My Wedding 10.11.10

Photos Courtesy of mostly Emilie Inc., 1 from Dad's Cell, and our Point and Shoot (honeymoon only).  Click to view Emilie's Blog of our day.

It was a crisp, brisk autumn day. I had the alarm set for 6:45 AM but was wide awake at 6:20 AM. I slept like a baby the night before, without Nyquil or Benadryl. I told Amanda (my cousin / bridesmaid / sanity checker for the night) to keep sleeping while I showered. I walked in the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. CHECK, no pimples today! I showered up and pranced into the hotel room (at The Fairfield Inn) shrilling “I’m getting MARRIED today.” I was overwhelmed with excitement, anxious about all that was left to do, but numb to the reality of what was about to happen. Amanda hopped into the shower and I cleaned up the hotel room and got dressed. She and I made our way to the breakfast room, where we each ate a bowl of cereal and a banana (skip the coffee, for fear of bloating). We departed with flowers and bridal bag in tote. I stopped off at Tim Horton’s to grab a box of coffee for the troops, grabbed Dad at his hotel, and headed to Morgan Hill.

We arrived in and were greeted by father of the groom, David and brother of the groom/usher, Mike. I headed inside, said a quick hello to Ryan and headed upstairs to the dressing room with my dress.

I was so overwhelmed with seeing all that needed to get done. Ryan and another lady from the venue were already setting up tables (which needed a little tweaking, oh no...things were going wrong already). I did not panic though. In no time, I had a group of 15 or so people ready to help us make our day perfect. Everyone pitched in, rolling silverware and unpacking boxes. Like clockwork at 9AM, Frank’s Bakery arrived with the cake (thought to self: holy crap! That is my WEDDING CAKE).

Chelsi and Joy (my sister and sister in-law) worked hard at getting the center pieces together. Staci (sister/maid of honor), Amanda, and Patty (best friend/reader) walked around placing name tags and leaves around the napkins.

Rick (step-dad), Jason (non official brother in law to be), Chris (brother in-law), David, and Mike hung lights and lanterns.

Mom and Dad were everywhere helping to be my eyes and ears on what needed to be done and placed in various places. Scott and Steve (best man) were outside working hard at setting up the ceremony.

In two short hours Morgan Hill became a palace perfect for this princess. I took a quick minute to look around the room before going to get ready (thought to self: this looks so romantic and PERFECT!). The room had the perfect rustic/chic feel I was going for - a little country and a little romantic.

The paper lanterns and strands of lights hung just so, giving the perfect ambiance.

The candles from my DIY centerpieces were lit on the tables.

Our cake stood tall and ready with my personalized topper, from etsy seller braggingbags, and Kate Spade cutting set (both I picked out but were Shower gifts). The pumpkins, that our wedding party carved the day before, looked amazing (and the hay Mom rushed out and bought last minute really added the extra touch).

My flowers (from Bangor Floral who literally took my order 48 hours before the wedding and fixed my flowers) had arrived and looked exactly as I dreamed. They did amazing with what they had and the time I gave them and I highly suggest using Bangor Floral.

The gift and memory tables were set perfectly with the memory hearts and card box from etsy seller braggingbags.

I sat upstairs in the dressing room anxiously awaiting Karen’s (the hair dresser) arrival. Panic really began to set in around 11:25, when Karen was 25 minutes late. I was pacing at this point, wondering what to do. It was a Monday so, short of the shopping mall, most hair salons were closed. I thought about calling my Aunt Tracy to see if she would be able to do something as she is a hair dresser. My sister was working the phone trying to reach a friend of hers or Karen at the salon, Déjà Vu in Bangor. No luck! I checked with Courtney (one the coordinators at MH) to see if she had any ideas or if the salon at MH was open. She was going to check and let me know. I went back to the dressing room and paced a little more. Finally! I saw Karen pull in. She came up to the dressing room and got down to business in no time.

People were in and out, much of getting ready is a blur. Emilie, Sharon, and Denise (all of Emilie Inc Photography) were hard at work, capturing every moment. Jason came in at some point with an Italian from CK Variety, which I literally inhaled at some point. He also brought me a coffee which I never touched.

