The morning of the wedding started out great. I woke up feeling like I had in fact slept well and went to take a shower. All of my bridesmaids had slept over for emotional support (which truly did help!). They even surprised me by going to Dunkin Donuts while I showered! I had a delicious chocolate covered sprinkles donut and a french vanilla coffee coolatta. I devoured the donut but for some reason could not muster the coffee. Jessie and Lauren had gone to get their hair done leaving Alison, Kim, and Megan to come with me to do mine! Mom rode with us as we went to pick up the flowers.
I don't recall saying too much but I think the nerves had just started to hit me. As we walk into the flower shop it hits me - I was getting married. The next thing I knew my stomach turned upside down and I couldn't think straight. Mom took a picture of me and you can even see the nerves in that picture! We picked up the flowers that looked absolutely gorgeous!! Funny - the florist had called me on Thursday night telling me they were ready, and she was so excited she wanted me to come see them! Anyway, we piled back into the car and headed towards the venue to drop them off into the fridge and head to the hair appointment. I'm not sure why with my nerves I drove but I did! I think it kept my mind occupied for the short time.
Stomach still unsettled we left the venue for Joseph's Salon in Lawrenceville (great place if you haven't been!). Heading off 316, I just happened to look up and see a sliver of blue sky. Mind you, the night before we had tornado warnings and crazy severe weather.. It had even been raining as we were getting ready in the morning. We all started shouting with excitement! At Josephs, mom and I were both getting our hair styled. Another blessing came when sun starting shining through the windows (at this point weather channel stated it would be 60% chance of storms all day!). We started singing "Here Comes the Sun" in the salon and laughing. My nerves started going away at this point. In fact, I had actually texted Mrs. S telling her how nervous I was! Kim took some pictures of me but I can tell you I honestly don't remember taking some of them! Everyone was being so amazing too. I really couldn't have chosen a better group to have with me on my special day.
As soon as we got home Lauren, Jessie, and one of my good friends Mia joined us in their preparation. It was a hot mess of girls (and my cousin Carlos helping out!) doing hair and make up in my mom's bathroom. At one point mom was with them getting dressed as well. I took a few minutes alone in my room to write Scott a letter. The photographer, Shannon, was with me too taking pictures of my dress, the bridesmaid dresses, rings, and everything else you can imagine! It seemed like hours went by while I sat in my room. Mom sat with me too talking for a while. Shannon took photos of mom putting on my jewelry. Kim came in and gave me some bread to eat since I had not eaten anything other than the donut. I took me almost half an hour to eat just the roll! The girls also did a toast with some woodchucks. I had a sip of Kim's but refused to drink more on an empty stomach. At this point the waiting began and I grew tired. It was emotionally draining. I was to the point where I laid in bed but had trouble. Because of make up I could not lay face down and with my hair I could not lay back. I propped my chin on my wrists and sat waiting to put my dress on. Mike came by and our letters were exchanged. I read Scott's letter and couldn't do anything else but smile. My nerves went away and I was excited. I never had a doubt he was the one I would marry!
Skip ahead an hour and at this point we are waiting for my dad. The photographer needed one more shot (of dad seeing me in my dress) before she could see the groomsmen, and we were all ready behind schedule. I had put on my dress and mom and Kim were at my side. I was sitting in a chair in the corner of my room and we were all yelling for him to come in. You know how long it takes guys to get dressed.. This part was sort of a blur but at the same time I recall it as if it just happened. As dad opened the door I stood. He looked at my mom and looked at me. Within what seemed like half a second I heard him mumble, "You're so beautiful" as we both reached for each other and that's when it came... I cried, we both cried, no bawled like babies. Not a single pair of eyes in the room were dry. For what seemed like ten minutes dad held me. I just buried my face in his jacket, thinking the whole time that I was messing up my makeup but that I didn't care at that point.
Honestly I don't know why I cried. I mean I do, I love my dad and it was a happy cry. We were both happy, nervous, excited, and it was the first time we both showed it. But surprisingly it was the last and only time we cried the whole day. I knew now that we would both gain strength from each other and he would be my support for the next most important hour of my life.
As the girls packed into their cars, my uncle drove dad and I to the venue in a rented Chevy Tahoe (big SUV's fit dresses better FYI!). It was a very humbling, very intimate time with my dad and uncle I will never forget. The last time I had a real chance to be daddy's little girl.
The final moments before the ceremony started were also crucial in my jittery moments. It was a little bit chilly outside with a dress on and a breeze. The venue has beautiful entrance doors that were closed with dad and I standing behind them. Darlene (my coordinator and amazing neighbor) stood out there with us helping with the timing of the processional. I remember shaking and telling dad that I wasn't sure if I was nervous or cold. He laughed his nervous laugh and said both. I could only smile. He grabbed my hand tighter and kissed my cheek. Darlene opened the doors and the rest felt like a dream.
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