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October 24, 2012

Why Running on the Morning of My Wedding was an Awesome Idea

Breakfast + Brunch
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When I awoke on the morning of our wedding, this was my view. The front portico of Rosemont Manor where Matt and I would, later that day, be married in front of our best friends and family. The plants were covered in case of a frost, and the sun was just beginning to rise into a beautiful clear sky. Thank you, weather gods, for not raining on our wedding day. We got so lucky.

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I was up so early because I had plans for a little fun “me time” that morning with a couple of my best girlfriends. We were going for a run! I mentioned this idea in one of my posts awhile ago to see if you all thought that it would be crazy to run on the morning of the wedding, but you all replied that it was a great idea! Those who had done it on their wedding day said they loved the chance to have a little special time with their friends before the craziness of the day set in.

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So I decided to go for it! I invited my UNC grad school girlfriends who are runners (they were staying on the property in one of the big cottages), as well as anyone staying in the main manor house with us that was interested. Here I am with my UNC ladies! And yes, I totally wore my “The Future Mrs.” shirt from my bachelorette party on the run. It just seemed appropriate. 🙂

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One of my bridesmaids, Turner (far right), and one of my best friends from college, Lu (in the hat on the left) were also on board. We got silly and took some fun photos while waiting for my blogger buddies Theodora and Meghann to join us from one of our wedding hotels nearby!

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Meghann and Theodora came in town the night before for our meet and greet and had plans for a longer run on Saturday morning so they decided to come over and join us for a little while before continuing on on their own. Apparently when they woke up that morning there was ice on their rental car’s windshield – given that Meghann lives in Florida and Theodora lives in NYC with no car, hilarity ensued, hence them being a little late. 😉 Lol!

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When everyone was assembled, off we went! It was cold but a beautiful morning for a run. I want to give a shout out to my friend Lu, on the far left in the picture below. She’s just starting to get into running and I’m SO proud of her! She said she knew she wouldn’t be running “fast” with us but still was motivated to get out there and start and end with us. Keep after it, Lu! You are awesome! 🙂

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We ran for 30 minutes – just enough time to enjoy some chatter and clear my head, but not so far that I’d be worn out for later. I’m so glad I decided to do this. I’d really recommend it to any of you who are runners and getting married! Perfect way to start our big day.

We came back, showered, and gathered in the manor house for breakfast. There were supposed to be two seatings (first the ladies, then the men) for breakfast, but everyone ended up showing up around the same time, and my matron of honor, Jenny, came in and said “Um, Anne? Matt is standing out in the other room and isn’t sure if he’s allowed to come in and see you, but he’s really hungry.” Lol. Poor Matt! I’m not one for superstition (and it wasn’t like I was dressed and ready yet, anyway – I definitely didn’t want him to see me in my dress before the ceremony, but I figured what was the harm in saying hi that morning?), so I went out and brought him in to eat with us. He made me this creation as a thank you. 😉

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I also enjoyed some fruit and yogurt. The breakfasts on site both days were delicious! After we all ate, Matt and I said goodbye, the boys headed off to go golfing and the girls and I (and my mom, Matt’s mom, and my grandmother) walked over to another building on the property to start getting ready! It was nice to see Matt the morning of – we were both really excited about the big day. 🙂

Stay tuned – more to come!

