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Mrs. Lovebug, Tucson Age and Occupation in 06: 31, Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Professional Game Show Contestant Engagement Date: February 18, 2007 Wedding Date: April 19, 2008 Venue: Historic Inn About Me: Likes: blogging, wikis, semi-colons, cuddling, fragrant flowers, syntax, and spooning. Dislikes: typos, dangling modifiers, flypaper, citronella candles, and run-ons. If I had my druthers, I'd exchange simple vows in a candlelit library. But I lost my druthers long ago...anyone seen them?
About Mrs. Lovebug

Happiness is having, in your hot little paw, the complete set of your professional wedding photos. My paws are so very happy today. :) The Inimitable Chris Richards (I’ve given him an epithet, à la Homer) has bestowed upon us all the files of our photos - fully sized and fully awesome! Hopefully, you’ll indulge me if I revisit the stories of the day through them…

Our wedding day began with one very nervous little bug. I’ll admit it - I was a stress case. Between all the DIY projects and details I’d arranged, I was feeling extremely anxious about whether I’d have enough time to set it all up exactly how my control-freak self wanted it.

I awoke at ten, in my hotel room at our venue, to a phone call from catering manager Kathleen telling me that the reception room was all mine. I flew out of bed and spent the next three hours hauling favors, menus, books, signs, candy, jars, etc. across the grounds to the reception room and arranging it just so. It was largely a solo operation, until it dawned on me to employ the services of the bell boy and waitstaff. Durrh.

At about one, I had to take a break and jet across town to get my hair done. I was shaking like a leaf, fixating on what I still had left to do before the ceremony. Jamie, my stylist, was a doll, telling me how composed and calm I was - even though on the inside, it felt like I’d swallowed an entire fleet of butterflies.

Once I had my hair did, I jumped in the car and zoomed back to our venue. When Kathleen saw me flying around like a maniac, trying to finish up on my own, she and the banquet manager jumped in with (hugely) helpful hands. And yet, I was still a jittery wreck. That’s about when, like an angel descending from above, this man appeared:

Meet Captain Don, savior, saint, and sanity-keeper. He was the waitstaff captain that day at our venue, and he was a godsend. Captain Don (as we affectionately called him throughout the night) saw my state of controlled panic, took me aside, and offered me a drink. “I’d love some water,” I replied, grateful.

“No,” he said. “I mean, a drink.”

One very stiff cocktail later, I finally started to relax. The florist’s team showed up, and without needing so much as a nod from me, set everything up perfectly and beautifully. Same with the baker. And the DJ. And then Chris, our photographer, arrived - all smiles, excitement, and creative efficiency - and I truly felt myself easing into the joy of the day.

My in-laws arrived soon after that, and I happily abandoned the last shreds of control; I assigned them the final task of placecards (which I handed to them totally out of order, hence my FIL’s look of bewilderment and frustration):

Meanwhile, I snuck off to my bridal chamber (conveniently located just steps from the ceremony site) for a moment’s solitude:

bridal-chambe.jpg

Catering manager Kathleen (who, with all her assistance was really a de facto DOC) stopped by at one point, because she remembered a detail that I, in the chaos, had forgotten: the setting up of the signature drinks sign:

It wasn’t long before my bridal chamber maids started arriving, dutifully outfitted in their backstage bridal passes:

(Funny sidebar: one of my very best friends apparently came to the room to say hello and was denied entrance by my girlfriends because, like the sign warned, he lacked a pass. Oops.)

And then, before I knew it, Unbelievably Momentous and Exciting Moment #1 was upon me. It was time to put on my dress:

(A bit repetetive, I know - but these pics shows how truly pink my dress is.)

I can’t even describe how powerful and emotional a moment it is, realizing it’s time to put on your wedding dress. All I can say is, those of you headed towards it - you will love it. All the intensity and stress of choosing, buying, and fitting into that perfect gown will be worth it. The day just becomes magic at that point, really.

Experience had shown me that the best approach to getting into my gown was shoes first, then stepping into it and pulling it on with a patented shimmy-shimmy-wiggle move I’d perfected during fittings. Zee shoos first (which, incidentally, were not particularly comfortable):

Then homegirlz had to extract the dress form while I stood around pantless and guffawing, for some reason, like Santa Claus:

…and now the step-shimmy-shimmy-wiggle move:

Earlier in the day, my best friend Mason had texted to make sure I’d eaten breakfast. I’d replied that the one thing I felt I could stomach, an apple, was woefully unavailable. Well, knock knock knock upon the bridal chamber door…special delivery for the bride, from her best friend:

…and here’s me, gesticulating at thoughtfully-gifted fruit with mascara-endangering emotion:

Further assault on my composure was launched when the girlfriend who’d created my something blue helped me to put it on:

(but not before Chris snapped this shot:)

The blue crystal hit at the perfect spot on my back:

(BTW, if you haven’t noticed a theme developing yet, let me point it out to you. Nitrous Oxide Bride. That expression I wear of erupting laughter/mania is pretty much a constant throughout our photos. Even walking down the aisle - you’ll see.)

