our reception

After our wedding ceremony was over, it was party time!  The cool thing about our venue, Ashton Gardens, is that the reception ballroom is just a few steps away from the chapel.  While the wedding party and our family took some final formal pics, the rest of our guests went into the ballroom for  snacks and cocktails.

The wedding party was introduced, and then Austin and I came down some stairs and had our first dance.  We swayed along to Hunter Hayes' "Wanted".  Love that song!

By this time, everyone was pretty hungry, so Jimbo gave a really sweet welcome speech and then we chowed down on caesar salad and chicken parmesan with roasted veggies and garlic mashed potatoes.  

Following dinner, we heard from my big sister Fox and Austin's BFF Blake.  Both of them had great speeches!  We've all been to weddings where the toasts are too long, or awkward, or embarrassing for the couple.  Not the case here!  Thanks, guys! 

The mommy/son and daddy/daughter dances were next.  Austin and Dana danced to "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts.  So cute!

My dad and I started off dancing to "My Girl" by The Temptations, but then we transitioned into something a little more upbeat.

I can't wait to get the video back, but the pictures Amanda got are priceless!  I had so much fun, and shoutout to Jimbo for being such a trooper.  If you know him, you are aware that going out on stage and performing in front of a bunch of people isn't exactly his idea of a good time.  He was awesome though, and I think he secretly loved the attention!  

Cake cutting was next.  Austin and I were really pleased with the way our cakes turned out, not to mention they were delicious!  

Frosting smooches

Once all of the business was taken care of, it was time to start cutting some rugs.  And cut rugs our guests did!    

Some of our favorite party people

When Austin and I were planning our wedding, people (family, friends, potential vendors) would always ask us what kind of event we wanted to have.  Our answer was always the same, "We want a party!  We want everyone we love to be there, and we want them to have a great time.  We want music and dancing and eating and drinking.  We want to celebrate!"  And if I do say so myself, I think that's what we had!  I had the BEST time, and I will always remember how much FUN it was.  

Love this one of my sister and her hubby!

My gals

In addition to the dancing, there was also an appearance from DJ J-Me!  Check me out on the ones and twos!

Mandy, Caesar: you guys are next!

We ended the night with one more dance, just Austin and me.  While our guests got in exit formation, we had the whole ballroom to ourselves and Jason Mraz's "I Won't Give Up" played.  It was a special moment, and it was nice to just have a minute to take everything in one last time.  

We ended the party by walking (and kissing) through the sparkler line, and then we rode off into the sunset!  It was magical, the whole night.  What a way to start our lives together!  Thanks again to all of our friends and family for everything.  We had a blast!!

All of these photos were taken by Amanda Jameson Weddings.  She is just the best!