I remember as Karen was finishing up my hair someone saying: “Uncle Ray is here.” I flipped out and was like: “What are people doing here already?” to which whoever replied: “Do you realize it is 1:30 already?” 1:30?!? Karen quickly put in my custom hair piece from etsy seller JadoreDolceCouture and CUT my bangs.

I still had to do my make up and for those who know me well, you know that this is quite the process for me.

I remember shaking the entire time I was applying cosmetics, not because I was nervous but because I was down to the last minute. I planned to be late – but it was cold out and I did not want to leave our older guests out in the cold for longer than necessary. Somewhere in the middle of doing make up, Patty arrived with a gift and card from Scott. It was a Pandora bracelet with a Wedding Cake bead.

I do remember that I forgot to put on my something old and my white eye shadow under the brow. I remembered later but it was far too late. My something borrowed was a personalized heart charm that my Great Grandfather gave to my Great Grandmother and an anklet which belonged to my Aunt Karen. I wore new earrings (and was going to wear old diamond stud earrings from Scott).  My “something blue” was my wedding dress label. We had a girls spa day to get our nails done at the not so fabulous, Anthony John's Day Spa. I had DIY sneakers, displaying two wedding Love Is comics. One of the two comics on my shoes I had been placing in Scott’s wallet leading up to our engagement.

My dress was from David’s Bridal (worst ever! Would not recommend going there…). Around my bouquet was a locket from Staci (that she got from G.M. Pollack & Son's) displaying photos of two people I missed having with me on my special day, my Aunt Linda and Grampy Kimball.

Finally, without a single moment to spare, I was ready to get hitched. So I announced, "I am ready to go get married."

Not so fast though, Dad stopped us, snapping a cell phone picture of Staci and I just before walking down stairs.

Meanwhile, Scott (along with Steve, Mike, Dad, and Jason) was getting ready.

I have a few photos that sort of tell his story. He wanted to play cribbage with his own Dad, so he spent some time getting that set up (unfortunately, there was some misunderstanding on the start time of the wedding so that did not happen).

Mike helped Scott with getting in his Tux (from Men’s Wearhouse), as he has some experience with tuxedos and Scott did not have a clue!

Scott wore custom Cuff Links from Things Remembered.

His flower (which included Wheat Grass as a symbol of fertility) was made by his dear friend, Fenn Hathaway.

I cannot really elaborate on how Scott was feeling – perhaps he’ll tell his own version of this story. I do know that he was overwhelmed by my “little something” I had Steve deliver to him. It was a DIY handmade card and a Guitar Pick engraved: “you picked me, forever yours 10.11.10” that I got from etsy seller artofsilver.

I waited in the lobby of Morgan Hill for what felt like an eternity. This was when I really began to feel nervous. My palms were sweaty and my heart was palpitating. I could hardly stay still. I was trembling a little holding onto my Dad. I watched out the window as each person walked down my aisle. I remember thinking: “you’re doing fine, take your time”.

I could see Scott, although he could not see me. He looked so handsome and proud. I knew once I made eye contact with him it would all be okay. Staci took her step out the door and my heart sunk into my stomach (I WAS NEXT!).

I wanted to walk slow, hold onto Dad, smile the entire time, stand up straight and keep my head up. However, when I stepped out the door a gust of wind came right up and took my veil.

Dad and I had to pause a few times so he could fix it. I could not see to walk at all. Not exactly what I had in mind…but once I got to the comfort zone (surrounded by my family and friends) all the bodies blocked the wind so I could see and I locked eyes with my husband to be. Tears began to flow.

I do not remember my Dad giving me away or even sharing a kiss with him. I wanted to leap right into Scott’s arms. I focused hard on all the promises I was making before my family and friends to the person I love most in this world. I was listening carefully to all the words of Reverend Robinson. Those minutes (which passed so quickly but were planned for so long) were some of the happiest of my life.

 

We shared fruit from the same cup and united through sand.