Mere minutes before the ceremony, I made a quick visit to the mirror…

…where, in hopes of achieving Cosmetic (if unprofessional) Beauty, I messed around some more with this stuff:

…so Chris could take some decent portraits:

It was haaaard to pose for these. And the first time I saw them was at the reception, when Chris played them back on a HUGE flat screen on the patio. Seeing myself so enlarged was surreal, to say the least. Chris also got some awesome detail shots of my clutch (with my new initials!) and my other something blue:

(Mr. Lovebug and I share an unfortunate affliction: asthma. Some couples reach for smokes after the lovin’…we reach for our steroid delivery mechanism.)

Then, suddenly, there was another knock on the door. It was Kathleen, with Unbelievably Momentous and Emotional Moment #2 - very quietly and calmly, with a smile, she said, “They just walked up.” Meaning Mr. Lovebug and the officiant had taken their places. Meaning it was time to walk down the aisle. What did that moment feel like? Kinda like this:

In this photo, I’m a short five steps from rounding the corner and beginning my walk down the aisle. It was such an amazing moment. One to savor, as long as you can. Seriously. Just stand there, in those fleeting seconds before the music starts, and soak up the thrill and the joy of it. I can remember my heart pounding, the wind rustling my train…the click-click-click of Chris’s camera, inches to my right. How lucky I felt to be alive, living this day.

Of course, the real intensity was only just beginning…

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68 Responses to “One Lucky Day: Prelude to the Bliss”

1.
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jhearta (message)  122 posts, Blushing bee

omg, i am getting married in 12 days i reading all of this just gave me goosebumps!!!! omfg :) wow everything sounds magical, cant wait to see more pics bug!

 
2.
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Mags

Wow, LB. As always, enchantingly narrated. I can’t wait to hear/read/see the rest!

 
3.
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Miss Pineapple (message)  676 posts, Busy bee

beautiful lovebug! I also cannot wait for more!

 
4.
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Miss Hydrangea (message)  386 posts, Helper bee

OMG I want to see it all and read your story NOW! You made me want to cry … and I’m not a crier!

 
5.
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nickyt (message)  43 posts, Newbee

I love the dress!!! What gorgeious pictures!!! How fun for you and congratulations!!!

 
6.
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Tdot

You are adorable in the bouquet pictures, that story was fabulous, your details make everything so cohesive and fun, and I can’t wait to hear more!

 
7.
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Miss Canary (message)  636 posts, Busy bee

Amazing photos Mrs. Lovebug!!! So beautiful. This is like the cliffhanger post… I can’t wait to see the rest!

 
8.
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Erin

My heart is racing… you describe the excitement so well! Ack! I can’t wait for the next installment!!

 
9.
shibaby
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shibaby (message)  202 posts, Helper bee

Wow! I love this entry! I almost felt like I was there! Good job! And congrats! By the way, I looooove your dress!! I love the hint of pink. It is beautiful!

 
10.
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KEM

MORE please! Considering this made me tear up, I can only imagine the emotional mess I am to become after reading about the rest of your beautiful wedding day…

 
11.
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Shawn

More!

 
12.
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JangerToBe

I’m on the edge. Of. My. Seat. Please don’t wait long for the next installment. You’re pumping me up for my wedding in 10 days :)

 
13.
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jkl216

Wow! Great, well-written post! And your pictures are beautiful!

 
14.
Miss Toucan
Bee
Miss Toucan (message)  984 posts, Busy bee

Gorgeous pictures! I can’t wait to see and read more! :)

 
15.
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Becky

I don’t normally tear up while reading weddingbee, but I am now…I’m getting married in 10 days, and I CAN’T WAIT for those moments. And yet I’m scared that they will pass by too quickly! I can’t wait for your next installment!

 
16.
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ninanina (message)  86 posts, Worker bee

Beautiful.

 
17.
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EastportBride

wow! congrats—it looks like a stunningly beautiful affair and so much fun! I love the “nitrous oxide bride” look—you are seriously the happiest bride I may have ever seen, and I want to be that (nearly-)deliriously happy on my day!

