The Big Day Begins - We Get Ready

So many people had told me I wouldn't be able to sleep the night before the wedding...  They were wrong.  After the rehearsal dinner and getting organized a bit, I took a shower and crashed.

Six thirty in the morning, my alarm went off.  I couldn't believe that I'd slept the whole night...  I mean, it was probably only about 6 hours total, but I slept really well.  I still think it was because I made a huge list of things I needed to do and take with me before I went to bed.

So, I got up, took another shower (trying to avoid getting my hair wet), and sat down to have a cup of coffee with my mom.  Soon after, we started packing the car.  Everything took a lot less time than I had expected.  We still had a bit of time before we had to leave for the salon.

Meanwhile, Anthony was waking up in a hotel room.  I never asked him how he was feeling but I'm pretty sure he was super nervous about his nine a.m. wave at Run for Your Lives.  I didn't hear anything from him that morning, but one of our friends did keep me updated on how the guys running the race were doing.

Around the same time Anthony's wave was beginning, my mom and I headed to Izzazu Salon in Wexford.  I'd purchased one of their bridal packages and was getting my hair and make-up done here for the wedding.

The photographers arrived a little bit after my make-up appointment began and snapped a few shots.
All pics are from our photographer, Rodger Obley

The final hair-do results... I loved it!

Getting my face on

Got an update that the guys had made it through the race w/o any serious injuries...  So relieved.

After the hair and make-up, my mom and I headed to the grocery to pick up some lunch.  Sushi and salads in hand, we drove to the venue.

And, on the way there, it was pouring!

My heart dropped a bit.  

My mom called to say it was only dust, not rain.

I drove on.

Once we arrived at Succop, it was clear, but it was easy to see the clouds moving in.

Surprisingly, I was kind of calm about the weather.  What could I do but go with it?

So, we ate lunch and wandered around a little bit.  Then, eventually, we started getting me into my bridal attire.

My dress!

The lace up back I really wanted...  Took awhile to get on though.

Almost in there.

Time for the finishing touches, like earrings...

And the mantilla veil I made.

Once I was dressed and accessorized, my dad came up to see me.  

This is one of my favorite pictures from that day.  

I was so excited for him to see me.  

He teared up a bit and I tried to make him laugh.

Next, I got a quick visit from my Aunt Susie, who was one of the readers at our wedding.

Then, a few more finishing touches and all there was to do was WAIT!

Teri, the wedding planner, kept updating me on what was going on outside and with the decorations.  They were waiting for the rain to stop for all of the final ceremony decorations to go up.  

Meanwhile, Anthony had arrived at the venue and was wondering around in his race t-shirt.  Eventually, he headed to the cottage to get dressed.

Anthony's suit jacket - on one of the matching hangers I made for us.

Seems like guys have it a lot easier when it comes to getting dressed.

His mom stopped by to help put on the bout.

That was it.  We were both ready.  All we had to do now was GET MARRIED!