RHS Hall of Fame Speech

Wonder what I said at the Hall of Fame induction, you can read my speech below.

I would like to start by thanking the hall of fame committee for selecting me for this great honor.  I am extremely proud to be associated with all the other nominees, the Bee Football team, Randy Orwig, John Butler and Dr. Hank Mercado, Congratulations!  I would like to especially thank Dr. Mercado for all his help in getting me nominated and his guidance during the process.

Thank you to my parents. You two amaze me. Not sure how you made it to every race, game and meet. But you were always there cheering me on. You have taught me what hard work looks like, how to be a strong and fair competitor, showed me how to care about those around you. I also have amazing siblings Brooke, Sean and Mikayla. They cannot be here tonight because they are all off doing amazing things. They like my parents have shaped me and always been my biggest fans.  

To my husband Brennan. You are the love of my life and the best teammate anyone could ask for. You may have met me long after my high school days, but you understand where I come from, especially since you toured my high school this morning. To my grandpa you’re an amazing support! Thank you for feeding me through college! To my family friends here, I feel so blessed to have you in my life and your support in all my endeavors

I want to take the time to thank my coaches and teammates. You get nowhere in life without the help from those around you.  I was so fortunate to have amazing teammates- everyone of them I could say a million things about. Many of the alumni that I never played with helped me to be a better player.  Beth Harberts, Kendra Adama both went on to play at San Jose State. Hillary Clarendon Bluementhal who was always a rock in the goal and still one of my best friends. My sister Brooke who complimented my style so well loving to score. But to no fail watched game film every available moment.  Without all of them I would not have been half the player I became.

I have had amazing coaches from club through my college days. I would especially like to thank my high school coaches, who again took the time away from their families to be here tonight. I was fortunate to play and compete for the best coaches around. Matt Fry I could never thank you enough! For all the time and support. You always had my back as a player and appreciated my opinion. You let me shine as the player that loved defense and leading in my own style.  When swim season came around you always had the right thing to say before a big race- I can think of one instance before the 200 Free for a CBL Title. We won’t repeat it! Coach D thank you for always having good things to say and a way for me to improve my game. For letting your enthusiasm for the game flow through you and rub off on all of us. Dahnke thanks for pushing me to be the best swimmer possible. For understanding my desire to push myself and allowing me to train with the boys. For always making me laugh and give me the joy back in swimming.  For all of you for spending so many hours on the pool deck, for the weekends spent building things and spending so much of your personal money to better our aquatic programs.  I can tell you it has all paid off.

As I have gone through this whole process many memories have come rushing back. From my first cross country meet to my last time racing as a Terrier.  I have so many positive memories in between. I was taught life lessons that carry me through to today. For example never let you little sister get on the bus before you. I am going to stand tall on this Matt, she made me late.  

I love sports. Sports is what my life has revolved around. My family loves sports it is what we do together. I love sports so much that I got a Master’s Degree in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco. This is also how I met my husband.  I work for a company called PEAR Sports. We have an app that is heart rate based coaching so you can train at the highest level for you as an individual. My husband works for a nonprofit that helps individuals with diabetes be active through sports.  My true sports passion is swimming and water polo (though I do love college football).

Even at a young age- I spent hours at the pool. I still love the sports. I still coach water polo at SDSU spending free time on the pool deck. I remember being in middle school and getting out of school early to watch REV/RHS game. Melissa Fernandez an all-America mom Hillarys Aunt picked us up. At the time Hillary’s sister Chamile was the goalie for RHS. I was there when those amazing players won the CIF title in 2000. I was at multiple CIF swimming finals when so many RHS athletes (Vicky West, Shannon Cullen, Ben Worby, Evan Castro) placed and won individual CIF titles! Those were the athletes I looked up to and was going to follow in their footsteps. I like to think I did them all justice. I may never have won a title but I represented RHS in the best of my ability on a daily basis.

I could stand up here and talk for hours about my time at RHS.

