The Lanza Wedding.

I just returned home to California from Joe and Erin’s wedding out in Jersey. At I have to say spending the last three weeks with these two was a blast. Yep. Three weeks.
So let elaborate a bit more on who I am for those who might just know me as “Joe’s California friend”. I’ve known Joe for 13 years. We did the Disney College Program together. Ironically, while we knew each other somewhat during that 9 months at Disney, we moved in different social circles. So we actually never hung out. It wasn’t until a few months after returning home, and re-connecting online as all us former-lifeguards did to keep in touch, that was when Joe and I realized how much we had in common.
He’s been a very dear friend of mine ever since.

And while many friendships since our days at Disney have changed, I would quickly point out that Joe and I have only become better friends over the years.
During my many trips back out to Florida I stayed with Joe over half of them. And on those trips spending most of the time sitting around talking was pretty much the norm.
Joe would joke with me that “Your room is always available” about his guest room in his apartment. And when him and Erin recently bought their house, one of the spare rooms they both refer to as “John’s room”. It’s funny, but also very sweet.

But what the most fun part of the entire Lanza wedding as a whole? In any aspect?

That’s easy. It’s having been part of Joe’s life, and now Joe-and-Erin’s-life, long enough to go from those college-years-conversations with Joe about “I don’t think I’ll get married, John” to “Things are pretty serious with Erin, man..” and eventually “I’m going to propose.”

That was very cool.

And I love Erin – she and Joe are great together. And to be part of their wedding weekend (and entire wedding month pretty much) was great. But before I get into all that, let’s have some fun and take a stroll down memory lane. Shall we?
I have the most extensive photo record of our circle of friends since ’03… so this’ll be fun to zip through real quick ;)

What do you say, you guys ready to scroll through tons of photos?
How about you, Joe?

FLA Jan 2006 191

…oh the memories

We’re gonna do a little reverse-order with this. So bear with me everyone!

Iron.

20160410_134206

I mentioned that I spent the month with Joe and Erin. Really, it was three weeks of April.
It started with the Half Ironman in Florida. I had talked to Joe and Aaron about forming a relay team and competing in the 70.3 mile relay. Aaron swam, I cycled, and Joe ran. Erin was our cheerleader and support that day! We were Team Turtle Power – a throwback reference to another crazy idea I got Joe involved in below.

WE’RE GONNA LOOK FABULOUS, LADIES!

So it’s a running joke with me and Erin that “Joe loves me more” when it’s come to totally random ideas I’ve had for us and our friends in the past. For example, the most recent one has been me, Joe, Erin, and quite a few others cross-dressing for the Disneyworld Princess Half Marathon. Because who WOULDN’T want to dress as a princess and run a race?!! Right?

image1

PLUS it resulted in this amazing photo from the first year we did it in 2015. I say first, because we did it again back in February for second time! Haha!
And as Joe pointed out, this will be a great image to one day confuse their children.

It actually was after that weekend when Joe and I were talking and he said he was certain Erin was the one. In part because she was a great sport putting up with all of us, but also, quite simply that she and Joe had a great time together getting ready for, and completing the race together.

Turtle Power

IMG_6433-Edit

Among the crazier ideas of mine, the one that took the most work, and was the biggest “ask” of Joe… was my Ninja Turtle project. Joe was Casey Jones. And in asking him to be part, I also asked him to bulk up some 10-15 pounds and grow his hair out to fit the look. And he did it. THAT’S LOVE, PEOPLE! Hahaha!
Plus, he looked great, amirite?!

.. and all those other things from over the years

20141101_215536

In 2014 Joe and Erin drove 5 1/2 hours on Halloween night to come support me during my first full Ironman, supporting me all day and keeping my family back on the West Coast updating throughout.

JRX_5399

Joe was my unofficial date to Aaron’s wedding! Granted his Erin showed up the next day, but whatever!

 

DSC05804

Lots of random trips over the years… like this one just after New Years in Jan ’06

fljan06

this photo from all of us in line at Tower of Terror proves my point, Erin… just fyi :P I’m loved. hahaha

DSC05178

That time during Spring Break 2005 when I flew to Jersey to hang with Joe… after after doing New York in the freezing cold we decided to grab Merri, Beau, and Biggs… pile into Joe’s Dodge Daytona, and drive all night to Disneyworld!
An insane trip that was an absolute blast.

