Back from Philly

Whew! This weekend was probably the fastest weekend that Mary and I have ever spent with one another. We spent time quality time with my Mike Sr., Barbara, Garry, Ryan, Natalie and Grams. Even more exciting Mike's family and friends were able to join in the celebration at Pica's restaurant. We had a great time. Mary and I were absolutely tired and received a good taste at what our ceremony is going to be like!

I want to take this time to thank all my family and friends that are not able to make the wedding down in Pensacola. I know that all of you have analyzed your budgets and calendars and just couldn't find a way. Mary and I want to let you know that we appreciate your effort and we thank you for making Pica's a wonderful experience for us. I love getting together with my family and friends and celebrating and telling stories. If it wasn't for my father, Mike Sr. and my Aunt Rose and Uncle Lou this wouldn't have been able to happen.

So now Mary and I are on to the next stop, Pensacola! What a wonderful place to get married! We have been hard at work! We have made a mock itinerary for the weekend and we are editing it now. Our ceremony is now written and needs to be edited and put on the web. Tonight, Mary and I are focusing on writing our vows. Mary told me today that she just doesn't know where to start. We have faith that God will show us, through His word, how to begin expressing the understanding of our commitment to one another. We also know that this married life experience will not be an easy one, but one that makes us more like our heavenly Father's example, Christ.

In addition to those who are going to the wedding in Florida make sure you bring your video camera, because Mary and I will definitely have an interesting first dance.
Please check out the hunting pictures brought forth from Mr. Ben Wolcott. Our condolences go out to him since he is not able to attend his hunting trip this September. We hope he gets to out to his cabin sooner than later!

Finally, if there are any family members that have photographs and are willing to share them with Mary and I, email us at mikeandmarygifford@gmail.com and we can post them on this blog. Again, if you have not RVSP'd for the wedding please do so as soon as possible. Thanks guys!

September 7 in Philly

We are soon approaching the day of our reception or engagement party in Philadelphia. Mary and I are extremely excited about spending so much time with my friends and family. Unfortunately, the engagement party is during the season opener of the Philadelphia Eagles. We are going to have a good time. The party is planned out as of the following:

1:50 pm- Arrive at Pica's in Upper Darby here is the link for more information

2:00 pm- Pica's celebration begins-Welcome

2:30 pm- Prayer for the food and Eating time

2:30-3:00- Eating time and toasts from family members

3:00-5:30- Dancing

5:30-6:00- Cutting of the Cake

6:00-6:30- Departing Pica's because Mike and Mary need to be at the airport at 7:30

My Aunt Rose and Uncle Louie have put together all invitations, called all the right people and found an awesome cake and we can't wait to see how it all turns out. My uncle says, "When I am in charge of something, I do it right!" My Dad has been piecing this Engagement Party together for a long time and has hired a DJ for the Night.

Thankfully my brother did not choose the music for the night, but my cousin did! Mary and I are so excited to have a good time with the family in celebrating our future marriage. At the time of the reception we will be less than 28 days from being married!
We can't wait!

If you guys have any questions or have any comments you can either forward them to mikeandmarygifford@gmail.com or post one here at the blog!