Finally... A Wedding Post!

In an attempt to remember the details of our wedding day (4 months ago today!), here I go...

The morning of the wedding I woke up next to my mom. It was a surreal feeling to think that it was my wedding day!! We took a few minutes and talked and cried, trying to get all the emotions out early. Then, we got up and got the day going! First thing I saw in the morning was a note from my dad. He had to have gotten up in the middle of the night to hang it in the hallway. He left me a little note or poem EVERY day in high school. Yes, EVERY DAY! It was so special to find a note from him on my wedding day. It made me cry, as most things did that day. He is the Best. Dad. Ever. I still have the sign on the wall, since it applies to each and every day of my life! I keep all the notes from high school in a scrapbook. I love to read them.

People quickly started arriving at the house pretty early. It was so fun! All my best girls were there, my parents, family friends and the little flower girls. Then came the photographer, videographers, make-up artist and the hair stylists. The house was wedding central and I loved every minute of it!! My mom, the girls and I all had our hair and make-up done at the house. It was very relaxing to be at home and not have to go anywhere. We had the most delicious food prepared by my parents and had some amazing donut holes from our favorite restaurant delivered to our door. We enjoyed mimosas and toasted to a beautiful day. And speaking of beautiful day -- it was November, sunny and 70 degrees!!! IT WAS PERFECT!!

My mom had made a 'Bride' sweatshirt for me and she wore her 'MOB' matching sweatshirt as well! My dad had a 'FOB' shirt... but it did not make an appearance! Ha! The flower girls all wore their own sweatshirts made by my mom. It was super fun.

I especially loved getting in my dress. My mom zipped me up and adjusted my veil. I was so similar to the scene that I had seen in pictures from my mom and dad's wedding. I always loved the picture of my grandma fixing my mom's veil... and I will always cherish the one of my mom doing the same to me. My dad was right there when they placed the veil on and I got ready. I went over and kissed him and he was crying. He's so tender hearted. He cries at all Hallmark commercial... and every wedding... especially mine!

Since it was such a beautiful day out, my bridesmaids and I headed to a little area downtown for our pre-wedding photos. Getting in and out of the car was a bit of a challenge. Big dress... little car. But other than that, it was so much fun! I love all the pictures because they really show just how happy we were and how much fun we were having! I had some individual shots taken there. It was a tad windy, so my veil was all over the place. We walked and laughed and had cars honking at us! Then we were off to the church!

While we were all getting ready, Doug and his gang had lunch at one of our favorite burger spots. It was great for him to spend some time with his best man and his twin younger sisters. He does not see his sisters that often because they live in different states, so he was glad to have them here for our big day. None of them really like to have their picture taken, so I'm sure they were all thrilled when one of our photographers showed up to get every moment of their lunch! Ha! At least I didn't send the videographers!

Doug got ready at the hotel where he stayed the night before. His mom helped him with his tie, which is great because I think she was feeling a bit overwhelmed that her son was getting married. I'm glad that they will have those memories. Then Doug was off to the church to meet up with all the guys and hang out before the wedding. He had a great group of guys with him. Doug is one of the best friends anyone could have and it was great to see him surrounded by those that value that friendship and were truly happy for him.

We had written letters to each other and we exchanged them, via our wedding party, at the church. While I was doing my final prepping, Doug did a word search (yep, real nervous! NOT!) and texted me that it wasn't long until we were married!! Whoo hoo! We had spoken earlier in the day... but it was exciting to get the text!

When we arrived at the church, my MOH Mary and I headed to the adoration chapel. This was probably one of the most moving parts of the whole day. We walked into the silent chapel that had a handful of people in it. All the emotion of that day came pouring out as we stood before our Lord. It was such a surreal feeling. Standing in my wedding gown and giving praise and thanks to the one who had led me to that moment! AMAZING!!!!!!!!! God is great!!! This will always be one of my favorite wedding memories. Right before the wedding, a friend of mine came into the bridal room and prayed over the wedding party. It was so moving. She has the amazing power to calm everyone down with prayer and we all needed it. We held hands and tears came and then we were ready. I loved having that moment of prayer right before walking down the aisle. I spent some final moments with my dad in the hallway. We could both hear the music. We were both soooo excited!!! I don't remember feeling nervous... just so filled with joy!

And then it was time for the Nuptial Mass... More to come later!!