Thomas and I spent hours debating what to do the day after the wedding. We are taking an official honeymoon to the Mexican Riviera in two weeks, and so we didn’t want to take more than a day off of work post-wedding. But we wanted to do something special so that we weren’t just going home, unpacking, and going to the grocery store the next morning. We discussed going a mountain resort, hiking, doing a spa day, or spending the day in Richmond. Ultimately we voted just to stay put at the Clifton Inn for one more night so we wouldn’t have to pack up and leave right away.
When we woke up, we were SO GLAD we had absolutely nothing planned because all we wanted to do was relax! If I have any advice for brides-to-be, it’s to plan to do absolutely nothing the day after and postpone your honeymoon a week or two. That gives you time to unpack and re-pack and makes the days leading up to the wedding much less stressful.
Many of our family members stayed at the Clifton with us, which was extra fun. After the wedding was over and we had our sparkler exit, we were able to sneak back over to Grammie and Pea’s room and tuck Mazen into bed. He was so surprised and happy to see us! This photo melts my heart <3
Everyone gathered in the breakfast room in the morning, and we had so much to talk about!
We said our farewells one by one, and then around noon it was just us. We beelined to the pool!
We spent a few hours talking about how perfect the wedding was, snoozing, and reading our books.
The pool was freezing, but the hot tub was perfect!
The Clifton offers complimentary high tea at 3:30, and it was the perfect afternoon snack to tide us to dinner.
A mini ham and cheese sammie and two sweets!
Late in the afternoon we went for a stroll down to the dock, which is now “our spot” since it played such a sweet part of our wedding day.
We took the short hike around to the other side of the lake. It was simply beautiful on the most perfect crisp fall day!
Next we stopped into the bar to get some drinks to sip on the front porch.
We went back to the Carriage House to get dressed for dinner. This was the spot where I got ready and waited to walk out to the ceremony lawn and where we stayed for two nights. It was so lovely!
We had yet another beautiful sunny day so that we could enjoy dinner on the terrace. It was quite surreal to think that just 24 hours prior so many of our loved ones had been there too!
For dinner we had burrata and olives –
Beet salad and shrimp and grits –
And someone else’s leftover wedding cake! Lol! (Ours had all got eaten.) It was delish!
After our second night, we were ready to head back home. I carried the topper to our cake on my lap and felt like we were bringing a baby home from the hospital! Haha.
The end.
(For now!)
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Unplanned and spontaneous days usually are the best. The weather looked lovely the whole time you were there! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
jen says
Kath, you look so blissfully happy. You are absolutely glowing. Congrats on your beautiful day!
Christina @ montessoriishmom.com says
What a great idea!! I loved leaving for our honeymoon the morning after our wedding, but this looks so amazing and relaxing. Also that leftover wedding cake looks so good!
Andrea says
I was going to comment to say the same thing! Absolutely loved leaving for our two week honeymoon the morning after the wedding. Was so nice to get away and relax immediately.
Stephanie says
What a beautiful photo on the dock. Many congratulations to you and Thomas.
Carrie this fit chick says
Ah, that just looks wonderful! I love waking up with no plans. Such a great feeling!
emma says
Kath, you looked so relaxed and joyfully yourself. Cheers to this chapter 🙂
Carol says
Congrats! Question, don’t answer if to personal. Are you changing your name this time? I didn’t know if you had any reservations after your last decision to keep your name….
KathEats says
I’m not changing it – I’m too old at this point and it would be too complicated!
Cindy DuBose says
Congratulations Kath and Thomas! Mazen too! Beautiful family!
Linda @ the Fitty says
I’ve always had this image of me right after the wedding taking off into a plane to go on our honeymoon, but I think what you said is a better alternative. To take a week or two off to let the stress of the wedding event taper off, and then go on the honeymoon itself. I can’t wait to hear your blog stories and pictures about that! You and Thomas look so happy together. 🙂
Kelly says
Love all of it!!!
Katie says
I’m not married but I do really think the slow day the next day just seems so SMART and will definitely be something I keep in mind whenever my day may come.
Julie says
You both look so happy and relaxed! Looks like the perfect weather to just enjoy each other’s company.
Sharon Preston says
Everything was beautiful! Have you seen coordinate jewelry? The coordinates of the dock on a necklace would make an amazing anniversary present!
KathEats says
Ooooo you are right!!!
Jennifer Valdes says
What beautiful pictures. The inn looks breathtaking. I’m so happy for all of you. You look so happy. 🙂
Anita says
You have found a very special man Kath …..you are a very special lady..wish you every happiness
Ella says
Dearest K & T, thank you for sharing with us these beautiful moments!
A huge hug to you and my best wishes for many years of happiness <3 🙂
Kim from MN says
Looks so lovely, and congrats again on the wedding! 🙂 I spent years planning enormous events for work, so I knew what a big job planning a wedding would be. Because of that, I was the one that suggested we honeymoon close by and in state, and it was exactly because I knew I wasn’t going to want to spend the day after our wedding in a nervous wreck, packing and having to get through airport security and hop on a plane. Instead, we drove 6 hours to the border of Canada and stayed in a honeymoon cottage for 5 days. It was magical. All our food was prepared for us, and we got to have wonderful, romantic, conversations on the way up and back. I too recommend not heading out on an airplane the day after your wedding! Too much stress! Glad you guys are enjoying your sugar moon! 🙂
ANAMARIA DELGADO says
Reading your post gives me hope that someday I will find love again 🙂
CONGRATS TO YOU BOTH! YOU LOOK VERY HAPPY!
Vidya says
You look amazing Kath…I know, love does that to us 🙂 I am so happy for you all. And the same photo melts my heart too.