They were married at St. Hugo's of the Hills in Farmington Hills, MI on Saturday, October 10, 2009. The rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception were all beautiful. Tracy could not have been a more gorgeous bride. Absolutely stunning!
We stayed in Michigan for the week leading up to the wedding. The rehearsal dinner was at Lino's in Rochester Hills. We took both kids to the rehearsal in Farmington Hills. Grandma Pam picked up both kids from the rehearsal dinner and took them back to her place. So Doug and I got to enjoy some kid-free time. It was a very nice dinner.
Saturday morning Ava and I woke up and headed to the Royal Park Hotel to get our hair done. I had my make-up done, as well (They airbrushed it on!). Tracy seemed very calm and able to enjoy the day fully. It was a beautiful, sunny, crisp day for their wedding. The bridesmaids all got dressed and went to church via limo. Ava and I went back to Grandma Pam's place to finish getting dressed. Doug met up with Joe and went to the church for pictures with the rest of the guys. When we got there, I was seated while Ava was taken downstairs with the other bridal party members. Ava walked down the aisle with (Maid of Honor) Aunt Kathy and cousin Trinity, who was also a flower girl. When Ava and Trinity got to the end of the aisle, Kristy and I went to get the girls, to lead them to our seats.
Grandpa Dean and Dolly kept Liam content through most of the wedding, but Grandpa Dean got up mid-way through and discretely slipped out a side door, so Liam wouldn't make too much noise during the ceremony.
It was gorgeous. Tracy walked down the aisle to the regal sound of a trumpet playing a song fit for royalty, while sun beamed through the stained glass windows of the stone chapel. Absolutely beautiful.
Once Tim and Tracy became "Mr. and Mrs.", attendees gathered outside the chapel. Some family pictures were taken, after which the wedding party got on a bus to tour / take pictures in downtown Detroit. They went to Lafayette Coney Island and took some great / candid pictures. Ava, Liam and I rode back with Grandma Pam to her apartment for the afternoon, so the kiddos could take naps. We got ready for the reception later that night, and I packed an overnight bag, as Doug and I stayed at the Royal Park after the reception.
The reception was a blast! Tracy and Tim's first dance was memorable and sweet. Tim and his Mom are definitely light on their feet! My feet hurt from dancing so much. Ava and Liam stayed for the first part of the reception. A few times I / we had to take Liam out into the lobby for some fresh air. He liked to sit at the piano, which automatically played if a certain button was pushed. One of the waitstaff asked if he was playing... as he donned his tuxedo. ;-) Grandma Pam was nice enough to offer to take them back to her place for the night, so Doug and I could enjoy the rest of the reception.
One corner of the room served as a "Taste of Michigan" station, complete with candy apples, apple cider, Macinac Island fudge, and so many other treats. Yum! The band was amazing, as well. I think they were named "Persuasion"? They definitely got the crowd up on their feet. I know we had a blast! We retired to our room (feet completely throbbing by that point!), and slipped into their super comfy hotel robes. Ahh!
It was so good to see so many faces that we had not seen in quite some time. I know everyone seemed to have great fun. In the morning, we woke up and attended an excellent brunch served in the Royal Park conservatory room. It was beautiful. If ever we build a house, I would LOVE a room like this conservatory! Everyone said "goodbyes" and went their separate ways.
Tim and Tracy are truly blessed to have found each other. We were so honored to be part of such a special day in their lives! We wish you a lifetime and eternity of happiness together.
Here are some pictures of the wedding festivities:
Payton, Kathy and Sydney at the rehearsal dinner
Sisters: Tracy and Kathy at the rehearsal dinner
Outside the stone chapel at St. Hugo's of the Hills
The stone chapel at St. Hugo's of the Hills
Kathy walking Ava and Trinity down the aisle.
Walking back to our seats after Ava finished her flower girl duties
Jim walking Tracy down the aisle.
Jim and Tracy walking down the aisle
Liam after the wedding ceremony.
Our family outside the chapel after the ceremony.
Doug and Liam outside the chapel.
Ava after the ceremony.
Kathy and Sydney after the wedding ceremony 
Liam back at Grandma Pam's house after the wedding. 
Father / Daughter Dance. I honestly got teary-eyed watching them dance.
Tracy with Jim's sister, Aunt Marlene
Tracy and Tim thanking guests for attending
The happy couple
Jim giving a toast to the newly married couple and thanking everyone for attending.
Kathy's speech / toast as the Maid of Honor
Our family at the reception. 
This picture makes my heart melt. Liam at the reception. 
Doug and I took pictures in the photo booth.
Peace, love and lots of rice,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam
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