It's Happening!!!

We arrived at the venue and my photographer was waiting for us. I quickly got dressed and walked around admiring the décor, my cake and the overall ambiance. My family members started arriving and everyone looked great. Once the groomsmen arrived, I realized there was no turning back, unless I ran through the kitchen. LOL

My sister, who was an emotional wreck, gave me a beautiful dragonfly to pin on my bouquet and asked me to hold her grandmother’s lace handkerchief. It was very special and very heartwarming. When everyone left and the music started playing, I got a little anxious. The crowd had grown and they were coming to get me. When I walked in, everyone stood, my brother squeezed my hand and before I knew it I was standing at the alter. Did I mention Spencer’s boutonniere was upside down? LOL

It's The Big Day!!!

I slept late that morning and when I did get up, I watched SyFy until my girls started arriving. It was a most relaxing morning and I must say my stress level was next to zero. My maid and matron were first to arrive and they went to pick up the snack food for the group. I didn’t want anyone hungry, so we ate finger sandwiches, drummettes, fruits and champagne. No one had a reason to be hungry.

The make-up lady showed up on time, did a good job and was on her way. Again, no stress!

When it was time to get dressed, we all scurried about and were ready at the allotted time. As stated earlier, my stress level was next to zero until my husband-to-be called asking the location of my brother! I thought I was going to hit the roof, but everyone calmed me down and he showed up just in the nick of time. That’s just how he rolls, I guess!

The Night Before

Well, I felt that I had occupied enough of my Ladies of Honor’s time, so the night before the wedding my mother, my son and my nephew lounged at a hotel and ate snacks and watched TV. The highlight of the evening was when my friend Tamara and her husband Shedrick, who drove from Georgia, came by to visit. We quickly sent Shed to the Bachelor Party and the girls had a little cocktail party of our own. Tamara just couldn’t understand how calm I was and asked repeatedly if I had anything to do regarding the wedding. If I learned nothing from Bridezilla, being timely is important and it reduces a lot of stress.

However, kids can always throw a wrench in your plan. My friend Tamara and I ended up at the dollar store to get snacks for the boys. We just happened to run into this frantic lady who was getting some last minute items. Her cell phone was ringing off the hook and she was frazzled. We heard her mention something about a wedding and Tamara said, we’re going to a wedding on tomorrow too! Pointing at me, Tamara said and she’s the bride. The lady and the cashier just starred at me. She said you look so calm, you don’t have anything to do. I told her everything was done and I was just waiting for tomorrow.

See what happens when you preplan?

Rehearsal, Then Dinner with the Girls!!!

Rehearsal was a very quick and productive procedure. The venue requested that all decor and favors be dropped off so they could have everything set up on Saturday. CHECK! Everyone lined up, met their partners and did a quick procession. CHECK! A successful run through! CHECK!!!

Now off to dinner! My "Ladies of Honor" and I went to dinner at Don's Seafood. The meal was scrumptious and I got a chance to thank them for being part of my special day. I could not have picked a better group of ladies!

SIDEBAR: Men are hilarious and not very subtle. I say that because one of the Best Men swapped out one of the Maids of Honor because he was sweet on her. Awwwww... love WAS in the air!

My Bachelorette Party?

Actually, it was more like a small cocktail party with me being the guest of honor. I felt like the bell of the ball. We had a small dinner at my Maid of Honor's home. There was gumbo, potato salad, finger foods and a host of sweets! They donned me with skimpy lingerie and I must say, I was a little embarrassed because my mom was there. However, it was very successful and everyone had a great time!

Where Ya Been?

I loved the entire hands-off process of my wedding and really enjoyed writing about it. However, the stress of moving and the new job just wore me down. Being a manager of people is hard and my subordinates are emotionally, physically and mentally draining! However, after months of dealing with them and threatening, in my mind, to quit, I have persevered.

I don't like to start something and not finish, so I wrote several posts leading up to the Big Day! Enjoy!!!

115 Days To Go!

I've been really busy. Got my stuff unpacked and the new job is going well. However, this wedding is getting a lot of my time. So far, I have done my labels for the envelopes, labels for my favors, the unity candles, my veil and the list goes on and on. I still have lots to do, but I have all of my ideas on paper and just looking for the items to create them. I plan to be done with EVERYTHING by the end of September.

Last minute doesn't do it for me! Not at all!!!