Gettin' Glamorous

Despite the fact that the wedding wasn't until 3 pm we started getting ready at 8 am. With the wedding being so late and it being winter we wanted to get some pictures done ahead of time.

We wanted to make sure things weren't too rushed and that we had some natural light for the pictures. So while most of the guys were sleeping off hangovers, we were up and bringing out our "natural" beauty.



This was the first time everyone saw the dresses together. Aren't they purty?



My mom had us all set up around the kitchen island to get ready. And there was a buffet of food... of course. Oh and cocktails. Bloody Mary's and Mimosa's. I didn't have one. I have no idea why.



Here is my dress. I don't have the strength to tell about all the drama. But everything panned out and it looked very pretty, very classy if I do say so myself.



I believe its only fair to show you what they had to work with here.

Do you see those bags under my eyes? That may be from falling asleep around 1 am and then waking up at 3 am soaked in sweat. Really. I had to get up and get out of my fleece pajamas (that do nothing but trap the sweat in) and literally towel off. Then I slept in a sweater dress because I didn't have spare pajamas.



I think Jenn had to use all of this to make me look the way I did. She did such a good job that I didn't feel like I had any make-up on. That is a miracle because I never, ever use foundation so I normally feel like a freak when I do.



Dad and Ginger are clearly feeling the excitement and frenzy of the upcoming event.



We listened to Christmas music while we were getting done up. It was so festive!

In the background you see Kim doing my hair. I love Kim. If I weren't married I think I might want to marry her. We've known each other for years. I've known her boyfriend since kindegarten as he was one of my best friends brother.

When I told Kim I would need to put on a birdcage veil for the pictures, then a traditional veil for the ceremony, then back to the birdcage veil (only worn differently) for the reception.... she thought it would be fun.

I think she might be insane. And actually she primped me all night long. Even when she removed the veil completely part way thru the reception. She brought a bag of hair products and bobby pins to the reception with her. I had a personal stylist at the entire event!



This picture is from later in the day but I wanted you to see the amazing difference a hair and make-up artist can make.



Then the flowers came and everyone ooohed and aaaahed!



Um, is that a ROSE I spy? Because I love you Shawna, I will forgive you.

Besides, everything really was gorgeous.



Boutonnieres. Do you notice the little "Made Especially For" tags on each. How cute is that?!

Oh and the presentation is so over-the-top perfect. This is just how they were dropped off at the house.



B's is the big white orchid. I have never seen them as huge as the ones Shawna used.

Only his didn't make it thru the evening. When we were saying our vows I noticed his was clinging for dear life. My mom replaced it with the one meant for his grandfather.



When the cocktails were finished we headed to the country club to take some pictures.



I brought my camera in the limo. It really helped keep me occupied. It helped calm me.

We laughed all day long. Laughed and cried and laughed some more. Adrienne is in the back taking pictures of me taking pictures :) She is so totally patient with the psychotic bride who brought a camera with her.

Whats a blogger to do?



Another bouquet shot. My bouquet was so fantastical and I didn't get any pictures of the handle! I can't wait until you see it.

Shawna read my blog and saw the post about how much I love birch. So she surprised me and incorporated it into the whole wedding!!

The handle of my bouquet is actually a hollowed out piece of birch. Can you believe that? I cannot even tell you how much I loved the personalized effect of all the birch!



Here we are just moments away from seeing B for the first time! Well, for the first time that day.

Exhilirating!