A Bride's View

A few weeks ago this arrived in the mail...

Our wedding photos!  We just adored the beautiful packaging by Session Nine Photography.  I've posted our wedding photos up on facebook but I thought it might be fun to write a Bride's View of the day... selecting just a few of my favorites.

When I woke up on Dec. 20, 2010, I could not have been more excited.  I couldn't wait to get the ceremony over with so we could finally be married! However, just a few details had to be taken care of before the ceremony could take place.  While all my friends and bridesmaids helped to put together the favors, I had to pack for the honeymoon.  And let me tell you, I felt like I did not know where to start... my brain felt like mush.  Thankfully, Jodi took over and helped talk me through all that I needed to bring and Kristen helped me to pack it all in.  And someone else, I think it was Allie brought me a breakfast burrito to eat... all I remember is being at a complete loss of how to pack my things (ridiculous, I know). 

Photo by Session Nine Photography

The favors turned out beautifully!  And I finally got packed, with the help of many hands.  I still wanted to put together some music for walking down the isle and while the guests were waiting so Kristen helped me put together a playlist.  Then, my mom and I drove to go get my hair done.  While I missed getting ready with all the ladies, it was so nice to have some time for just my mom and I.

Once I got back with my hair all finished, I quickly threw on some makeup and headed to Shenandoah Mills (our wedding and ceremony site).  The ladies arrived first so we could get in to our dresses. There were no nerves, only excitement.  I stepped into my dress knowing that our wedding day was finally here.  And I was surrounded by many that I loved. 



Photos by Session Nine Photography

Soon thereafter, the guys arrived in their tuxes.  We spied on them from our dressing room which looked down on them.

Photo by Session Nine Photography

Brian always looks so handsome in a tux and I especially loved the brown on him!  Eagerly, I waited until they said I could come down for our first look.  Brian and I decided to do a first look before the ceremony so we could do photos before the wedding.  It was a special moment between the two of us to just spend a moment being together before the events of the day unraveled.

Photo by Session Nine Photography

I felt so giddy being in his arms and knowing I would get to stay there for the rest of my life!  After our first look, we took some photos with just the two of us posing for the camera.

Photos by Session Nine Photography

Next, we moved on to taking photos of the bridesmaids and groomsmen along with many wonderful family photos.  Before we knew it, it was time to be 'hidden'.  While guests arrived, we waited in the Mill until it was time for the ceremony to start.  During this time, Allie and Melinda (two of my really good friends) came rushing in with my garter... which had been bought in advance but misplaced throughout all of the events, so Allie and Melinda went out on a mission in their heels and dresses to find me a replacement.

Photos by Session Nine Photography

Thank you Allie and Melinda!!  You saved the day!  Then, it was time for the ceremony (Wahoo!).  Slowly, the bridesmaids and groomsmen trickled in... my music came on 'Love and Some Verses' by Iron & Wine and I started to lose it... my eyes got all watery as I started walking.  I wasn't a babbling brook but my face was definitely scrunched up fighting the tears as I came closer to Brian.  I was wrapped up in the moment, our moment.  Once I got to him, the tears in my eyes dried and all I could feel was immense happiness.  He is my love.  We said our vows: Promising to share our love, our hopes, and our dreams.  Then with a kiss, we secured our promise as husband and wife and I was all smiles coming back down the isle!

Photo by Session Nine Photography

We walked out to 'Happy' by Never Shout Never and it was perfect!  We spent a moment together before we joined with everyone else to celebrate.

Photos by Sessions Nine Photography

We could finally say, "We're Married!"  A joyous moment and then we got to share it with close family and friends. We entered the Mill and everyone cheered.  For our dinner, we had pot pies, salad, fruit salad, and huge rolls with strawberry lemonade in mugs.  We enjoyed our meal and then walked around talking to our guests.  And before we knew it, it was time to give toasts and cut the cake.  I had told Brian not to cake me, but he was very quick and I was hit before I knew what was happening.  I attempted to get him back but he was able to hold off my efforts, thus, when he went in for a kiss, I got him!!  I know his weakness.  We proceeded with the bouquet toss, garter toss, and dancing.  It was a fast evening and then Brian wisked me away through the sparklers...

Photo by Session Nine Photography

I truly had the wedding of my dreams thanks to family and friends!  All of the details came together from flowers to favors to the glass mugs to the barn feel wedding to the love that was shared.  I wanted to give a Bride's View not only to share but so that I won't forget the little details about what made this day so special aside from the fact that I married the man I love!