I was planning on waking up about 6:30 on my wedding day, but was wide awake at just after 6am. I laid there (on the couch) and just thought about the day ahead and how ready and happy I was to be marrying Todd. Not even the blowing wind and
weather watch warning could have dampened my excitement of what I was doing that day.
I had my quiet early morning coffee and then woke the girls up so they could throw on clothing to get to the hairdressers. We were to be there by 7:30am. I was the only one late because every bank machine I went to
was giving me fits. Ruth (hairdresser) just started on the girls. She has never done a wedding before where the bride was the last person. It actually worked out for me, because not only is Ruth my hairdresser, but a friend, so I knew I would
appreciate that quiet time with her.
She did my veil and we were both crying like little babies. It was a very special moment.
Because we wanted to do 'First Look' pictures it put the bridal party under the gun time wise. The girls handled the situation really well. A few messy moments in getting ready and all that, but nothing that couldn't
be handled. In the rush there wasn't a lot of time for those beautiful getting ready pictures. I don't know how some people do it, but that photographing business is NOT for me.
We left the house about a half hour late to get to the first look. Todd texted me and said, “I'm waiting and you better hurry because girls are trying to pick me up.” Poor guy! I felt awful. I am NEVER
late. It drives me nuts!
We arrived at the picture spot and there was my handsome groom standing waiting for me. That moment, even in the hustle and bustle of all the girls and my in-laws in the vehicle, was so meaningful. It took everything
I had not to fly out of that vehicle and full on sprint to him. The photographer let him know I was there, even though I texted him when we turned on to the street.
The walk up those stairs to where he was, was a surreal 'all of my dreams are coming true' moment. I am so surprised that I didn't cry. He didn't either. It was kind of good to just stand there wrapped in his arms and
know all of the moments in our day, I have this one to look back on and know that is the moment when my soon-to-be husband I and shared a private and beautiful embrace and kiss. How blessed I am!
The madness of pictures began. It had finally stopped raining, but the ground and porch where we had our photos taken was still extremely wet. My dress was an utter mess. It was filthy, but even that, I didn't care. I
think Todd was more worried and upset than I was about that. Seriously, I just didn't let anything bother me. Not a single thing. While taking pictures my veil came off and it just got stuck back in place. My hairdresser saw me at the church and
just about had a fit because you could see a bobby pin end. We will see how the photos turn out. LOL
After the first look, Todd takes off with his friend on his way to the church. My father-in-law takes off with rest of our attendants. My limo is there. I am alone for one of the first times all day. The limo gets me
to the church about a half hour before the ceremony, but there is nothing for me to do, but to sit in the car outside the church. The car has no black out windows, so people are walking by and peeking in and waving at me. I was so annoyed. I ask the
limo to leave the church and to take me for a drive. I had to use the washroom, so we drive around town and I ask him to stop at Starbucks so I could go pee. No big stretch that I'm at Starbucks on my wedding day. We drive back to the church to sit
on a back street waiting for guests to stop the streaming in to the church. I can't believe how late people are to things like this – wild. So, I had to make the decision, so as not to be walking in with our guests, that I would be late on
purpose. Goes against everything I believe in. Even then, I was greeted at the door by my cousin that was late and there I am about to walk in and she is right behind me. AUGGHHHH!
The processional music begins and off goes Todd and Ty. Watching them walk was awesome. Off go the girls and then it is time for my Father-in-law and myself to start the walk. My FIL tried to say something to me and
just lost it. He couldn't talk and the tears just started falling. I was so concerned with helping him hold it together that I talked to him all the way down the aisle.
The moment I was waiting for – I was handing off to the man that was to be my husband. Feeling my hand in his, was just the calming and loving feeling I hold so dear.
Our service was incredible and so heartfelt. The people we had reading were perfect and did such an incredible job. Todd and I did our vows and I still didn't cry. Todd choked up, but held it together. I have never in
my life felt so much love and support than I did during that time, being with Todd and surround by those that love us.
We signed the registry and that was one of the most incredible moments. We were able to look out to the church and see those people that loved us and that were there when this relationship started, when it struggled
and when it flourished. Both Todd and I made eye contact with the girl that prompted us to start this relationship, she was sitting there with tears running down her face. She sends us kisses from her seat and from the alter, we sent them right back
at her. I loved that! That is so Todd and I!
Between leaving the church and heading to the reception hall we went to my mother's grave and left my bouquet. It was a wonderful and sad moment to share with Todd, but one I think I needed to do to feel the peace of
having my mother near me on this most precious day.
