After we got in, we hurriedly got things set up in the reception area as far as plates, cups, etc. Then we sat down and ate lunch in our changing room. The BMs started changing, and then I discovered that one of my nails was missing
(that's what I get for getting the cheap $5 ones at Wal-Mart!). So our DOC (our decorator ended up acting as one for us--a pleasant surprise!) borrowed Tina's car and headed to the nearest drugstore. DH's best man and his wife stopped by
to see if I needed anything done, and they informed me that he was there. Fortunately, our DOC came back, and I stuck a nail on and started to get ready (thank goodness for zippers!). Just as I was getting ready to put on my garter, my
grandmother walks in, and the waterworks start. We had to spend some time fixing my makeup after that. When she left, my sister came in, and as soon as she saw me, her face crumpled into crying as well. We hugged and laughed, and
she talked about how beautiful I was. It was a repeat as well when my mom came in the room.
We had decided that at 1:45, DH and I would meet up at a corner of the building to pray before the ceremony, so it was time for me to head to my spot so he couldn't see me. I got on one side of the building and waited. I had heard
reports about DH being tense and nervous, and as he was walking down the hall, someone said he looked "like a boxer loosening up." Travis directed him where to be, told me I looked beautiful, and helped us join hands. I'm so glad we chose
to pray before the ceremony because it helped me keep my focus on what I was doing--marrying my best friend before God. DH left, and it was time for us to line up. My mom brought my aunt back to see me, and her reaction was priceless.
She gasped and said, "Oh my god! You've grown! You were a little girl and now you are a beautiful woman!" They finally went to their seats. Tina looked in the sanctuary and said, "Someone has peacock feathers...on a hat."
I was like, "What?" She then said, "Yeah, a man out there is wearing a top hat with peacock feathers on it." I figured it was our friend, KK, when she said it (he would be the only one of our friends who would wear a top hat with
peacock feathers to a wedding, and it ended up being a steampunk hat he had just gotten in the mail the day before), and frankly, I thought it was pretty cool, like a twist on the British weddings. My ladies, my grandfather, and I had a laugh,
and then I heard the music start.
The walk down the aisle seemed so short for such a momentous occasion, but I did get to see DH's face when he saw me coming down the aisle. It's hard to put into words what that expression meant, but I knew it was one of pleasure.
For a couple who shared plenty of tears during the rehearsal, we went through the ceremony fairly well with some tears. There were no flubs on the vows at all, and the hand ceremony was beautiful. And it's true that the ceremony is a bit
of a blur; I didn't really notice anyone (except for DH's grandfather who decided to actually get up front to take pictures of us during the ceremony!) but DH and our pastor. We pledged our devotion to each other, Mason (my nephew) read some
Scripture, the pastor presented a message, we exchanged vows, rings, and did a hand ceremony (which our pastor had never heard of until this and liked it so much that he wants to give it to future couples as an option). It was then time for the
kiss, and we had a wonderful kiss, but it apparently was short because our pastor said, "That was it? I usually have to tell couples to stop." Of course, both DH and I were thinking of keeping it "G" rated...lol We were then
announced as Mr. and Mrs. Gray, and we then walked out of the sanctuary. As we headed through the hallway that lead to the other entrance to the sanctuary, DH and I stole a kiss, which was caught by our wedding party.
Pictures went VERY quickly! Jackie (who did our e-pics) did these, and she was kind enough to take pictures during the ceremony (she said she couldn't help it), so we're going to have pro pics during our ceremony!
The reception went well, though short, which was fine. We didn't get our grand entrance song, but that was okay. We were able to greet everyone, though it was quick, and we enjoyed some cake and punch. We then did our "grand
exit" so people could go home. We practically had to be pushed out (we couldn't help it--we wanted to help everyone clean up!). So we walked out to DH's truck, where one of the pastor's daughters created a "Just Married" sign to go in the
back window, and we went home.
Our wedding was not a traditional one by any means, and it was super simple, but it was the best for us. We've received so many compliments, and I have to say that part of it was because we were so relaxed and we wanted to enjoy it as much
as our guests. We didn't want to get caught up in how everything looked--we were just excited to begin our life as husband and wife. I received the following comment from a friend on Facebook who did not attend the wedding, but what she
had to say was amazing:
"Loving the pictures! You are not only a beautiful bride, but also a delightfully happy bride. So many wedding pictures show a bride who seems slightly preoccupied, one eye always checking to see that the centerpieces are still just so, but you
are so completely in the moment and just enjoying all the love surrounding you and Wes, your joy shines through. It makes me happy to look at your pictures :)"
So keep in mind that yes, you've put a ton of time and effort into this day, but don't stress out!
Non-pros in the next post!
