In preparing to get married, one of the toughest things we had to do was decide on where we wanted to hold our rehearsal dinner. Although Myrtle Beach is home to hundreds of restaurants, we had a rough time selecting that perfect place.

We ended up deciding on a location about four months out. Our choice was Thoroughbreds, a fine dining establishment specializing in steak and seafood. When we went and met with the restaurant general manager and ate the food, we were very confident that we made a great selection. However, all the confidence in the world would mean nothing if the food/service didn’t satisfy on the day of our rehearsal dinner.

After we chose Thoroughbreds we went and ate dinner there to try it out. It was amazing.

But it definitely did satisfy. Add to that the atmosphere and organization of our rehearsal dinner and it turned out to be a very successful evening. Let me just briefly explain…

On the Monday of our wedding week, my parents met with the general manager (great guy named David) at the restaurant. They went over the seating arrangement, menu, and several other details. When my parents left the meeting and met us at a bar across the street from Thoroughbreds they also seemed confident that everything was in order.

We had a party of 32. Half of this was comprised of people who participated in the actual rehearsal at the church. Because the rehearsal got out a little early, all of us in the church group arrived at Throughbreds a few minutes before the other people started arriving. This worked out great because first of all, we all needed an immediate drink. Secondly, it allowed us to be good hosts and greet and introduce our guests. There was always the possibility that the rehearsal could have went long and guests not within the church group could have shown up without anyone there.

A look at the layout of our rehearsal dinner at Thoroughbreds. It was very elegant (photo credit to Jay).

A nice cocktail period was held and then people started to sit down. Sidney and I sat at the head table with our parents. Four tables fit for seating of 6-7 people each shot off at different angles from the head table. We had our own private spacious room in the restaurant. Making it even better was the fact that this room was upstairs and thus completely separated from the rest of the establishment.

A couple different views of the head table for our rehearsal dinner at Throughbreds

My dad called the rehearsal dinner to order. He thanked everyone for coming and then turned the floor over to Tim McCormick, the man who along with his wife, Kathy, served as the sponsor couple for Sidney and I. Tim said a few words about us and then delivered a beautiful blessing.

Sidney and I with Tim and Kathy McCormick at our rehearsal dinner. Tim gave a great blessing (photo credit to Glen).

It was now my dad’s time. He gave his speech that he had worked on for a couple weeks, stopping only two or three times to regain his composure as the tears came. He did a wonderful job. After he concluded, he asked if everyone in the room would stand up and introduce themselves. This is when it got really special…

My dad delivering his speech (photo credit to Glen).

People in the room just didn’t stand up real quick and say their name. Rather, each person took time to explain who they were and then spoke a little bit about Sidney and I. It was a genuine, intimate several moments. It really set the stage for a perfect rehearsal dinner.

The food started to come out. The servers brought out our individual appetizers first (all guests had the option of three different items). Then came the salad. Then came the main course! The menu was set up so you could choose between prime rib, filet mignon, crab cakes, or salmon. I opted for the prime rib and I was treated with a HUGE cut. Lastly the dessert came as we all had to decide between the difficult choice of cheesecake or chocolate cake.

A look at the prime rib dinner complete with the Snapchat geofilter we used for the rehearsal. I had it activated at the church and at Thoroughbreds.

In between the courses, people would get up from their tables and stroll over to another table to say hello. The trio of servers who took care of our party did a fabulous job serving drinks and making sure each different course was brought out at the perfect time. David came in a few times to make sure everything was running smoothly.

With the meal starting to conclude, Sid and I received the paparazzi treatment. As we stood in front of the head table, family members and friends gathered and started to take photos. It got pretty intense but it was fun. As we were planning our exit, several people remarked that the next time they come to Myrtle Beach they would be eating at Thoroughbreds. Beyond the food, everyone seemed to say that they had a pleasant evening helping us to celebrate our impending marriage.

A look at how different people used our geofilter at the rehearsal dinner.

Sidney and I left together; she rode with a bridesmaid up front and I rode with a groomsmen in the back. Although the stress of the next day’s wedding still loomed, a weight was lifted off our shoulders. The rehearsal dinner was a success. It was classy, memorable, and delicious. Here is a BIG THANK YOU to my parents. Don’t Blink.