I will give you three quick stories from my different sports. One from each sport you will see a common theme in them my family has and will always play a huge role in my life.  I ran cross country my freshman and sophomore year. I made varsity and I have club swimming to thank for that (I had built the engine, they say). But I was learning this new sport and there was no pressure. I can remember one of the first meets over at Prospect Park- my family is of course there. And we are a bit into the race and I am with a pack of girls (nowhere near the start line) and this man on a bike starts yelling. All these different things drive your arms, turnover, relax. Don’t let them get the jump. And this girl turns to me and is like wonder who’s dad that is. I did not respond. A little farther into the course he is back- yelling away. Well at the time I was not proud to say it but that yelling man on the bike, that was my dad. While all the other parents just waited to cheer in one area- the coach in him took it to the next level. Eventually the girls learned it was my dad, think the football coach in them scared a few. For me it was what I needed every turn he was there to get me through. I also have a picture from another meet at that same park- I look like death (though I think my running always looks that way). And the path is lined with my water polo and swim teammates with signs and they were all yelling. They had all come to cheer me on. That is the family that was built at RHS. My friends from sports where who I eat my lunch with, who I went to school dances with. They were teammates and true friends.

Water Polo I could go on and on. It was the sport I felt I was the strongest at. I used my swimming skills to outlast people, loved to play defense and lead the offense.  We had a reputation to keep RHS had never lost in league- though I can say when that loss finally happened it was with my little sister Mikayla playing at REV, many years after my time. If anyone was going to steal it I could let it go to my sister. My fondest memory is my Junior year we were playing the semifinals of CIF. Finally made it past the quarter finals, which had cursed the team for a few years. Not only that we were playing at the U of R- none of this playing over in Riverside business. We were playing the number 1 seed Riverside Poly.  Being so close the school pushed the information out people showed up. The track team lead by I believe Mr. Morris ran over. The place was packed the refs were pushing students back who were sitting on the concrete.  Poly- had a few great players (ironically I had played club with most of them). I was tasked with shutting down there best player Monique. I did my job well, we got a few good goals. My sister Brooke like usual played lights out our goalie was pulling everything down. After every big play the deck would explode with cheers. When the final buzzer sounded we had won- knocking off the number one seed. The first person I hugged was my sister Brooke we had worked so hard for this moment. Then in came Matt & Coach D. We were all swimming in victory. Sadly we went on to lose to Upland a few days later. But we had been the underdog and won.  I had played in the “big house”!  My senior year we again would meet up with Upland in the finals and lose. It was a hard way to end my high school career. But a memory none the less to play in front of hundreds. To have my sister again play amazing.

Swimming was another time in the year I looked forward to. High school swimming has much more of a team feel and I loved that. I seemed to always swim well in high school I enjoyed it more with less pressure. Not to say that pressure did not come at times. I managed to get into CIF multiple times, even when it seemed impossible. Being undefeated in league didn’t come easy either. But think my best story from high school is at the Mission Viejo invitational. This was always a good test in the middle of the year. You have prelims and finals. You have the best high schools in orange county and many times Olympians you are racing against. I had qualified for the finals in the 100 Fly and so did my sister Brooke.  At this meet you get to design your bio that they read when you get  introduced. Not sure who started the RHS tradition but you came up with something funny. We had these brothers and the oldest one started an Armadillo farm, so when the younger brother arrived he took over the armadillo tradition. But everyone’s was funny from RHS.  This particular year when Brooke and I had both qualified we were in the lanes right next to each other. So mine read something along the lines of beat the girl in “Lane 5”. While hers read something similar. It was going to be a battle. One of my teammates got a picture of us at the same moment in the same part of our stroke breathing- it hangs in my parents’ home. That was the true meaning of competition. I won’t lie and say I won the sister battle. I believe I was out touched.  

I left RHS as a confident individual who planned to make an impact at San Diego State.  I played the same water polo style and was always relied upon in big moments. I was in the water as the clock ticked down and we upset Cal at their pool (1st time in school history). I was in the room when it was announced we had made the NCAA Championship Tournament.  I played in the final four in Long Beach in front of my family. The next year my best friend and sister Brooke joined me at San Diego State. Where we both swam and played polo. That year was another year of success for us both with polo and swimming. Swimming got its highest league ranking and we played together in the NCAA Tournament. My senior year I just swam. The first time in my entire life I did not play polo. I went all personal bests and end my career with a long mile. And when I finished that mile the first person I saw was Brooke. Then to the stands to see my parents. After graduation I would stay on to coach with the SDSU swim team.  A highlight of my life- I was with Brooke when she started her career and would see it to the end. I coached multiple athletes to Freshman Swimmer of the Year, to individual’s conference titles. But the best was I witnessed my sister Brooke place in the conference and was with her when we went for that much needed celebration swim. We won the Mountain West Conference Championship with an undefeated record. The first in the programs history.

