Goin' To the Chapel: The Rehearsal

After the whirlwind decorating session at the Elk's Club on Friday afternoon, my family and Ian and I stopped at The Pump Station in Boalsburg for some "lunch": aka scones and coffee. An acceptable lunch in the Saylor life.

Time was ticking away, so we hurried home so we could freshen up (read: I could wipe away the layers of sweat from the humid summer day and make myself look presentable) and I could finally put on my rehearsal dress that I had bought in San Antonio over spring break. 

I came downstairs as the out of town family members were starting to arrive, and when I caught a glimpse of Ian all dazzled up, I got a wave of excitement. Dang, he was handsome. And I got to marry him.

All photos are courtesy of the lovely Kasey Cannon, the only one who remembered to bring a camera.

We had told everyone to arrive at the church at 5:45 sharp so we could start at 6. And then we arrived around 6 and were the last ones there--whoops. However, there was nothing like walking into the church, looking around at all of our closest friends, some that we hadn't seen in months and just realizing over and over that this was for our wedding! This was for us! 

And we looked thrilled.

We all lined up and got into place and off we went!

The musicians played our walk out song - How Sweet it Is (to be Loved by You) - and we practiced recessing. And then it was a run through from the beginning!

But first--I had to don the bridal shower attire crafted by the bridesmaids. It really enhanced the look, I think.

Me and my daddy walked down the aisle...

and left me with my man.

We practiced our ring-putting-on skills...

And then we were married! Just like that. Not really though.

Surprisingly, the whole thing went incredibly smoothly and everyone felt good about their places for the next day!

So where did we have our rehearsal dinner? A fancy country club? A stuffy sit-down restaurant? 

Aw hell no. It was time for a Mexican fiesta at Rey Azteca.

We ate, drank, laughed, and cried, and it was perfect. Especially when our parents made speeches...

I won't lie--after we decided to have the rehearsal dinner here, I saw the Mexican restaurant scene in Bridesmaids and was a little wary.

But all was well and everyone made it to the next day.

THE BIG DAY!

Casa Rio: A Mexican River Experience

Since I'm not sure how much free time I'll be getting for the rest of this week, I decided to do the See-San-Antonio-in-a-Day-whirlwind tour. Because after several cups of coffee and 6 hours of plane rides, what else is a girl in Texas to do?

Jump on the king-size bed?

Gorge on the complimentary chocolate covered strawberries and truffles? (Did I pick the right major or what?)

I pretty much spent the day exploring the Riverwalk, and at some point, stumbled across The Alamo. I literally had no idea I was anywhere near it, and all of a sudden there it was!

I must say, the shopping here is a little weak. I was envisioning thousands of little shops and boutiques, with a couple of vintage shops thrown in here and there (why not?), but retail-wise, it mostly fell into three categories: Texas-themed tourist junk, Mexican-y pots and tapestries, and jewelry. Good jewelry!

However, there is one thing that this place doesn't skimp on--food. The River Walk is LOADED with fun restaurants that can appeal to all crowds. Everything from sports bars to Chinese food to the Rainforest Cafe...it really has it all.

Feeling a bit like Samantha Brown a la The Travel Channel, I set off to find some good San Antonian grub. All day, I had been looking for the colored umbrellas like I saw in the River Walk photo in this post. After what felt like miles and miles of walking, I finally spotted them!

And wouldn't you know, they belong to a classic San Antonio Mexican Food destination (or so they say...)

Casa Rio was the first business established along the river, and played a part in the River Walk evolving into the food destination it is today. They offer a fairly extensive menu--not quite as overwhelming as most Mexican establishments I've been to, but still a good variety of tacos, enchiladas, flautas, and quesadillas. After seeking the opinion of my server Carlos, I decided to go with the Regular Plate--"A Favorite since 1946"--which consisted of a Cheese Enchilada, Tamale, Chili Con Carne, Mexican Rice, and Refried Beans. I also splurged on some local Texas beer--because what the heck. I'm in Texas.

I was there before the dinner rush hit, but service was incredibly speedy and the staff treated me like they would treat their family. Carlos didn't even laugh at me too much when I asked if I was supposed to eat the corn husk thing around the tamale.

Overall, a resounding A+ for Casa Rio, San Antonio, and for being able to wear one of my favorite dresses (which also gained the approval of some weird men dressed like cowboys who asked if I ran away from my husband to Texas...).

Tomorrow I begin my HR experience! I can't wait to wear all my funky--but not junky--professional clothes. But first: sleep. Lots and lots of it.