DSC02602

The totally ridiculous 2004 “one year since our program” reunion trip. So many photos from that week, but I’ll stick with these two silly ones even though there was like 15 of us on that trip. Me, Theresa and Joe on the left. And me, Joe and a bunch of the group at that time on the right.

DSC02487

And one last super old throwback photo to that 2004 trip. Haha, this was one of the several nights we all went out. And one of the less-ridiculous but-still-hilarious photos of Joe and I.

Ok, you guys ready for a ton of wedding photos?

IMG_4365

Of course you are… right?


Florida

JRX_8521

During the couple weeks I spent in Orlando with Joe and Erin they practiced their dance several times

JRX_8524

The tricky part was the lack of a huge dance floor

JRX_8529

But they made it work

JRX_8533

And they still were able to laugh about it as they tried to avoid furniture around the house

Jersey – Monday

JRX_8773

One of the first things we did when we got up to New Jersey was play tourist..

JRX_8780

..and headed to the Statue of Liberty

JRX_8784

JRX_8787

JRX_8788

JRX_8798

We were able to get tickets up to the pedestal, but not the crown since apparently those have to be booked three months in advance

JRX_8801

JRX_8809

Still had a great time walking around and checking things out

JRX_8812

JRX_8821

JRX_8829

AND THEN WE FOUND THESE AMAZING HATS!!!

JRX_8831

JRX_8832

Wednesday

JRX_8894

Two days later we headed into New York to play tourist there!

JRX_8896

Had to check out the new tower and the memorials around the WTC site

JRX_8904

walked through Times Square

JRX_8906

Then we met up with Erin’s cousin who’s an officer with the NYPD. He arranged an outing with his fellow officers he knew that work the harbor patrol.

JRX_8912

JRX_8919

It was windy on top of the boat, but we got an absolutely awesome tour around the waters while they were on duty

JRX_8934

JRX_8951

We got to check out the Brooklyn Bridge

JRX_8955

JRX_9006

And went out as far as the Statue of Liberty and got to see it with a completely empty island

JRX_9041

But after a while it was time to head back in

JRX_9047

JRX_9055

That evening we walked around Central Park

JRX_9061

JRX_9069

And on the way out passed through Times Square once more

JRX_9073

It’s definitely more interesting at night

Thursday

JRX_9078

A few days before the wedding the venue gave permission to use the dance floor to practice one last time that week

JRX_9080

JRX_9092

Later that weekend at the wedding Joe and Erin would joke that this was their best dance – and only one person saw it.

Friday

JRX_9094

Friday afternoon we all arrived at the church for the rehearsal

JRX_9101

Erin, explaining who is who and what they’re doing in the ceremony

JRX_9104

Father Joseph was giving a few directions on how things were going to go that evening

JRX_9108

JRX_9111

Erin’s uncle, Deacon Tom, would be doing part of the ceremony.

JRX_9117

Father Joseph talking through the ceremony

JRX_9122

JRX_9130

Practicing their exit

JRX_9134

One more quick walk through

JRX_9137

JRX_9145

JRX_9149

After the rehearsal Father Joseph takes care of most of the paperwork because the ceremony tomorrow will be very busy

JRX_9152

JRX_9154

JRX_9157

Mr. Lanza would be one of the witnesses that evening to sign

JRX_9165

Everyone piling into the restaurant that night for the rehearsal dinner the Lanza family hosted (dinner the night before was hosted by Erin’s family)

JRX_9168

JRX_9171

 

JRX_9174

JRX_9175

JRX_9183

“I’d like to welcome you all here tonight…” – Joe

JRX_9184

“WE’D like to welcome you here tonight…” – Erin
“Oh yeah… We… hahaha” – Joe

JRX_9186

JRX_9189

Father Joseph opened with a blessing for dinner

JRX_9190

Erin and Joe were pretty much immediately walking around greeting friends and family

JRX_9192

JRX_9199

JRX_9205

 

JRX_9210

Things were going down at the kids table… iPads, specifically. so.many.ipads.

JRX_9214

JRX_9215

JRX_9218

Erin was trying to play with Kaden and kept getting the “we’re cool and all, but I’m staying right here” stare..