My husband likes to yell "GO AZTECS" when I get excited about SDSU. It's a testament to my love of home. I'm a true "homer" as they say.

I love SDSU.

I love RHS.

I love where I'm from. This is my home. This is my family. RHS is the place that molded me.

I'm a Terrier for life.

The people here respected my view of leadership, my view of the world. It was not just about the stat sheet but about making Jamie the best person I could be. For that I am always grateful. From the bottom of my heart I thank all of you, Redlands is who I am and who I will always be.

Thank you.

RHS Hall of Fame

I realized that I never actually talked about the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame Event. To say I was humbled would be an understatement.

When I was first asked to include my resume, I laughed. The rules are basically you have to be out of school 5 year and still continuing with athletics. I worked a few hours collecting all my accomplishments, awards, and volunteer opportunities, multiple jobs. Turns out I have done a few things in my short life. It was a fun reminder of my years of high school, college and the few years following.

I was informed a few weeks after turning in my resume that I had been selected for the 2013 Hall of Fame class. I was voted in with a unanimous vote. What a true honor. I then needed to get them pictures and approve my plaque.

Brennan & I in the Hall of Fame

The induction events would take place over two days in November. Thursday November 7^th would be jam backed with events on campus. Brennan and I would leave nice and early from San Diego, with a quick stop to grab my grandpa. We then drove to Redlands.

The first event was to meet at the Hall of Fame room on campus at 9am. I had never been into the room.  My dad would meet us there. It was the first chance to see all those previously inducted. Then to see my plaque hanging with all the others. Woman have only been inducted for the past few years, so I am truly honored to join the select few. We would then all be introduced to the group.

Chuck's plaque

After spending some time in the hall of fame we were headed to see the rest of campus. I laughed cause it does not look much different, but for others it had been three or four decades and A LOT had changed. The tour was a ton of fun in terms of getting to show Brennan my high school. We also were able to stop and see the tree and plaque planted for the late Chuck Baker. I spent a few minutes just thinking of him and knowing he was watching. In the gym I got to see Brooke’s name on the wall for CIF Division 5 player of the year! 

Proud of you Brooke!!!

Once the tour ended it was time to head out for lunch. Dad and grandpa meet up with us again (they didn’t want to do all the walking around campus). We had a great lunch with all the inductee’s, friends and family. In all honesty based on the age of everyone else being inducted my dad and grandpa fit in much better than Brennan & I.

When we finished lunch it was back to campus. The inductee’s had been asked to speak with the 6^th period athletes PE classes. I think this was one of the best parts of the Hall of Fame events. Brennan laughed at me cause I was freaking out and not sure what to say. My quick speech was basically that I was just them, time goes quickly. Life will give you what you put into it. So dream big and work hard. Remember where you came from. I think it resonated well with the athletes.

With my table

After the speech we had about two hours before we needed to be at the UofR for the banquet. We went and hung out with the dad and grandpa at the house. I then started the process of getting ready. Since I was being inducted we needed to be there early to set up my table. I had brought some memorabilia to add as well. Then my always amazing mom came strolling in!

During my speech

Since we were early it gave us some time to chat with the other inductee’s and Redlands peps. Redlands is a small town when you start to really get involved. I was truly blessed and honored by the number of friends who came out to support me through my carreer andthen showed up for the banquet. I want to thank Matt Fry my high school water polo coach and swim coach. Was great to have him sitting at our table. Then the Brown’s and West’s who have seen me progress from learn to swim to a college coach. Patty Baker, Sandi Ritchey and the Atchley’s who have known me since before I could swim.  Thank you for giving up an evening to see me be awarded, I feel so blessed!

The evening was a lot of fun, just chatting over dinner. Then we got to listen to speeches from those who are on the board of the Hall of Fame, which are all volunteers. Then all inductee’s were given a chance to speak. Some speeches were very funny, some to long. I was starting to get really nervous about mine. I had a speech I was well aware was to long, but Brennan reminded me that no one would be mad and this was my time. I gave my speech and only managed to tear up!