- anne
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48 comments
  • Krissy @ Shiawase Life
    October 24, 2012 · 8:35AM:
    So glad you were able to get a 'running start' on your special day :) I didn't become a runner until after we were married, but I did take a long walk that AM :D
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 24, 2012 · 8:46AM:
      That sounds just as lovely!
      Reply
  • Stephanie @ Snacking ☀n Sunshine
    October 24, 2012 · 8:41AM:
    SUCH a good idea. You look so beautiful, and so excited in your photos!!
    Reply
  • NYC Fit GIrl
    October 24, 2012 · 8:43AM:
    I love the idea of me time the morning of your wedding! LOoks like a really nice pre-wedding breakfast!
    Reply
  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More
    October 24, 2012 · 8:47AM:
    I LOVE that you went running the morning of your wedding - such a good idea! :)
    Reply
  • Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian
    October 24, 2012 · 9:12AM:
    I've always thought that running the morning before your big day sounds like such an excellent idea. It gets the blood pumping, calms the nerves and the mind, and lets you decompress. I'm so glad you enjoyed it - now I'll definitely be doing it before my wedding someday.
    Reply
  • Meghann
    October 24, 2012 · 9:13AM:
    There's ICE on the windshield? What are we supposed to do with this ice? Ummm... we might want to text Anne and tell her we're going to be a little late. hehe Classic. LOVED running with you the morning of your wedding! Can't wait to do the same thing for mine, hopefully we'll end up with awesome weather too!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 24, 2012 · 9:18AM:
      I have a feeling there won't be any ice on our cars at your wedding ;) Though you ever know! Can't WAIT!
      Reply
      • Theodora
        October 24, 2012 · 10:01AM:
        So, I ended up breathing hot air on the windshield to melt the frost. Also, you were the calmest bride I've ever seen, and I 100% plan on running on my wedding day one day.
        Reply
        • Anne P
          October 24, 2012 · 10:15AM:
          Lol. I hope to be there with you one day on the morning of your future wedding, rocking it out! :)
          Reply
  • Megan
    October 24, 2012 · 9:20AM:
    I love this idea! Not that I'm anywhere near my wedding (hell, even engagement) but I anticipate (now) that this is something I would do! Love the photos and can imagine it was a great way to start the day!
    Reply
  • Lu October 24, 2012 · 9:24AM:
    I'm so glad I ran with you guys...thanks for finishing the last bit with me! Awesome way to start the day! (and it made me feel better about going to town on that insanely good tofu dish!) I only wish I had smuggled a piece of cake home....I had a tupperware container and everything...but was having too much fun on the dance floor!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 24, 2012 · 9:49AM:
      It was my pleasure! And lol that's amazing that you had tupperware! I should have given you some the next day - we had a ton leftover!
      Reply
  • Kat
    October 24, 2012 · 9:26AM:
    I saw your wedding on Meghann's post - how beautiful! I think this is a great idea! We got married at Sandals in Antigua and ended up working out together the morning of - it definitely took the pressure off!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 24, 2012 · 9:49AM:
      Aw I loved that you worked out together - so cute!
      Reply
  • Heather @ Dietitian on the Run
    October 24, 2012 · 9:32AM:
    What a gorgeous morning! That is the perfect Fall running (ahem, wedding) day :) I would definitely do a run before the big day, too. No better way to clear your head & nerves! The Matt story is classic. So cute!
    Reply
  • Mary @foodandfunontherun
    October 24, 2012 · 9:35AM:
    I ran the morning before my wedding too, and it was perfect. It was a great way to get out some of the nervous energy from the day. I loved it!
    Reply
  • Mimi October 24, 2012 · 9:35AM:
    Looks like you had a great morning! I briefly considered running the morning of my wedding, but I am super clumsy and have taken some bad spills before. I didn't want to risk it, so instead I just walked to Starbucks with my sister :)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 24, 2012 · 9:48AM:
      Haha good idea - that would have been terrible to fall and get all banged up!
      Reply
  • Gavi @ Gavi Gets Going! October 24, 2012 · 10:13AM:
    What a wonderful way to start your wedding day! It sounds like it was perfectly "you" in every way and just what you wanted to set the stage for the whole day. I also went for a run with my family on the morning of the wedding, and I so fondly remember feeling serene, ready, and incredibly excited. My husband and I stayed together the night before our wedding, so it was a wonderful treat to eat breakfast together alone in our cottage before the craziness of the day and exchange cards. I can't wait to read more about your beautiful day!
    Reply
  • Jill K October 24, 2012 · 10:20AM:
    Awesowe idea to run the morning of your wedding.........wish I thought about it on my wedding day! :-)
    Reply
  • Kandi October 24, 2012 · 11:30AM:
    Awesome that you got to run the morning of your wedding. When I run my face gets really red and it lasts for hours afterward. I decided to not run that morning for that very reason. Also, I got married at noon and was at the church getting ready by 9:00 so I didn't have a ton of time. I decided that sleeping in a bit beforehand was more worthwhile.
    Reply
  • deva at deva by definition
    October 24, 2012 · 11:38AM:
    I've been trying to decide if I should run the morning of my wedding next May and this may be the push I need to go out and do it. I hope there's not ice on the cars on my wedding day! That would be a late frost in Ohio :-)
    Reply
  • Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes
    October 24, 2012 · 12:25PM:
    LOVE that you hit the ground/wedding day running, Anne! There's nothing like a run to clear your head, and it sounds like it was a perfect beginning to your big day. :)