JRX_9227

I guess you can argue that the kids were quiet at least? Too busy watching movies.

JRX_9248

Toward the end of the evening Erin got up to thank everyone once again. She said that while the wedding is small and they didn’t have a bridal party, there were still several people that worked very hard to help, and she wanted to thank them for that and also had some gifts for them.

JRX_9251

JRX_9252

JRX_9255

JRX_9258

A gift and card from her future Mother in Law

JRX_9264

JRX_9266

JRX_9269

JRX_9270

JRX_9272

JRX_9274

JRX_9277

JRX_9281

Joe getting attacked by his nieces and nephew.

JRX_9283

JRX_9284

Dog pile on Uncle Joey!

Saturday

JRX_9285

The next morning I had breakfast with Joe and then headed to the hotel to meet up with all the girls. Most of the ladies were already sitting around chatting and laughing that morning

JRX_9288

JRX_9289

Erin showing the hair stylist the up-do she liked

JRX_9293

JRX_9295

JRX_9297

Always start with curls first. Volume ladies. Lots of volume

JRX_9301

JRX_9305

JRX_9313

Erin and her sister chatting while having their hair made up

JRX_9327

JRX_9329

Next was makeup

JRX_9331

JRX_9335

JRX_9338

Grandma came in to see how her granddaughter was looking

JRX_9342

JRX_9344

JRX_9345

JRX_9348

JRX_9351

JRX_9359

Erin’s dress

JRX_9368

JRX_9374

JRX_9378

JRX_9383

“Make sure you photograph my mom’s reaction when she sees the dress…” -Erin

JRX_9389

Her mom was almost in tears. This dress was one they looked at, both liked, but out of the budget if I recall correctly. Erin later went back and bought it after making things work with the wedding budget. Keeping it a secret from here mom leading up to the wedding was a huge effort including willingly getting in an argument the day before wedding when the two of them went to pick up the dress and Erin refused to try it on – because her mom didn’t know it was a different dress at that point.

JRX_9394

JRX_9400

Help from her mom and sister getting into the dress

JRX_9402

Those corset style tops look great, but definitely need a bit of extra help to get into

JRX_9403

JRX_9407

JRX_9410

Erin is pretty tiny, and was joking with me that she could NOT afford to lose any weight before the wedding. So every time I wanted to go get donuts or something in Florida she was down to go with me and either get a snack or drink. haha!

JRX_9413

JRX_9419

Grandma watching her granddaughter as Erin’s mom and sister zip up and clasp the back of the dress.

JRX_9420

JRX_9423

JRX_9425

JRX_9426

JRX_9458-Edit

Had to get some bridal portraits of Erin. Make her late downstairs to the limo by a couple minutes was worth it

JRX_9463

And we’re off! GRAB.EVERYTHING.

JRX_9464

JRX_9466

JRX_9469

JRX_9472

Outside the limo was waiting for Erin and her family

JRX_9473

JRX_9476

I followed behind in the car

JRX_9478

After getting to the church Erin and her sister were adjusting something with the dress

JRX_9480

Not sure what, but Erin was laughing, so it couldn’t have been bad

JRX_9481

JRX_9483

Inside things were close to starting, and most of the guests were already seated in the church

JRX_9486

One last selfie with Erin pre-ceremony!

JRX_9487

Jerilynn was back with the wedding party to help with Erin’s entrance and opening the doors for her

JRX_9488

JRX_9489

JRX_9492

JRX_9493

Joe, patiently waiting as things are getting started

JRX_9496

Mrs. Lanza being escorted to her seat

JRX_9497

Mrs. LaTour being escorted by her son

JRX_9498

JRX_9500

So there was a runner to be brought out for Erin. But it kept sticking to itself because they’re wound so tightly.

JRX_9501

It was an excellent ice breaker for the start of the ceremony. Joe was laughing at the struggle, guests were, and so were both gentlemen helping with it. It definitely lightened the mood and set the tone I expected for Joe and Erin’s ceremony

JRX_9502

Still trying to get it straight

JRX_9503

JRX_9504

And then Erin enters the church…

JRX_9507

Erin and her dad.