With my fellow Aztec

It was a long night but jus very exciting. The banquet was amazing and packed. They had sold out and went to extra capacity! Which made it even more amazing.

Friday would be restful. Brennan and I would spend most of the day at Panera working. Then it was time to get ready for the football game. I took a lot of heat for Brennan since I decided to wear my letterman’s jacket. In Redlands that was what everyone wears to the games. I probably wont have many chances left, or none if Brennan has his choice! We all headed to the football game where we had field access. We watched the team warm up. Then I was announced prior to the game. It was a funny introduction, “ I got the just look at her jacket, and we can’t even tell you everything she has accomplished”. I was a bit embarrassed hearing that. I then got to shake all the captains hands. Only to have one say are you Mikayla’s sister? I responded, “Well yes she is my sister”. He replies “I see it really runs in the family”. That made me laugh. Turns out he went to REV with Sean and KK but then transferred to RHS. Small town!

I have attended my share of football games. I always wonder what it would be like in the coin toss. I finally got my chance. I was asked to join the coin toss, where the refs and athletes congratulated us. Dad told me to go out there and be ready. Say we are calling heads, we want to defer and we will be going toward the East. It would have been funny if I did, but I did not!

Then the family headed into the stands to watch the game. On our way to the stands all different RHS fans congratulated me. My parents were congratulated on all my accomplishments. It was a fun moment. I then got to spend a bit more time with the inductee’s, they were all so amazing in there own right. What I appreciated the most if for being a smaller sport they were all so amazed and kept informing me of that!

At half time the team was not playing well. Brennan, grandpa and I needed to drive back home. I had to be at San Diego State Saturday morning by 7am. My club team was hosting a pre-season tournament. It never ends for those looking to be the best!

Mr Morse and Me

I want to thank all those that have supported me over the years. To my parents who are just amazing, my siblings that were my biggest fans! My husband Brennan who took in a lot of Redlands for a weekend. My grandpa for the support and coming to see me being honored. My coaches especially Matt Fry, who always believed in me.  For my dentist Hank Mercado who is on the board of the Hall of Fame, also another inductee. Thank you for telling my dad about it, for helping me through the process. Thanks to the rest of the Hall of Fame board for putting together an amazing event and including me in it! Thanks to Kenny Morse who I had as a teacher and is now in administration. For all your work with the board of the Hall of Fame, for taking us on a tour, getting us on the field and everything in between. 

Redlands High School Hall of Fame

  Hundreds attend RHS Hall of Fame induction ceremony

 (left to right) John Butler (Class of 1960, football, basketball & track) Hank Mercado (Class of 1964, football, basketball and community), Jamie Vessey (Class of 2005, Swim, water polo) and Randy Orwig (Class of 1968, basketball, baseball), pose for a group photo at the 11th annual Redlands HS Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, on Thursday, November 7, 2013. (Photo by Frank Perez for Redlands Daily Facts)

By Ed Castro, Redlands Daily Facts

                                           

REDLANDS - The honorees during Thursday’s Redlands High School Athletic Hall of Fame all took home a little something.
New memories, new tales to tell and perhaps a renewed appreciation for being a part of such a storied tradition.
“This is what the Hall of Fame is all about,” said Mercado, a two-sport athlete and community activist from the class of 1964. “This brings all the folks together to celebrate the Long Blue Line.”
Mercado was among a group of inductees that included three sport star John Butler (Class of 1960), and two sport stars Randy Orwig (Class of 1968) and Jamie Vessey (Class of 2005). Also inducted was the 1968 Bee Football team.

The dinner and ceremony capped off a long day for the inductees. They toured the campus, strolled through the RHS Hall of Fame and talked with athletes. “I spent the day hearing things I had never heard about before,” said Vessey, the youngest inductee. “The school doesn’t have a Bee team anymore. It was quite an honor to be so young and inducted so quickly.”
A 2005 graduate, the campus hadn’t changed much. For some of the other inductees, however, it was their first tour in years.
“It was fun to be here,” Orwig said. “I explained to the kids about some of the big games I was in and to deal with them. I spoke with a couple of the pitchers on the baseball team. It was good.”

