So, I do not even know where to start because from here out it was like a blurr. I guess I was in a trance of enjoyment or something. LOL. I guess I will start with where I left off...lol. I did forget to mention I got my bouquet around 1pm and started my finishing touches on it...
I added the blue crystals to make it not your typical looking boring bouquet.
OK, so 3pm hits and the guys are outside in the hall while I got my dress on and the photographer was taking pictures. The dress was snug even w/ the minimizer on because in like 3wks my girls grew, and I bloated because I was super nervous...not what I wanted. BUT, it got zipped and I was happy. We went to the lobby where the planner and the rev. was supposed to be, but we couldnt find either. The photographer noticed Rev. Knox was waiting for us down at the gazebo already. We had been emailing back and forth about the ceremony so much that we didnt need to chat b4 hand. We get down to where I was told by the planner I would walk out from, but I ended up being moved a few doors down. OH did I mention the planner we didnt see till after I opened the doors. Nikki (photographer) was helping a lot at this point. She came down to move me to the new door, and then told me when I was to start walking. I know that sounds harsh, but I was frustrated. I guess when D, the boys, MIL, and FIL had gone to the gazebo to find out what was going on they just told them to stay there. So, the music I chose (which btw Catherine Way is AMAZING!!!!) didnt get played for them (I still say its because of the fact that nobody was there to direct when they were to go out etc). BUT, Catherine did play all of it at some point (again amazing to work with).
I opened the door and had to fix my dress real quickly so it didnt get caught in the door, and I started walking. My dress was still a bit long (it was my fault as I asked for it to cover my shoes), so I had to lift it up to keep from stepping on it in the front. I remember a few times my shoe somehow got stuck in my dress, and I was laughing at it. Rev. Knox reminded me that even Cinderella had shoe problems (LOL). So, as I'm walking I do hear A Dream Is A Wish and I almost started crying. It was beautiful. I was sooo happy to know that it was my moment...and that around the next turn was my husband waiting to say I Do again. The ceremony went by fast. I remember doing everything, but I was so focused on Dennis and not crying I dont remember much. The blessing of the hands and the scripture reading were great, and I've never wanted to cry so hard as I wanted to during our Vows. I am lucky that Dennis was fighting back tears too because if he had cried once I would have lost it. He was my strength. I was so happy.
We did a sand ceremony and I do remember hearing Beauty and the Beast from Catherine and it was so beautiful during it. I honestly dont think I could have asked for better music!!!! The sand ceremony was a great choice because it was so windy that day the candles would not have stayed lit. Watching the sand combine together was touching. I know its normally done for 1st time weddings but we are about to embark on a new life post military in a year and we are virtually starting over then. This was a great way to start our new part of life.
I think the sweetest part of our ceremony was when our youngest son Curtis came up with the rings when Rev. Knox asked for them. He was SOOOOOO excited to be holding the ring pillow. He came up quietly and did it exactly as he was shown. OH I was so proud, and he looked so big. He was deff a cutie that day.
Our recessional was to When You Wish Upon A Star. I honestly dont remember it though because we had cheers and clapping from every direction (balconies and patios) from on lookers. It was great. Very magical.
We turned and went back for the cake and champagne reception. We got a few photo and Catherine played the entire time. She started playing Kiss the Girl (which was supposed to be played earlier but the whole not knowing when people walk thing threw it off). Dennis and I shared our first dance to that. WAY better than our first dance ever to Letters from Jail. We are going to forget LFJ ever happened...LOL. We werent sure when Catherine would stop playing so we snuck it in. Turns out we had her for a while (bride brain forgot how long). So, it was nice to have music the entire time. I've never been so happy. We did the toasts and the cake cutting. It was so like the first time. We had done it the first time, but this for some reason felt like the first time ever. I did forget to eat all day though so after 3 glasses of champagne I had to stop because (despite eating cake) I was feeling too good. LOL. The cake itself was horrible. It was very dry and tasteless. We wish we had gone with chocolate instead of white now. IDK who SOG used but it was so bad. We told them they didnt need to keep it after just to toss it, but we got it anyway (and tossed it immediately...nobody liked it...not even the kids). It was a fun reception.
Now, the best part. My friend Lindzy was there. It was the first time we have met in person. OMG talk about special!!!! She and her hubby were there on vacation and they took time to come to the ceremony. Now, I've known Lindzy for about 3yrs but we have never physically met. Everyone thought this was so cool. It was!!!! It was so great having her there to support us.
Well, that is where I will stop. Next time I'll tell you all about the post ceremony pics. LOL That was a fun time. Now some pics (from Lindzy's camera) of the ceremony,
(dont worry it was ginger ale)
(Lindzy and I..we were both looking at other things when it got snapped..LOL)
Your dress is beautiful and I love your shoes!
