Lesson #59 - Some Of The Best Stories Come From Weddings

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To say that 2009 was a whirlwind is surely not giving it the respect a year deserves. If you were to tell me that I would be getting married in January, I would have looked at your like there were snakes coming out of your eyes! Honestly, I hate being cold...I dislike cold months - except in cases of HUGE snowfalls because I love to go snowboarding. I digress.

My favorite month is actually October. I love to see the changing leaves and the weather begins to get slightly cooler. The whole Fall season is very enjoyable for me...so an October wedding just seemed logical. Well, being 4 months pregnant and in a bit of a bind sure hurries the process along - now, doesn't it??

What I am trying to say, my bloggy friends, is that the man and I will be celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary on Sunday. I really can't believe how quickly the past 12 months have gone. Though, I guess that is how things go once kiddos are introduced into the picture. I thought it would be appropriate to give everyone in my blog-topia a glimpse into our wedding day - which will be one of only a few days I will never forget!!!

As a wedding coordinator, I have seen weddings run the gamete...and I was quickly able to discern what NOT to do for my own big day! Wearing "plain" shoes was one of those things that I just couldn't see myself doing. I have a flair for the original and I wanted nothing more than to show that in the little details. I found my shoes online...they were an older Betsy Johnson style, which meant SALE!! Since our wedding colors were pink, black and white...these went perfectly!! I still wear them on occasion and thanks to those fabulous little inserts, they are actually quite comfortable!

Have I ever mentioned that my favorite color is pink?? No!! Well, consider yourself in the know, now! When I suggested that "hot pink" be one of our wedding colors - well, lets just say that I've never seen a man cry so quickly! Even though I knew that the man wasn't too fond of pink, I got him drunk to agree to my color choice by assuring him that it would only be in a few places. I never lied...I just forgot to mention that his boutonniere would be one of those places!! In addition to the lovely shade of pink, there would also be white feathers in there...because who DOESN'T love white feathers?? You?? Well, your opinion doesn't count!! Either way, it looked stunning against the black tux.

 

Another thing that only a select few people know about me is that I am VERY crafty! I love looking at things in magazines and saying to myself, "I can make THAT!" (Thanks for passing on my love for everything Martha Stewart, mom!) So, when I saw a certain Swarofski crystal brooch used for EACH bridesmaid's bouquet...of course I told myself I could make those!! Who needs to spend $75 EACH when you've got a viable craft store right down the street?! So, with letters, silver spray-paint, fake crystals, clear glue and tooth pick in hand...I made those brooches for $4 a piece - saving myself over $300 in total!

 

The pearls I wore are very close to my heart. The necklace was a gift from an aunt who passed away. The bracelet was a gift from my mother. Both have been through their share of events and I was so blessed to be able to wear them myself.

 

As for the dress...this was my best prize! I have wanted this dress ever since I saw it, but since the wedding was planned so quickly and I was pregnant there was just no way I could have it...or was there?!?! I found an awesome site online that is similar to classified ads for used wedding items. Now, I am not a fan of buying someone else's used clothing, but this was my dream dress and I. HAD. TO. HAVE. IT!!! Thankfully I found the only one listed on the site...in a size 4 (yikes)...for $3,000 LESS than I would have gotten it at a bridal salon. WOOHOO!! I paid the new bride my $500 and I was the new owner of a beautiful gown!!

 

Thank goodness it laced up the back!! Even though I was 4 months pregnant, I like to think that the babe and I looked quite stunning in our gown!

 

Ahhh, yes...the flower girl! Isn't she the cutest thing EVER?!?! Well, at the rehearsal she was SUPER excited about walking down the aisle...alas, when the pressure was on all she did was cry. After everyone was done walking out - and it was almost my turn - I looked at her and said, "No woman gets dressed pretty, has her hair did and then lets tears get in the way of her big day! You didn't wear that dress for nothing...do you want to walk out with me??" I don't think I've ever seen a bigger smile! She puffed out her chest and took my hand with authority. Then about 1/2 way down the aisle she saw he dad and RAN like the dickens...crying...oh well!! Stage fright gets the best of us sometimes!

 

The cliche picture of our hands - with rings - on the flowers...EVERY wedding photo album MUST have one!!

 

Last, but certainly not least, I leave you with a picture that our photographer caught...which was staged by your truly (ME!!). The man kept saying he just wanted to get me back to the hotel room - HELLO, 4 months preggo and POOPED - so I asked if he'd settle for an ass-grab instead...of course he would!! So as we spun, I told him to go for it...and SNAP! A picture for all of posterity!!

 

Happy Anniversary Honey!!! I love you more than words can describe!!

(Okay, okay...you can stop throwing up now...I'm done!)