The Bee Football team seemed to be a crowd favorite. The team was based on size - they were sophomores who hadn’t fully grown in their bodies yet. They managed to produce an undefeated season.
“It was unique,” said Fred Venegas, a safety on the team. “They broke it down. There were so many kids. But it gave us the opportunity to play.”
John Butler appreciated the group of inductees.
“I think it’s a great class,” Butler said. “They are great. “Overall, it’s a class that is to be proud of.”
The ceremony itself drew more than 100 more attendees than last year’s event, which is a good sign for the RHS Hall of Fame.

“I want them to leave with the thought that Redlands history lives on,” said Clarence Butler, president of the Hall of Fame. And we want to share it with the kids at school. Maybe one of those kids will be in the hall of fame one day.”

Being Inducted into RHS Hall of Fame (Article)

Aquatics star Jamie Vessey to be inducted into Redlands HS Hall of Fame

Redlands High grad Jamie Vessey will be inducted into the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame in ceremonies today at the Orton Center. Staff file photo

Posted: 11/06/13, 10:08 PM PST|

By Ed Castro

REDLANDS - Jamie Vessey is the epitome of a first ballot hall of famer.
Her athletic resume is second to none, making her a natural for induction during today’s Redlands High School Athletic Hall of Fame in the Orton Center at the University of Redlands.
“l did a lot and it wasn’t too long ago,” Vessey said. “We were successful and I would have liked to have won the two CIF titles when we got there. There are many athletes that can say they played in a CIF championship in front of that championship crowd.”

Vessey twice played for a CIF title in girl’s water polo. And the first CIF title match is a memory that will last a lifetime. “It’s pretty unreal,” Vessey said. “It was my junior year and we finally made it past the quarterfinals. It was at the University of Redlands. It was so thrilling to have the game here. It was amazing.” Vessey remembers the moment the RHS track team jogged to the venue and rooted for the Terriers. “I just remember all that anxiety of that whole day,” Vessey said. “So many people were there. We had students on the concrete, the ref’s had to push them back. It was a full house.”

Redlands defeated Riverside Poly to reach Vessey’s first CIF championship game. “We threw the coaches into the pool, the track team went nuts,” Vessey said. “The next day people came up to me and talked about it. It was an unreal feeling. It was really great.” Vessey wrote herself into the RHS water polo record books. She is fifth all time in career goals, second all time in career assists, and is the all-time leader in career steals. She holds the Nos. 1 and 3 spots for steals in a game and Nos. 2-5 for steals in a season.

“I was able to do well in water polo and swimming,” Vessey said. “Even when I ran in cross country I reached the CIF prelims. I always had the chance to compete at the highest levels.”
Vessey was a two-time Citrus Belt League Most Valuable Player, a four-time All CIF selection.
“My impression of the hall of fame is that it’s a great thing,” Vessey said. “I like reading about the inductees. To know that I’m being inducted in the same class as the Bee football team, which didn’t play varsity but was a great team, is really cool to me.”

Water polo seemed like a natural tuneup for the swimming season, which Vessey excelled at as well. She won two individual CBL titles and two CBL relay titles in each of her four seasons. She was the team MVP in her freshman season and reached the CIF consolation finals in her sophomore and junior seasons. When she was done swimming Vessey registered a four year CBL undefeated record in the 200 freestyle and the 100 butterfly. Vessey was somewhat of a veteran in water sports by the time she reached high school. She competed in recreational basketball, softball and track. But it was the pool in her back yard that helped the most. “It was a natural to go into swimming,” Vessey said. “A water polo club started and I said I might as well as try that too. I enjoyed both.” Vessey got married last month. And today’s Hall of Fame tour of the high school will be her first in years. “I have not been on campus in a long time,” Vessey said. “I’ve never been in the hall of fame. I think that is really going to be pretty exciting. It’s going to be a cool feeling.”

EcoKable

They say life changes when you get married. Our life did not change that much really at all. Well except the fact that my amazing husband has started a new company. Yep you read that right started a new company called EcoKable. 

"EcoKable is an earth friendly technology company that focuses on eco-friendly electronic products. The first product is an environmentally friendly USB charging cable that is 100% PVC Free. Giving the world a 100% PVC Free charge. Our mission is to design high quality electronic products with materials for a sustainable earth."