    Reply
  • Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
    October 24, 2012 · 1:11PM:
    I am loving these wedding recaps!! What a great idea to go on a run the morning of, I just may have to do that!
    Reply
  • Rebecca @ Runner with an Appetite
    October 24, 2012 · 1:44PM:
    I love Rosemont Manor! My boyfriend and I stayed there for our 4 year anniversary. So pretty there and what a fun place to run prior to the wedding!!
    Reply
  • Brittany @Berries and Barbells
    October 24, 2012 · 2:11PM:
    I LOVE that you went running on the morning of your wedding! What a perfect way to start the day. :)
    Reply
  • Charlie (therunnerbeans)
    October 24, 2012 · 2:34PM:
    Such a fun idea, and definitely rocking the Mrs tshirt!! So appropriate. It is so cute that Matt hung outside the breakfast room, scared to come in!!! love his 'mr men' food that he makes you, what a sweetie!
    Reply
  • Michelle @Peachy Palate
    October 24, 2012 · 2:58PM:
    A fantastic idea! nothing sets you up better on any given day than a run and most importantly on your wedding day! :)
    Reply
  • Tina October 24, 2012 · 3:52PM:
    Congrats on being mellow enough to even think about running on your wedding day. I was a crazy bride maybe I should have done this to calm myself down. My daughter is in love with your friends neon shoes any idea what brand they are so my search will be quicker?
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 24, 2012 · 4:01PM:
      Unfortunately I don't know what brand they are!
      Reply
  • Leah @ Chocolate and Wild Air
    October 24, 2012 · 4:23PM:
    That sounds sooooo fun! Someday, I think this would be an awesome thing to do before my wedding. Someday...
    Reply
  • Jill October 24, 2012 · 4:38PM:
    I got married in early August, and ran with my sister and bro's girlfriend the morning of - it was part of my plans from the start! easy run in the sun, grabbed a coffee, leisurely walk home - I agree. It was quality time in a 'happy place' before the craziness!
    Reply
  • Sarah @ Mom Running on Empty
    October 24, 2012 · 6:26PM:
    I love that you incorporated your passion for running on the day you committed your life to Matt forever. It's an inspiring way to commit to all of the things you love on the same day! I didn't start running till long after I was married, but as a way of incorporating running into our marriage, we carve one run a week to do together and have spent the last 4 anniversaries running together :)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 24, 2012 · 8:13PM:
      That's so awesome that you guys do that. What a great idea! :)
      Reply
  • Erica @ For the Sake of Cake
    October 24, 2012 · 7:42PM:
    I wasn't a runner a year ago when I got married, but I still think this sounds like a great way to start the day!
    Reply
  • Danielle @ itsaharleyyylife
    October 24, 2012 · 8:49PM:
    i absolutely love this idea! I am so stealing it if that is okay! (: I think clearing my mind before the big day is such a great idea.. if its alone or with my best girlfriends!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      October 24, 2012 · 9:07PM:
      Please do steal it! :)
      Reply
  • Sierra @ Posh Meets Pavement
    October 24, 2012 · 9:03PM:
    This is adorable. You will always remember that run for years to come! Running always seems to break up a stressful day.
    Reply
  • Adventurer October 24, 2012 · 10:22PM:
    Nothing is better than starting a day with a run, even one's wedding day! Looks lovely...
    Reply
  • Karen
    October 25, 2012 · 6:34AM:
    I think running on your wedding day (or any busy day for that matter) is a great way to start the day with clear head! I will def be running on my big day...eventually :)
    Reply
  • Julie @ Sweetly Balanced
    October 26, 2012 · 5:20PM:
    I think this sounds like a great idea!! How fun! I definitely want to go for a run on the day of my wedding!! :)
    Reply
  • Kara Cruz November 11, 2012 · 11:45AM:
    Hi Anne! I absolutely love your blog. I have been researching programs and blogs in areas of dietetics. I'm trying to decide if returning to school is something I should do. I currently have a BA in Psychology and work for a non-profit. I am finding that I no longer feel challenged or passionate about what I am doing. I have always been interested in health, nutrition and wellness. We recently started a wellness committee at my place of employment. That has been the highlight of going to work lately for me. Reading your blog has been very helpful! I am thinking I will just go for it! Like you, I am recently married...June 2nd 2012 in Pacific Grove (near Monterey), CA! My husband and I love participating in races and other activities! We plan to do the San Diego Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon for our anniversary next year. I have very similar hopes of starting my own health, nutrition and fitness business. I just wasn't sure where to begin. I believe a career as an RD would be a great start. Thank you for all of your helpful information and inspiration! I look forwarding to reading your blog more!!! -Kara (: Modesto, CA
    Reply
    • Anne P
      November 12, 2012 · 9:18AM:
      Glad you found my blog and my story helpful - best of luck to you and never give up on your dreams.
      Reply
  • Kara Cruz November 11, 2012 · 11:46AM:
    One more thing... I think running the morning of your wedding was a fabulous idea! I did the same... It helped to calm and prepare me for the day! -Kars
    Reply
  • Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats
    April 11, 2014 · 1:31PM:
    This is such a great idea!! I will definitely keep this in mind for when my day comes :)
    Reply
  • Kiki
    July 3, 2014 · 6:40PM:
    I really wish I had read this back in December. Everybody and their mother talked me out of working out/running on the day of my wedding...so to retaliate...I am going on a long run the morning of my sister's wedding on my 1 year anniversary. :) #nobodygonnastopmenow
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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