Lovey Williams (our soloist) played a song special to Scott and I, “I Cross my Heart” by George Strait.

Then finally Rev. Robinson said it, those words I had been crawling out of my skin to hear: “you may kiss”. I shared the sweetest and most tender embrace with my HUSBAND! We turned and were presented for the first time as husband and wife. Those words rang through my whole body. I had known for a very long time that Scott was the man I wanted to grow old with and it was happening!

Following our ceremony our guests went inside for cocktails and snacks. Our immediate family and wedding party joined us for some photos. Then it was time for our celebration.

We were announced in with “I Got a Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas (which in hindsight should have been Fergalicious by Fergie).

We gracefully slipped right into our first dance at the cue of DJ Dana Lavertu. Scott and I picked “Making Memories of Us” by Keith Urban because the song had been dear to us since the beginning. When we had a long distance relationship and I lived at home in Maine, Scott would serenade me via webcam with his guitar and that song. We laughed and cried, shared a few words and sang to each other. **sigh**

We quickly began to make our rounds and say Hi to those who came from near and far to support us on our special day. Dinner (a mango salsa pork tenderloin or a stuffed breast of chicken along with mashed potatoes, caeser salad, and green beans almondine) was served.

Shortly after dinner, Scott and I invited our parents up for a dance. Dad and I danced to “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life” by Ronnie Milsap.

Scott and his mother, Rachel shared an emotional dance to “Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers.

We then invited all the married couples to the dance floor and danced with them to “I’d Love You All Over Again” by Alan Jackson.

Scott and I had been looking forward to this dance for a long time. Scott's paternal grandparents stood before us with many years of successful marriage.

We were excited to give them a bouquet which we had custom made special for this dance by etsy seller reallybadkitty.

Scott’s grandparents did not stand up to join the dance however, so the last standing couple was his Aunt Connie and Uncle Tom.

We danced the night away and visited with the most cherished people in our lives. I myself laughed until I cried. I even fell down at one point, but still laughed and laughed!

We cut our cake (but did not throw it at each other, I KNOW! LAME!), we did a game to give away our centerpieces (to which my Pappy had to stand up and do the Chicken dance),

a money dance,

the ChaCha Slide, and a Conga Line.

Before we knew it, that night was gone.

Dana called everyone up for one last dance, “Someday When I’m Old” by Easton Corbin.

I cried as I looked around the room, realizing the day I had planned for 18 months and dreamed of for 25 years was over. It was absolutely perfect.

Our reception ended with a ceremony that Mom and Rick had planned for Scott and I. They let off two hot air balloons to heaven, representing Scott and I together forever. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. What made the balloons so special was that on our first Valentine's together I had purchased 25 helium balloons that Scott and I wrote on with a Sharpie. We wrote wishes for our future together and as individuals. We let each balloon off to heaven from our second floor apartment balcony that night. Mom and Rick did not even know this prior to purchasing the hot air balloons. It was just that perfect added touch to our wonderful day.

Everyone pitched in to help pick up and pack up, safely into boxes, what had already turned into memories. We said our Goodbyes and gave hugs to those we would not see for a while and thanked Ryan for his help. Then my husband and I made our way to the gas station (still in some wedding attire) to grab a couple of steamed red hotdogs before retiring for the night.

Our rings are from Zales and Kay Jewelers.

The invitation shells were designed by etsy seller baumbirdy and the inside of the invitations was a DIY project.

Our bridesmaid dresses were from David’s Bridal. The jewelry worn by the bridesmaids were custom made “3 Peas in a Pod” by etsy seller J2Jewelry. The hair pieces worn by the bridesmaids were from etsy seller lovestitched. Our guest book was also custom made, by etsy seller TheWeddingPerch.

We honeymooned at Calabash Cove which is located in Castries, St.Lucia and flew non-stop JetBlue. The honeymoon was equally as incredible as the wedding day. We enjoyed seeing the Pitons, snorkeling, a couples massage, visiting a drive-in volcano, visiting a cocoa plantation, eating local foods, chatting with local people, swimming in a waterfall, kayaking, a private plunge pool and private dinner on the dock