Sherry and Chris: Rehearsal Dinner

Sherry and Chris got married at the end of September and I'm just now getting a chance to blog some images. The wedding took place in Hickory, NC. My sister and assistant, Diana and I traveled up there to document their whole weekend - it was such a blast! First up was the rehearsal. I'm going to blog the rehearsal today and the wedding and reception tomorrow.

We drove up on friday (it's about 5+ hours from Wilmington) and when we arrived at the hotel, Sherry and Chris were outside with some of their family and friends. It was so great to see them as soon as we got there (it was totally unplanned). I brought in the bridal portraits and those that got a sneak peek loved them! After checking in the hotel and a quick shower, it was time to head to the church.

I didn't take many pics at the church, but I did practice a bit with the lighting etc....

Here's Sherry's niece and flower girl practicing her walk down the aisle...

And then Sherry's Mom and brother..

After everyone practiced for the big day at the church, we headed to the Rock Barn  for the dinner. (Ironically, my parents went there for a wedding/reception last year at the same time of year). Unfortunately it rained all day and evening, so we weren't able to get any pictures outside.

There were about 75 people in attendance and it was an absolute blast. There were a lot of friends and family that had traveled great distances to be there and you could just feel the love and excitement in the room as everyone caught up with one another.

This little guy was my buddy. If I remember correctly, it's Chris' cousin's son....he was so stinkin cute. He was shy at first, but then started hamming it up for the camera.

 

We had a wonderful dinner and then it was time for the dance! I had no idea we were in for such a treat! They had a live band (that was awesome) and Sherry and Chris were quite the dancers. (And yes, he looks orangey/red because they had lights behind them that were that color :))

I can't remember the specific songs they played....but at one point they got Chris and Sherry up there and said they were going to have them practice their first dance.... they would start playing a song (that was hillarious) and then be like..oh nooo...that's not the right one.... (i.e. the first song they played was the country song, "trashy women!") It was so funny!

Sherry was out on the dance floor most of the night...everybody wanted to take a turn dancing with the bride....

She and Dad had to practice for the next night..

And then another one of the little cousins....

At the end of the evening, Sherry and Chris exchanged gifts. Sherry received some beautiful earrings and a necklace and Chris got a huge picture from a football game (I think that's what it was...I know it was sports related and his jaw hit the floor when he got it).

 

So that's it...it was a great party and like no rehearsal dinner I had ever seen! Stay tuned for part 2.....the wedding and reception!!