Because our wedding ceremony rehearsal was actually two days before the wedding, we called our “rehearsal dinner” a “welcome dinner.”  It was full love, warmth, family, friends, and was absolutely unforgettable.

welcome dinner

We held our welcome dinner at the Sheraton City Centre in downtown Indianapolis.  The same location that would host our wedding reception the following day.

welcome dinner

The dinner began with a cocktail hour in a suite that the Rochfords reserved for use during our stay at the Sheraton for the wedding weekend.  We enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, and lots of conversation before heading downstairs to Alexander’s a restaurant inside the Sheraton hotel.

welcome dinner

welcome dinner

welcome dinner

welcome dinner

welcome dinner

welcome dinner

After mingling for about an hour we all headed downstairs to Alexander’s restaurant which is normally used for breakfast at the hotel.  We found that this space was a very intimate setting that was perfect for a rehearsal dinner.  We added bits of decor with table cloths, flowers, and splashes of my wedding pink everywhere to match the theme of the rest of the wedding.

welcome din 3

As we waited for our meals to come out, our mom’s gave amazingly beautiful speeches.  The kind and loving words that both of them had to share truly made the evening magical and memorable for everyone in attendance.

welcome dinner

welcome dinner

Shortly after the speeches ended, our dinner arrived.  I opted for the salmon salad, which was absolutely amazing!  While I did not try the other dishes, I heard nothing but rave reviews from other guests about the other meal options.

welcome dinner

Once dinner was complete, it was time for Brian and I to give our parents and bridal party special gifts to thank them for being with us on such a special day.

welcome dinner

welcome dinner

We explained what was in each bag, as the bridesmaids and groomsmen received important parts of their outfits for the following day (bow ties, socks, earrings, necklaces…) It was so fun to watch our friends open these gifts with excitement!

welcome dinner

After our meals had settled, and all of the presents were opened we all headed back upstairs for some yummy cupcakes.

welcome din 2

I opted for a blueberry cupcake with pink icing…I’m not even exaggerating when I say that I think this may have been the best cupcake I have ever eaten.  It was so good!

Despite the wedding being on 4th of July weekend, the wedding was nowhere near being 4th of July themed…but we couldn’t completely ignore such a patriotic holiday!

Several members of our group went outside to the roof of the Sheraton, some watched from inside on the 21st floor, and some went downstairs to the sidewalk outside to watch the 4th of July fireworks.

welcome dinner

It was such an amazing way to spend our last night together as an unmarried couple.  The fireworks were gorgeous, the company was perfect, and it was such a perfect ending to a great night.  Brian and I felt so loved and touched to be surrounded by so many of our closest friends and family the night before our marriage.  Such an unbelievable feeling.

welcome dinner

Once the fireworks ended I stayed the night with my mom and sister.  It was time to wash my face and clean my rings…

welcome dinner

My mom and sister helped me pack my special “Bride” bag for the next morning.

welcome dinner

And I made sure to check my wedding to-do list and time line MORE than twice.  I didn’t want to forget a thing 🙂

welcome dinner

To be continued….

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    • Thank you Averie! It took a long time to figure out that color…but when we did we used it in the entire wedding!

    • Thanks, Amy! My sister literally just threw my pre-curled hair up on top of my head with a thousand bobby pins…I loved it though!

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