JRX_9508

JRX_9509

JRX_9511

JRX_9513

JRX_9514

Father Joseph and Deacon Tom welcoming everyone

JRX_9518

JRX_9521

The moms lighting the candles

JRX_9522

JRX_9529

First reading

JRX_9531

JRX_9532

JRX_9533

JRX_9535

Second reading

JRX_9538

JRX_9540

JRX_9542

JRX_9544

JRX_9546

Erin uncle, Deacon Tom, then got up to say his piece about Erin and Joe

JRX_9549

JRX_9551

JRX_9558

It was clear how much it meant to Erin that her uncle was able to be part of the ceremony

JRX_9563

JRX_9565

Erin’s other cousin, John, was playing the music that day

JRX_9567

Exchanging of vows

JRX_9570

JRX_9573

JRX_9574

JRX_9578

JRX_9580

JRX_9582

Blessing of the rings

JRX_9584

JRX_9586

Exchange of rings

JRX_9588

JRX_9590

JRX_9591

JRX_9592

Joe’s father, mom and aunt

JRX_9593

Then Joe kissed her! BREAKING THE RULES!!!

JRX_9595

Then everyone laughed. Apparently what Father John said is you can kiss the rings.. Well, Joe heard “kiss” and went for it. Haha! Even Deacon Tom was laughing

JRX_9597

JRX_9599

JRX_9600

JRX_9601

JRX_9603

JRX_9605

JRX_9606

JRX_9611

Signs of peace and greeting

JRX_9614

JRX_9615

JRX_9616

JRX_9617

JRX_9618

JRX_9621

JRX_9623

Joe and Erin waiting while everyone does communion

JRX_9628

Leaving flowers for Mary

JRX_9629

JRX_9632

JRX_9634

Presenting and introducing the newlyweds

JRX_9635

JRX_9639

JRX_9640

JRX_9643

JRX_9644

We hid out in the office for everyone to exit the church and lobby

JRX_9646

JRX_9649

JRX_9655

JRX_9659

Leaving the church the entire family was all waiting outside for them

JRX_9662

JRX_9666

The limo even had champagne

JRX_9673

JRX_9682

JRX_9684

JRX_9687

Arriving at venue much earlier than planned for the reception

JRX_9688

JRX_9695

So it was time to get setup for photos in the garden area

Obviously one of the best photos, and it was only like the second one I took

JRX_9751

JRX_9757

This was Erin in probably 1/3 of the photos… her veil continually getting pulled

JRX_9776

I had to get a shot toward the end of portraits that day with them, too!

JRX_9783

JRX_9787

JRX_9794

JRX_9796

So I wanted to get a shot of Joe, since I had already done a portrait shot of Erin… he gave me this look..

JRX_9797

Erin responded with this..
hahaha!

JRX_9798

JRX_9800

JRX_9804-Edit

JRX_9831

During all this the kids were just all playing and keeping each other entertained

JRX_9835

JT really wanted a sunglasses pose with his uncle Joe, Erin jumped in and made it even more awesome. haha

JRX_9840

JRX_9841

Kaden still wasn’t sure if he wanted to be part of everything

 

JRX_9851

JRX_9867

JRX_9869

JRX_9871-Edit

After finishing all the photos Erin and Joe were just sitting hanging out with nothing to do.. but the weather and lighting was great! it had turned into a beautiful day after a very grey week leading up to the weekend

JRX_9902

Inside the ballroom was decorated and ready for guests

JRX_9904

JRX_9906

JRX_9907

JRX_9918

Joe’s friend Ben, who owns Faded Days sunglasses, helped to provide everyone some very cool favors for the party

JRX_9919

JRX_9923

JRX_9926

JRX_9927

I found the bride and groom upstairs a short time later… busy eating

JRX_9928

JRX_9931

JRX_9933

Since Joe and Erin weren’t going to do a garter toss later that night, we took a few playful photos in the bridal suite

JRX_9942

this is the Joe and Erin that I know and have spent a lot of time with. Debate and light hearted bickering about nothing important.

JRX_9946

JRX_9956

Introduction of the parents

JRX_9957

Matron of Honor

JRX_9959

And Mr. and Mrs. Lanza!