They currently have a few different products.  "Made with eco-friendly cable construction braided natural cotton insulation, all EcoKable cords are 100% PVC Free. We use recycled PET for the connectors from recycled water bottles. USB 2.0 compatible, high speed data cable. Let our cables charge and transfer data to your favorite electronic device while preserving the environment around you."

Prior to this coming around I did not think much about my electronic waste or e-waste it is called.  I just got a new cell phone and charger. Never thought about what happens to it. Most of mine ends up in a drawer.  But thousands of others end up in 3rd world countries. It is very dangerous to not only those people but our world.  "The estimated amount of e-waste generated every year could fill enough train containers to go once around the world! Most electronic cables in our world are made with PVC insulation. According to the European Parliament, PVC is not even a suitable material to be recycled. What doesn't end up in a landfill ends up incinerated or exported to developing nations which harms the people tasked with scavenging the waste for metals."

I hope that you will take some time to visit ecokable.com. From the website you learn a bit about e-waste. Our next big mission besides selling product is to give individuals guidance on what they can do with there electronics. Make sure it directs them to companies that have been approved and can dispose of it properly. Brennan and the company are hoping to make a small change in the world. 

I more or less wrote this blog to help spread the word about Brennan's company. I have been using these EcoKables for some time at my job since my boss was the engineer behind them. Making it easy to say they work great. But more than anything I am very excited for the next chapter in Brennan's career. The experience he is getting in building this company. The freedom he is finding and the joy I can see when he is working on it. They say you have to find things you are passionate about. E-waste and EcoKable is something that he has become passionate about.

More than anything I am so proud of my husband. Starting a company and building it from the very bottom.  I love you Brennan! Keep up the hard work!

Visit: ecokable.com

"I don't want to miss a thing"

October 12, 2013 was by far the best day of my life. I stood in front of friends and family holding the hand of my best friend. In front of them all I was able to say "I do".

For months all I hoped for was to get to October 12, 2013. For many reasons I was beyond ready to marry Brennan. But also because I am not one for attention. And your wedding day is a day full of attention with all eyes on you. That had me very nervous. Every decision that I made I knew people would be thinking about. So I can fully say that I did not love the planning process. Do not get me wrong there were some fun times like testing all the food and wine with my mom. Checking the mail everyday to see who had RSVP was always a highlight. But I was worried that my vision of the day would not turn out and would look funny. Turns out with the help of my mother and our vendors everything turned out wonderful!

The days leading up to the wedding were not nearly as stressful as I had heard they should be. Most of my craft projects were completed by Thursday. With the help of a few people (as usual).We dropped everything off the at the reception venue on Thursday afternoon. Where I had a final checklist with the wedding coordinator. Thursday night was the best my siblings all got home. It was good to see them and made it all start to feel real.




Friday was spent picking up a few friends from the airport and train station. Then of course a trip to the nail salon with ladies. It did not go as smoothly as we would have liked but oh well. After that it was back to my parents house were we were all staying. We helped to get the backyard set up to host the rehearsal dinner. It was great cause all of Brennan's friends were also in town. Getting set up took only minutes. Then it was off to get ready for the rehearsal dinner.


Everyone then meet up at the church to go through the process of what would be happening at the church. I was nervous for this. First because it was the start of everyone looking at you. But also cause I did not want to mess up. The rehearsal went really well. I thought it was weird that the coordinator wanted to go through the entire mass. But I was so very glad that we did. It helped to calm my nerves and feel comfortable with what was going to be happening the following day.

Practicing the hand off

After the great rehearsal we headed to my parents house to start the rehearsal dinner. Our plan was to have the dinner here so that it was basically an open door event. Everyone was welcome. It ended up being an amazing event. A few family friends were able to hold down the fort and get the taco guy set up while we were at church. By the time we arrived everything was in full swing. First stop was a shot of tequila with my fiance. Then headed to see everyone. It was a great night very low key but I got to really talk with so many people.

Once most people had eaten and everyone had arrived Brennan's parents spoke. It was nice to hear from them. Then Brennan introduced his bridal party. Telling everyone how they were friends and a great story. He was talked about Coach Hartman who was an user and Bill Sand who was reading. Then it was my turn. I ended up getting choked up talking about all these individuals. Because these girls all mean so much to me. My maid of honor Brooke and Mikayla, Mel, Anna, Alyssa and Melissa. Then Kelly my big sister from another Mr. who read in the wedding. Brennan & I got so many compliments on introducing everyone. Made everyone feel like they really knew our siblings and friends.

