surprise for my groom

Many of those who know me know that I am definitely on the shy and timid side of the social spectrum. I really wanted to do something special for Rob on our wedding day so I challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone to do something no one would ever expect me to do–especially Robert! Late last year I heard one of our groomsmen, Tony, talk about how crazy Beyonce’s dance moves were in her Sweet Dreams video. I watched it and thought the same and also caught onto the romantic lyrics. I pondered over it and thought “wouldn’t it be great to dedicate this song to Robert AND dance to it for him on our wedding day”?!?

So late in November I asked the cuzzies (Anne and Frances) if they would be willing to be my back-up dancers for it. They thought I was crazy–to choose any other dancer would have been easier but BEYONCE of all people–the woman with the most amazing moves in the music world is just nuts to fathom. We put it off the next few months and finally started rehearsing in early April. Once a week I would sneak off to their house to practice a few 8-counts at a time. Dan was our choreographer–the man who edited the song, put together the moves and coached us thru it all.

I have to say it was not easy. We thought of calling it off so many times. The first few meetings I was next to impossible to teach with my stiff body and zero moves in my bodily system. The main obstacle was being able to mimic the part where Beyonce does her chest pump and body roll–it would be pointless to learn everything else and not be able to do that part. I was really determined to get it right so one night before one of our practices I tried the body roll (in heels) in front of my mirror (which is still very hard for me to do–look at myself in the mirror). Somehow it just came to me. I was frickin’ able to do the body roll!! My shoulders and hips were actually cooperating!! I told Anne that I think I got it and I amazed her the next day alright. She was squealing and freaking out when I did it for her to see.

Without further adieu…check out one of our practice videos and our final performance that night.

This one courtesy of Julie Vu.

This one courtesy of tdang.

Click here for another video taken that night. Courtesy of Thy.

Compare how we improved from this July 12th practice video…

I will share the video from my videographer when he has that ready. Hopefully it’s soon.

In the end I have to say it was a huge growing experience. I mean, I don’t think I’ve ever been so determined in my life. I was juggling a full-time job, my side photography job, planning this wedding, taking first dance lessons, and rehearsing for this number–I am amazed at myself for not going insane. Never have I pushed myself so far past my comfort zone to do this for anyone–even myself. I wanted to make Robert not just proud, but EXTREMELY proud to call me his wife. I did it out of love for him and I hope it shows him how determined and committed I am to making our marriage last. If I can dance similarly to Beyonce, I think I can make our marriage a loving and ever lasting one. I love you babe–you rock my world!

p.s.
a HUGE shout out to ANNE, FRANCES, and DAN for dedicating so many hours over the last 4 months to do this with me, for me, for robert. You guys are the BEST!!

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