Wedding Wednesday (Part 1)

Wedding Wednesday! So, I did a poll on Instagram asking what people wanted to read about, and Wedding Wednesday was the winner! I will say, reading other bloggers wedding stories/tips leading up to my wedding was super helpful. While everyone has their own unique spin on wedding planning and specific expectations for the day, it is nice to hear from those who have already been through it. So, if you’re planning a wedding maybe this will be helpful! It’s going to be super fun to recap all the details from our wedding day, but it’s probably going to be broken up into like 3 different posts. Oops. So, I’ll start at the beginning…….

I stayed at my parents house the night before. This was really important and nostalgic for me.  I woke up with the intent to take a long relaxing bath, pray, wear my c02 mask (Best Face Mask EVER), maybe do some light yoga, and enjoy a slow cup of coffee. However, I woke up in a panic remembering that I lost a boudoir picture (of myself btw, duh) the night before at the Rehearsal Dinner that I intended on giving Josh before the ceremony! I was mortified at the thought that I had left it at the church. What a way to start the day, right?! I die laughing thinking about it now.

Despite this, I still took a bath. Sorry, some things I’m not willing to give up under any circumstances. One of those is a hot bath on my wedding day. So, hot bath. C02 mask. Check. Grab my bags, tell my parents love ya see you soon, and I was out. Got to the church, found the picture neatly tucked away in a large envelope. Whew. On to the Inn to get ready. (still in my mask fyi! HAHA when I showed up to the Inn I still had it on and looked like a freak of nature, but I didn’t care. I SO wish I had a picture of this!)

I got ready at the Inn with my sisters, Josh’s sister, Mom, and friend Stephanie. I only had three bridesmaids (my sisters & Josh’s sister). Good decision, and I wouldn’t change it. I knew any more than that would stress me out. My goal was to keep the party small and the overall feel of the wedding day very intimate. I had a way of including all my friends in the day, and I’ll share that with you later.

Josh got ready at the Inn too with his friends.  I think he had a bit of a crazy day.  Maybe I’ll have him post one day on his perspective haha.  We didn’t see each other at all and didn’t talk except for maybe some texts.  I love seeing these pics of him now!

So, my big sister brought me coffee and my dear friend Laken started working on my hair. Then, my sweet groom sent me a bouquet of white roses to our room. I was fairly calm and collected at this point. I listened to Johnnyswim basically all day on repeat. Their music was included in our ceremony also. I wore the cutest little white robe and slippers. I wandered around the hotel all day like this. I treated the hotel like my home. Pretty sure the entire staff and probably some of our guests saw me in my little robe. Oh well.

My decorator Gayle is so incredible. I wanted the feel of the wedding and reception to be very winter white, crisp, chic, subtle, classic. Nothing too other the top, but still very beautiful. White everywhere, and for months I prayed for snow on our big day!! My 85 year old Granny made our wedding cake, and the groom cake. She and my Mom made the apple butter for our favors. I wanted the entire day to include family in as many ways as possible!

Kate Spade Cake Cutting Set

My Mom brought a huge salad for lunch. One thing I kept reading over and over is how brides forget to eat. Don’t do that. Food is so important to me, so I had this detail handled.

I had our amazing photographers and videographers show up later in the day, because I didn’t want a bunch of pictures of me getting ready. I know that’s a popular and even traditional thing to do, but I hate it. Getting ready (for me) is so therapeutic. The last thing I want is a camera around documenting the process. Even as relaxed and cool as my photographer (and videographer) was, documenting the getting ready process of a wedding has just never appealed to me. I guess this a good time to say, do you. You only get to do this once (well, hopefully), so don’t cave to the pressures of being traditional if you are not. Do what makes you and your groom happy!

I started getting antsy and a little stressed when I realized we were off schedule. My little Sis helped me into my dress, I got a little teary eyed, we snapped a few pics before heading to the church, and then we were off!!

When we arrived at the church, Josh was taking pictures with his friends so it seems like everyone was trying to coordinate keeping us away from one another. We did not see each other before the ceremony, and I’m so happy we didn’t. Josh pushed this, because I wanted to have a first look. I let him have his way on this, and I’m glad I did.

Things felt really crazy at this point. Everyone was in and out of the fellowship hall where I was, and my veil wouldn’t stay put. Laken was trying to fix my hair/veil and everyone was asking me questions. I was partially freaking out….

Josh and I had planned on having a quiet moment right before the ceremony together, still not seeing each other by standing on opposite walls. I knew this would be so special and a sure fire way to calm me down. But (back to story) we were out of time, veil was falling, people were all around, etc. so I told Megan to skip it.

Fortunately, I have an amazing groom and photographer because the next thing I knew, Megan came barging in and forced everyone to leave except me! I was so happy she did this HAHA. Then, she placed me on one side of the wall, and said “We are doing this!”. Josh came in and stood on the other side of the wall. He held my hand, and IMMEDIATELY all the stress was gone. It was one of the best moments of not only the day, but my life. That final reassurance. This is my person. The love of my life. I’ve been waiting all day long to feel this calm. I’ve been waiting my entire life to feel this complete….*cue sweet music and tears*

 *One last threat from my Mom HAHA*

I had a few more moments all to myself (finally) in the fellowship hall. I sang a little bit, I prayed, I fought back tears. It was such a special moment, just God and me. I savored every second.  And then, it was time…..

I’ll see you all next week for Part 2!

xoxo,

DeAndra Lynette

P.S. ALL picture credit goes to the fabulous Megan Rhea Photography