Wow! The day is finally here!
I woke up on wedding day so excited. All of the preparation and planning had finally ceased and we were actually getting married! Writing this I’m racking my brain trying to think back and recall if anything went wrong, but I truthfully feel like it was the most perfect day. My mother and I left the hotel to go and get my hair done in the morning and while we were there, we had housekeeping fix up the bridal suite so that it was picture perfect! When we returned my photographer, makeup artist and day of coordinator were all there working and helping the day continue to go smoothly. I threw on my robe and jumped right in the makeup chair! We danced to Selena and sang to Jodeci. We literally had a party!
Time got a little tighter and we moved a little quicker and next thing I know I was alone in the hotel room, soaking up my “me time” before I walked down the aisle.
So, if you can, picture this- I’m calm right? I’ve done all my deep breathing. I haven’t cried off my makeup. I’m good. I’m peaceful. I’m ready. I take a few steps around the corner, have now linked arms with my father and I hear the biggest uproar ever! People are screaming, cheering and clapping- it sounds like a full-on concert! I turn to the staff and ask, “Do you guys have another event going on right now?” She touched my arm and said, “No honey, that’s your wedding.” Everyone was so excited and happy that as Stephen, the groomsmen, and bridesmaids walked down the aisle to get into position everyone cheered their little hearts out.
Next, our vows were recited and we were pronounced husband and wife!
Our reception included some heartwarming toasts, a dance on the clouds, a special video presentation and an EPIC father daughter tap dance. A little video of our dance is at the end of this post.
Honestly, this was the best wedding I’ve ever been to!
I did everything on my wedding day that everyone said I wouldn’t be able to do.
From the moment I was engaged I was advised of all of the moments I would miss out on during the hustle and bustle of the day. “You won’t eat”, “You won’t get even a minute to yourself”, “Everything will go so fast you won’t get to be in the moment”, “You won’t sleep the night before”. I truly believe that everything I was told was well intended and from everyone’s own personal (and maybe even common) experiences but that wrong information was probably one of the greatest lessons I took with me entering into marriage. People will tell you what worked for them and what didn’t but in the end, their story is not yours. As newlyweds we have to figure it out for ourselves. At 5 years in we’ll have to figure it out for ourselves. At 20, 30 and 40 years in- we’ll have to figure it out for ourselves.
We are so grateful for our family and friends who have seen us through so many different ups and downs throughout the wedding planning process. They mean everything to us and we’re so blessed to have this kind of unwavering support.
I cannot thank our vendors enough- They truly went above and beyond to make everything super special.
Wedding Gown: @DemetriosBride // Hair: @NaavaHairStudio // Makeup: @MyMakeupArtistVictoria // Bridesmaids dresses: @DavidsBridal // Groom Tux: @TuxedoBySarno // Groomsmen Tux: @MensWarehouse // Flowers: @GSFloralDesign // Flower Wall: @JBLightingProduction // Photo/Video: Live Picture Studios // DJ/Emcee: @TriStateGreatPro // Officiant: @PastorCedricMiller // Day of Coordinator: @BellaDonnaWeddings // Venue: @SterlingBallroom
I Concur – The best wedding ever – it was truly a celebration of love, commitment, and family.