JRX_9960

JRX_9961

JRX_9963

JRX_9965

they walked into to the Superman theme song playing

JRX_9966

JRX_9967

..and then took their place for their first dance

JRX_9969

As I posted above, they had secretly learned and been practicing a choreographed dance

JRX_9971

JRX_9974

JRX_9977

JRX_9980

they looked great out on the dance floor

JRX_9985

A few moments where Joe looked like he was focused

JRX_9989

Erin was all smiles and laughs

JRX_9993

And then they both got into it after a minute or so

JRX_0008

JRX_0018

JRX_0019

JRX_0023

JRX_0026

Erin later told me that she ended up being the one getting slightly tripped up because her heels caught her dress a few times, while Joe ended up having an easier time than her!

JRX_0028

The family and everyone gathered to watch

JRX_0035

JRX_0039

JRX_0042

JRX_0051

JRX_0056

JRX_0070

JRX_0074

JRX_0076

JRX_0084

Next Mr. LaTour joined his daughter for the Daddy-Daughter dance

JRX_0087

JRX_0089

Jerilynn watching and recording for Erin

JRX_0092

JRX_0095

JRX_0110

JRX_0111

JRX_0115

JRX_0119

JRX_0123

JRX_0125

big hug for his little girl

JRX_0128

And a kiss for Dad

JRX_0129

JRX_0130

Next was the Mother-Son dance

JRX_0136

Mrs. Lanza was smiling the whole time

JRX_0143

JRX_0149

JRX_0160

JRX_0165

JRX_0166

JRX_0169

JRX_0171

JRX_0173

JRX_0183

JRX_0186

JRX_0189

They had an awesome cake

JRX_0191

And that topper was way cool

JRX_0196

JRX_0202

As soon as some of the food came out, Erin and Joe were already up walking tables and talking to more people

JRX_0206

JRX_0208

Ryan made it out! Me, Joe and Ryan used to all work as lifeguards together back at Disneyworld during college

JRX_0209

JRX_0216

Between courses of dinner most people hit the dance floor

JRX_0218

JRX_0221

JRX_0222

JRX_0225

JRX_0226

JRX_0227

JRX_0236

JRX_0244

JRX_0246

JRX_0249

JRX_0251

JRX_0258

JRX_0261

JRX_0262

JRX_0263

Erin getting down with her new nieces

JRX_0265

JRX_0267

JRX_0271

And dancing with her god daughter… wait, unless her little sister is Erin’s god daughter

JRX_0273

JRX_0278

 

 

JRX_0292

JRX_0294

JRX_0303

JRX_0316

JRX_0322

JRX_0326

JRX_0327

JRX_0331

I don’t recall the song… but everyone was singing along

JRX_0335

JRX_0340

JRX_0347

JRX_0351

JRX_0356

JRX_0357

JRX_0361

JRX_0366

JRX_0367

Jerilynn’s husband was hilarious, and definitely not one to be shown up by his dancer wife

JRX_0368

JRX_0370

JRX_0374

JRX_0378

JRX_0381

JRX_0398

We were halfway through the reception before people started the clinking-glasses-to-kiss thing

JRX_0400

JRX_0402

A little later when people were sitting eating dinner, and the music slowed down, Joe and Erin got back on the dance floor

JRX_0403

JRX_0408-2

JRX_0414

JRX_0418

JRX_0422

Becky and her dad goofing around

JRX_0423

JRX_0428

Put your head on my shoulderrrrrrrrrrr!!!

JRX_0430

..seriously though, that was the song playing

JRX_0431

JRX_0438

JRX_0441

JRX_0442

JRX_0446

Joe and Erin sat down briefly to watch everyone enjoying the reception

JRX_0449

And were quickly joined by Joe’s sisters!

JRX_0454

JRX_0455

JRX_0461

JRX_0469

JRX_0472

JRX_0476

After a couple family photos on the stairs Joe wasted no time workin on his poses

JRX_0477-2

JRX_0480

JRX_0484

JRX_0491

re-bustling the dress

JRX_0505

JRX_0514

JRX_0523

Erin carried her grandmother’s broach on her bouquet that day

JRX_0527

JRX_0535

Some of the kids crashed partway through the night. Got to hand it to their parents for the foresight to bring pillows for the kids to use!

JRX_0539

JRX_0540

 

Hugs for her big brother

JRX_0543

As I was talking to Joe and Becky Erin was chatting with Ben, and pretended to flirt. I pretended to be shocked and point at her like “ooooh! i see you!” and Joe joined with a “HEY! (what are you doing!?)” response. So naturally Ben gave her a peck on the cheek while Erin pretended to get caught

JRX_0551

And then it was time for cake!

