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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
After our meals had settled, and all of the presents were opened we all headed back upstairs for some yummy cupcakes.
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.
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.
Once the fireworks ended I stayed the night with my mom and sister. It was time to wash my face and clean my rings…
My mom and sister helped me pack my special “Bride” bag for the next morning.
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 🙂
To be continued….
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[…] Welcome Dinner […]
You look AMAZING! What great pics! And that coral color, THAT is your color. It looks fabulous on you!
Thank you Averie! It took a long time to figure out that color…but when we did we used it in the entire wedding!
Just pop in and said both of you look great on the day and the special gifts for the party are good looking too.
I love your outfit in these pictures! Everything looked so beautiful! It’s so fun to hear about your special day 🙂
Thank you so much, Lindsay!! It is fun to share and relive that weekend 🙂
Your hair looks so cute in these pictures, and I love that dress! What a special time!
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!