The night started to slow down with many of the guests leaving. At this time we just got to hangout with our friends really. The girls we were a bit stand offish because well we had a very long day planned on Saturday. But the boys had not all seen each other since college and it was like a mini reunion. Once the boys got tired out the bridesmaids ended up driving them all back to the hotel. Then we headed to sleep cause the big day had finally arrived.

I woke up well before my alarm. Plus Anna was snoring up a storm, just kidding. But we were sharing a bed. I headed into the shower to get clean- then get dressed. Once everyone was up we started getting really excited. We laid everything out then headed for the Salon. The salon was great we arrived about 8:45 and then after being made beautiful we left at 11:45. Every few minutes I got a bit freaked just nervous and my heart would race. I really freaked out when everything was finished and she pulled the veil over my face. That made it all REAL! We had breakfast and a great time hanging around. Once we got back to my parents to get dressed I got a little freaked out. It was a bit rushed. Needed to eat lunch, since I was told that was very important. While doing this the photographers were working away getting all the other pictures. Then the girls were into their dresses. Then the time had come for me to get into my dress.

Thankfully I had all my bridesmaids and mom to help me into my dress. This was very emotional for me. Brooke kept trying to tell me to smile inside, I was trying not to freak out. And just keep a straight race. Once into the dress mom helped me with my necklace. At this point she also gave me a ring to wear as my something old and something borrowed. My dad gave the ring to my mom the day I came home from the hospital. So it was pretty amazing to get to wear that.

Once dressed we got a few more pictures and then into the limo. We meet my dad and brother at Smiley Library for "First Look". While waiting in the limo alone while everything got set up I started to cry. My dad and brother looked amazing. Then they were laughing with all my friends. Once they were ready we did our first look and got a few family pictures. As I was trying not to cry with my dad and brother we realized that my dad was wearing two different shoes. This had everyone laughing so hard and I needed it. I needed to get back to just a special day with less emotion.

After the no look we headed to the church. Brooke did what she did best- diverting everyone into the church so I could make a run for the room. Mrs. Abbott who helped with all my center pieces was there with a sheet to hide me. Then into the room I went. This was where I saw the flowers for the first time. They looked beautiful. Then the photographers got me when they were ready to do a "First Look- No Look" with Brennan. They brought us up back to back and just gave us a few minutes to chat without seeing each other. I needed this moment. This whole day was about "US" and I had yet to hear his voice and I needed his hand. This calmed me. Originally we planned to exchange vows. But then decided we were not going to to do that- turns our Brennan did have something and I had nothing. I felt terrible about that. But it was just a short note and it was what I needed. This helped to settle me to hear his voice and how excited we both were to get married.

It was then back to waiting. At this point I had a quick bathroom break, Mrs. Abbott steamed out my last few wrinkles. Our wedding went off right at 2:00. We are never late in the Cassidy house. While they lined everyone up, I had to wait. Well I ended up waiting all by myself. For about 3 minutes I was alone with my heart jumping out of my chest till they came to get me. I was so nervous about walking down in front of everyone. I meet my dad in the back of the church and we waited. Then the doors swung open and I saw Brennan standing up there. He looked to handsome and my heart skipped a few beats. Then we started walking- probably to fast but we were moving forward. I tried to smile and take it in but I was trying so hard not to cry and just kept looking at Brennan.

The ceremony was amazing. The priest did such a great job. Brennan and I both got through the vows without crying. I did almost fall the first time we sat down because my dress pushed the chair out from under me and I could not feel it. We learned our lesson from then on Brennan held it steady as I sat down. Only thing he never said was you may know kiss your bride. But oh well. We then headed up the isle as husband and wife and it felt amazing.

We took a bunch of pictures at the church. Then Brennan and I were told to stay inside. What we did not know was there was a huge surprise waiting outside the church. We came out to find everyone lined up rose petals all over the ground and a horse drawn carriage. My mom had come up with it all on her own. I will admit our faces do not look surprised this being because I was just overwhelmed and unsure what was happening and Brennan thought he had forgotten I told him about this. The boys helped me into the carriage and Brennan and I headed off. It was probably the best part of the day. We just spend this time together. No camera's or people talking to us. We talked about the morning. It was amazing just us together drinking Champagne.