JRX_0552

JRX_0554

JRX_0558

JRX_0565

easy does it…

JRX_0569

JRX_0573

JRX_0576

JRX_0581

JRX_0586

they were nice and didn’t smash it on each other

JRX_0589

JRX_0591

JRX_0594

JRX_0598

JRX_0604

JRX_0606

JRX_0608

JRX_0611

Instead of the bouquet toss, Erin did a ladies-dance since nearly everyone was either married or in relationships already. No need to throw the bouquet

JRX_0621

JRX_0625

Two of Erin’s closest friends, and best dance partners that night after Joe

JRX_0626

JRX_0628

JRX_0629

JRX_0633

JRX_0646

JRX_0648

JRX_0653

Now I don’t recall what song this was.. but it was duet that the DJ set everyone up for… women on one side, men on the other

JRX_0666

JRX_0672

Honestly it must be an East Coast thing cuz I’d never heard this song, nor seen this play out at a wedding… but everyone knew the words/etc

JRX_0674

JRX_0678

JRX_0683

JRX_0686

JRX_0687

JRX_0689

JRX_0690

JRX_0694

JRX_0702

JRX_0703

Erin’s expressions the whole day were amazing though. Really

JRX_0706

JRX_0710

JRX_0714

JRX_0725

JRX_0728

JRX_0730

JRX_0732

JRX_0738

JRX_0742

JRX_0746

Cake was cut up and ready to be served!

JRX_0752

JRX_0773

JRX_0777

They took nearly every opportunity to dance together though

JRX_0779

JRX_0782

JRX_0790

JRX_0792

JRX_0797

JRX_0799

JRX_0805

JRX_0808

Joe’s grandparent’s wedding rings were split between him and some of his sisters. With the bands/stones from his grandmother being used for his sister’s wedding rings. And his grandfather’s wedding ring being used for the gold center in his wedding band.

JRX_0811

Goodie bags for the kids..

JRX_0812

JRX_0818

JRX_0822

JRX_0831

I had to get my standard photo with the bride and groom… cuz this is the most important one of the whole night

JRX_0832

But this one is a million times better! hahahahaaaa

JRX_0835

Manny and Erin goofing around

JRX_0840

JRX_0845

JRX_0849

Ben’s sunglasses were a huge hit that night

JRX_0851

JRX_0853

JRX_0857

JRX_0860

JRX_0879

JRX_0887

JRX_0895

JRX_0901

JRX_0909

JRX_0915

JRX_0930

JRX_0933

JRX_0937

“JOHN! THE HATS!”

JRX_0938

“GO GET THE HATS!!”

JRX_0939

JRX_0945

When “New York, New York” comes on… you dance accordingly

JRX_0949

JRX_0951

JRX_0955

JRX_0964

JRX_0966

JRX_0975

JRX_0980

JRX_0985

Spot the dancers in this photo…

JRX_0987

JRX_0989

JRX_0994

JRX_1003

JRX_1016

These hats really were the best $2 you can spend at the Statue of Liberty when you go

JRX_1030

JRX_1056

JRX_1059

JRX_1060

Erin seemed less interested in Joe when he was standing talking to me..

JRX_1061

JRX_1062

So we danced instead

JRX_1066

And not long after, it was the last dance of the evening…

JRX_1075

And then the party was over

JRX_1078

Various goodbyes and thank you’s to friends and family

JRX_1079

JRX_1081

I’m thinking this was a pinky promise about their next visit? Has to be. Because Erin wanted photo proof.

JRX_1084

These two were still passed out. The people and music didn’t phase them at all

 

 

 

JRX_1090

So later that when we got back to the hotel there was one more playful photo that Erin wanted to do. It was a recreation of a photo of her great aunt and uncle from their wedding… this one:

IMG_6794

Back during their time something like this was probably super taboo to do. But super cute, right?

So we did the same type of shot for them before the night ended!

 

1 Comments

  1. KATHLEEN KESSELRING (Erin's Aunt) August 31, 2016 at 6:21 am

    This is a beautiful tribute to Joe and Erin! Thank you for the collection of photos – you captured the happiness and love!

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *