The Reception

In the spirit of where we met (kinda), our wedding reception was held at the bowling alley. We decided to mix a bunch of things we like together: Day of the Dead, skulls, music, bowling, friends, family, beer, booze, cupcakes and Mexican food (among other things).

Miguel and I tapped into our frugal/ creative senses and decided to make most of the decorations: two-tiered records bowls- the top was for chips and the bottom for our M&M favors and hanging records with skull accents-made from 45s, fishing line and skull beads.

(My adorable parents and sister; you can kind of see the hanging records in the background)

I also asked the guests to send a piece of fabric so that I could make a quilt that represented our loved ones so we're never alone on our travels (from what I've heard, the quilt idea is becoming increasingly popular in the DIY wedding world).

We used bright fall-inspired colors for the tablecloths and frosting on the cupcakes. The music was a mix of 50's and 60's rock. Everything was very simple, yet fun.

The party began with everyone settling in and grabbing a bite to eat from our buffet of Qdoba snacks (Taco/Burrito/Nacho Bar). Then my friends Leslie and Jamie gave very sweet, funny toasts and we said our "thank-you(s)". Finally, the games started, as did the laughter and great conversations.

From the responses I have received, it seems everyone had a great time. I'm hoping to get more pictures of the decorations and reception, unfortunately we didn't get very many. After the reception some of us moved on to an after party, which is material for another post ;-)

237

First, my neck still kinda hurts and I can't seem to shake the kink in my right shoulder. Oh well, my tattoo is finally complete! That's right, 6 years and 30 some odd hours and she's done. A beautiful piece of artwork compliments of my buddy Curtis Burgess at Tribal Rites in Fort Collins, CO. It's been a long road but we are finished.

Lastly, Miguel and I decided to spend our Saturday night together in romantic bliss. Yes, it was Valentine's Day, but we just happened to have the night off together (a very rare occurrence). I broke out a coupon for bowling I had been saving, mixed up a cocktail and prepared myself for a night at the lanes. Mig and I tend to place bets before we start playing, just to keep things interesting.

Game 1: Loser puts clothes away naked while the other watches. I won this one with a 175 to Mig's 134, a really good game for me because I usually bowl around 140.

Game 2: 30 minute massage for the winner. Here's the amazing part, I won this game with a whopping 237 to Miguel's 120!!! That's right folks, I said 237 (almost double Mig's score). For all you semi-pro bowlers out there this may not be very impressive, but for someone who has only broken 200 twice and each time being beyond intoxicated, this is AWESOME! The couple on the lane next to us stopped bowling so they could watch me finish my awesome game!

Game 3: If Miguel won this game the other two bets would be wiped out. I again, won this game. Not as huge but still pretty good, 205 to 139. Amazing, breaking my personal record twice in one night.

Here's to love, bowling and Valentine's Day 2009!!