Definitely took notes at this one!

Friday night, Danielle, her fiance and another friend got to Dallas. We went out and met up with ER and her sister's wedding party for some bowling and silly games. It was a good time. I love getting to hang out and act like a goofy kid with all my friends. Especially when there are $1 Jello shots involved!

It was cool too because we don't all get to meet up together like that very often. ER's sister, Danielle and I were sitting and talking about how great it is that we're all in such good places in our lives. We were there for ER's sister's wedding. Danielle is engaged. I'm planning my wedding(s!), and ER is in a great relationship with a guy who treats her very well. We're all doing great, and we're all really happy. Talking about that together made me realize how lucky we all are to be in such wonderful places, but especially to be able to all share that at the same time.














I already blogged about my fun find with Danielle the morning of the wedding. As for the wedding itself, it was awesome.

ER's sister's wedding was perfect for her and her new husband. Everything they did fit them to a T. The ceremony was a Lutheran ceremony, which lasted just about an hour. I hadn't expected that. It was pretty, though, and ER and her sister both looked gorgeous.

The reception was a blast from start to finish. The grand entrance was definitely grand! There was a cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres in the foyer between the ballrooms of the hotel. Crimson & cream pompoms were passed out to all the guests as we waited for the wedding party to arrive.

Suddenly, the DJ called us all over to this grand staircase. He began playing AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" (I totally wanted that to play for my wedding party's entrance. And that song has been my ringtone for a year now, just so you know. Plus, K says it's used in a lot of Army slideshows, which makes it kind of all the more fitting for us.), which got some laughter from the guests. Each member of the wedding party, including the ushers, ran one at a time down the staircase, with the DJ giving a fun little introduction and silly facts for each person. When ER's sister and her new husband made their entrance, the song switched over to a recording of the Pr!de playing "Oklahoma." It was like a mini pep rally!





























Then, there was a receiving line into the ballroom, where the party began. Everything was very well organized, and each table was named after one of the islands the newlyweds will visit on their honeymoon cruise. To prevent waiting in line forever at the buffet, the DJ called our tables by name in groups of four. Each table would scream in excitement when their name was called for the buffet. What is usually a frustrating experience was made fun through that little idea!

The music was great, and there was a bar, which meant even I was dancing. Everywhere --

By the bar ...






















and even in the foyer!





















































As you can see, we all had an awesome time. And I totally am stealing some ideas for mine and K's reception!