Once we arrived at the alumni house it was time for pictures. We took group pictures, single pictures, bridal party pictures. Then Brennan & I headed off for hundreds of pictures with us. It was a lot of fun but many pictures. Once we arrived back from the pictures it was go time. The cocktail hour was over, it was time for the big party to begin. They introduced us all. Brennan & I went right for our first dance. We decided while dancing the song we picked was to long, we had fun none the less.

The rest of the reception went amazing. I danced with my dad & laughed the whole time. Brennan danced with his mom and enjoyed it. The speeches were amazing. Found out we share our anniversary with my mom's grandparents. Mikayla said how much we both mean to her. Sean talked about how Brennan has helped him so much. I cried for it all. But Brooke really really got me. Her speech was amazing and I cried to hard. Geoff speech was funny and I hope Brennan does take better care of me than his college gold fish. Brennan also went off schedule and spoke. He thanked everyone. He also made me cry, it was just another reminder of how much he loves me. Everyone headed into the house for the cake cutting. Brennan & I had a great time cutting it. Though there was a finger mark, Brennan's grandpa was sure it was fake so he stuck his finger in it. Makes for a great story to laugh about.

After the speeches and dinner. It was time to party. The dance floor was packed the entire night. I have to say our DJ did an amazing amazing job. We really loved him. No one stopped dancing. We did the bouquet toss and then the garter. The garter we did not want to do but glad that we did (after the fact). The little kids had a great time and were so very cute. They referred to me as the princess all night.

Not even sure how the time went so fast. They say your wedding is like a blur and it really is. All of a sudden the night was over. Brennan and I were getting into the town car and headed to the hotel.

It was a day to remember. It was all just amazing. I want to go back and re-live it all. I watch our video and picture slide show all the time. So please take some time to view it for yourself. I apologize for the long blog. But I could write for hours. I am proud of myself for how short this is!

Thank you to everyone who helped us put on this amazing day. We are so very blessed! Especially huge thank you to my mother for all the hours she spent attending meetings, appointments, and making sure I was on track. I could not have done it without you mom! Also thanks to Brennan for his help- but more importantly loving me so much! I am very lucky. I love you Brennan.

Pictures:
http://site.fortunaphotography.com/viewing/?slideshowID=530689
PSW: Cassidy

Video:
http://vimeo.com/79132597

Facebook Photo Albums:
Race of a lifetime
Time to get Beautiful
Rehearsal Dinner

Life passing by..

It has been a crazy last few months. As I am sure you are aware since there has been very little or no blog posts. In reality the last few months have been filled with events. Watched KK graduate from high school and leave for college. Yes my baby sister is in college! Brooke's fiance and my good friend Nik was signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is currently on IR, but enjoying being part of the NFL. Sean is loving his new place down near SDSU. My parents are attempting to live the empty nest lifestyle.

My last few months were completely consumed with wedding planning and training for another half marathon. Thankful I let Brennan talk me into the Ventura half marathon. It really kept me grounded and focused with all the planning. Plus I ran a PR in late September. Like always I was nervous about the race, but it went great. It started out and I felt super strong. I even managed to be with Brennan for the first three miles. Then he started to pull away. It was fun though cause I could see him in front of me the entire race (his bright orange shorts really helped.) The last mile sucked it was terrible as Brennan would say I was suffering, really suffering. I crossed the line lacking the smile, which was nicely pointed out by the announcer. But I crossed with a new PR and under my goal time. I quickly found Brennan who had ran under his goal. Then we just hugged and for a few minutes nothing else mattered except we had just left it all out on the road. Shortly after I also realized this would probably be the last time I ever raced as a Vessey. At least I went out with a huge bang- new best time.

 

Most of my summer weekends were spent with focusing on the wedding. Thankful for my mom who as always found time to help me with everything. She was my life savor. It is amazing what planning goes into a wedding. I have a whole new appreciation. I swear every time I checked something off my list it lead to another five things that needed to be accomplished. I will post another blog to talk about the wedding- but I can officially say it was worth all the planning. I am a married woman!