches:
Ruben, Kobe Burgers, and Vegetable Brioche

Seasonal Rustic Flatbreads: Goat Cheese, Mushroom &
Bacon Flatbread; Sweet Pea Flatbread; Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato
& Basil Flatbread

Marinated Chicken with Hoisin & Miso on a stick

American Sturgeon Caviar, Gaufrette Potato and Crème Fraiche
 
Mini Australian Lamb Pops

Kobe Steak Tartare

Seared Scallop, Cauliflower Puree, Dehydrated Leeks


Mmmm. Everything sounds so delicious. I think it might be about time for Neill and I to make a reservation at Volo!

Miller Time: Announced as Husband and Wife

After officially tying the knot, Neill and I slipped down to the wine cellar to enjoy our yichud with champagne and kisses. Our photographer joined us for a few moments and snapped a few pictures of HOLY COW WE'RE MARRIED bliss.

Upstairs, the reception was getting started! Guests got their first drink, signed the guest-book, and caught up with family and friends.

my mom <3

my new brother-in-law and his beautiful wife

this handsome guy is my father-in-law

my lovely classmates

After what felt like forever, it was finally time for Neill and I to make our grand entrance. We were super excited to join our guests and celebrate with everyone.

let us out of here!

We decided to walk out to Beyonce's Crazy in Love. Go ahead and hit play so you can enjoy the music and I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Here we go!

all these people are here for us?

Woohoo! Let the party begin! Next up - toasts and the first dance.

[All photos by Alix Klingenberg]

Don't forget, you can read all about what happened before this right here!

Big Star

When Big Star opened up in the former Pontiac Cafe location there was buzz galore about their up-scale tacos, drink selection, and uber-hip crowd. So I did what I always do in situations like this--avoided the place like the plague.

Eventually the buzz simmered down and I felt it was safe to give it a try. I started out timidly, ordering tacos at their walk-up window. It was fun to step out from my usual order of steak tacos and I really liked the tacos al pastor, the tacos de panza, and the tinga de pollo.

image via chicago now

Then, the other night, I dove right into the snakes den and actually had dinner at Big Star with a friend . . . like in side sitting down and everything. And guess what?

image via rock n roll ghost

The space is really nice! I liked the lighting in there. I felt like it made everyone 5% more attractive. Plus, the food was even better eating it right when it was ready instead of bringing it home and I got to try one of their cocktails. I ordered a La Paloma (lunazul blanco, grapefruit, lime, mexican fresca) and it was delicious. ( I've got to be honest - I didn't even know what kind of liquor lunazul blanco was, but the description sounded yummo. I just looked it up and it is tequila.)  I really wanted to end the night with one of their mexican hot-chocolate, but somehow I was able to exert some ounce of self-control and walk away. But, you should get some if you go this winter because it is perfection.

 So, there you have it. My big review of Big Star. What do you think of the place?

My Reading List: The Two Income Trap

One of my new year's resolutions was to read more about finances. I'm happy to report that I'm getting a jump-start on this one - I've just started reading The Two Income Trap.

I'm not even a quarter of the way through so I won't even try to summarize the book's main points, but if you are interested you can read an interview with one of the authors here. So far, I can't say I agree with every point the authors make, but it certainly has made me think. When I'm finished with the book I will try to write a post summarizing some of the take home messages.