Wedding Day 1

I woke up super early on the day of our wedding. All my bridesmaids were supposed to be at my room at 9 to get the long day started with hair and makeup but I wasn't expecting to be up at 5:30. I laid in bed for a bit trying to wrap my mind around the fact that it was wedding day... all the planning, all the prayers, all the hoping and stress had led to this day. I promtly got a text from Neeley, saying "I'm on my way over! Happy Wedding day!"

 

I threw on my leggings, sweater and uggs when she got there and we decided to go to the main building for coffee. I had a little present for Neeley and she had one for me so we sat in the library with coffee exchanging gifts. Each of us gave the other a ring, mine for her was gold multi-band wrapped ring and hers for me was a rose-gold stack able ring. We cried on the couch as we read the letters we had written one another trying to keep our composure and headaches at bay. We spent the next hour just reminiscing on the couch by the fire of our journeys and life together. There is an unbreakable, unexplainable bond between the two of us.

Eventually we made it back to the suite where my bridesmaids were starting to arrive. Tenell and Aunt Cindy came in with the bagel platters I had ordered from Whole Foods. The excitement was in the air but coffee was very needed for the early risers!

I had hired Blair, the same hair and makeup artist from Neeley's wedding to come do my hair and makeup, moms hair and makeup, and the bridesmaids makeup. Blair definitely made the day so much funner and more chill! She instantly set to work on the girls makeup. I wanted something that would show up in pictures and make the girls stand out... the look was beautiful in photos but I do think it was a bit overwhelming for some for the 8+ hours before the ceremony they were walking around with gobs of makeup on their eyes.

I honestly couldn't have asked for a smoother more relaxing morning and afternoon getting ready for the wedding. I was surrounded by the people I love most laughing, reminiscing, beautifying and snacking. I was able to sneak a peek of Drew at one time on the sidewalk. Seeing him gave me goosebumps even though he was still in his jeans and t-shirt. His nervousness was evident from the 50 yards away I watched from. Later he would tell me that "It was the longest day of his life!"

I was so blessed to have my Aunt Tammy working tirelessly on setting up the vision of reception and ceremony I had dreamt and planned for 5 months. If I hadn't had her there I honestly would have fallen apart.

Neeley and Kelsey were constant companions at my side that day. Never leaving me unless it was to help with an errand I couldn't do. Neeley was in constant panic that I would be seen by Drew or that he would see my dress or whatnot. She was the epitome of a perfect Matron of Honor. I remember trying to convince her once the boys had all left the resort for lunch that I just wanted to make sure everything was going OK setting up. She reluctantly agreed and was very ancy the whole time we were scouting things out.  Kelsey's joy and grace shone from her like the sun as she basked in the fun of getting her hair and makeup done. She was my other constant making sure I was well taken care of that day.

Drew and I were going to do a traditional exchanging of gifts pre-ceremony, mine delivered to him via Neeley and his delivered to me via Lane. My vision was that this would happen an hour or so before the ceremony when the photographers were present and nerves and excitement was high. My Fiance' had a different idea... 10:00 am Neeley comes to me having received a text from Drew he was ready to exchange gifts. I think at that moment he was already so anxious he just wanted some kind of contact with me. I told Neeley to tell him to wait till later.... 12:00 pm he has sent Lane over with the gift... go back, It's not time yet. Finally at 2:00 or so I relented to the exchange ,just as the photographers were actually getting there.

 

I had written Drew and sweet card telling him how anxious I was to become his wife and what he meant to me.... things I would have said at the alter had I thought I could hold it together enough but since I knew even repeating vows would be emotional I wrote it out for him. When I write cards I consider it a success only if the person cries. I was sure he would be so emotional from the day and my sweet words he would cry... NOT! He did Love Love his Bulova watch I got for him! He had pawned his other one to get money to take me out while he lived in Pampa.

Drew gave me a gold and diamond ring! It was lovely but too small so we exchanged it when we got home from our honeymoon.