 
18.
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LeahB (message)  427 posts, Helper bee

Noooooo!!!! Don’t stop!!! Oh my god, the pictures are awesome, I love how you gave us (or your photog gave you) little snippets, like a summary of all the pics, and now the spaces are getting filled in. I love it!! Can’t stand the suspense and can’t wait for more!!

 
19.
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Miss Hummingbird (message)  193 posts, Blushing bee

Aw. Such a great entry. All the detail totally made it feel like we all were there with you. Can’t wait to read more. :)
P.S. Your friend who sent you the apple is awesome.

 
20.
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Michelle

With my wedding just 10 days away, I am tearing up as I read this. I am going to be a wreck that whole day but I will take those moments and treasure them. Thanks for this play-by-play. I can’t wait to read (and see) more!

 
21.
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Miss Coconut (message)  337 posts, Helper bee

Uh, you just made my heart flutter. Please give me more NOW!!! I know, I’m so impatient! ;)

 
22.
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October2008bride

Amazing entry - I definitely could feel the excitement! Gorgeous pics too!

 
23.
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Peonies and Polaroids

More more!

You look gorgeous, just beautiful! And what lovely photos. More! Did I say that already?

 
24.
Miss Tiramisu
Bee
Miss Tiramisu (message)  877 posts, Busy bee

Thank you for letting us hear and see all the excitement build up! Like everyone else, I can’t wait for more!

 
25.
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SKM

more more more more more….please…more

 
26.
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Miss Jasmine (message)  1,154 posts, Bumble bee

Amazing photos and I loved the way you told your story– it made me feel even more emotional about my upcoming wedding. I’m definitely going to remember your advice about savoring the moment before walking down the aisle– it gives me goosebumps to even think about it.

 
27.
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jenniferb (message)  168 posts, Blushing bee

Totally. worth. the. wait. I love the pictures! Chris rocks! Thank you!

 
28.
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sja (message)  10 posts, Newbee

I have butterflies in my stomach! You look so beautiful!

 
29.
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lou

What?! You can’t just end it like that … what happened next?! :)

It’s great to finally see the photos … now - more, more!

 
30.
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Miss Cookie (message)  784 posts, Busy bee

Your prose just accentuates your picts. A little tear overwhelmed me when you were talking about the moment before you walked down the aisle. Simply beautiful!

 
31.
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Anne

Lovely, lovely lady!!! You looked gorgeous!!

 
32.
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julia453

Congrats Mrs. Lovebug! The pics are amazing. And you look gorgeous! I really enjoyed reading this post. I have goosebumps. I can’t wait for more!

 
33.
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Mrs. Radish (message)  388 posts, Helper bee

awwww….

such pretty pictures and a great story! like everyone else i can’t wait to see the rest.

i must admit i’m terribly jealous, though. you had the kind pre-wedding experience that i dreamed of. nothing at all like my puke-fest.

 
34.
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thenewmrsw

okay lady, we need more story and pictures, pronto! talk about one of the most anticipated picture stories on weddingbee EVER. what you’ve revealed so far is wonderful and i can’t wait for the rest!

by the way, the image i have in my head of a couple reaching for their inhalers post-lovin’ is classic! you have me in fits of giggles.

 
35.
frenchbulldog
Bee
frenchbulldog (message)  6,063 posts, Bee Keeper

You’ve got me all choked up!
and I LOVE YOUR DRESS!!

 
36.
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Tea

you completely pulled me in! i forgot i was at work until the end. i can’t wait to read more. please don’t keep us waiting for too long!

 
37.
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jen

You never dissapoint! Just lovely!

 
38.
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Katharine

Your pics in silhouette by the window are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen! Who was your photographer? I can’t wait for more!

 
39.
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cari

Hi lovebug.

you are my inspiration! you looked so beautiful. :)

 
40.
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missrae (message)  121 posts, Blushing bee

sigh. so awesome… i hope you are saving all of these texts for your one day maybe kids/grandkids… :)

 
41.
stargazerlily
Member
stargazerlily (message)  946 posts, Busy bee

Theyre heeerrreeee!!! Yes. Yes. Yes. Do it, Mrs. L.

We’ve all been waiting so patiently! I cant wait for the weeks to come! You look fab!

 
42.
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peony

*sigh* Mrs. Lovebug, you were suchhhhh a pretty bride! Like fairytale pretty! Still in love with your wedding 100x over =). Please post more pics soon!

 
43.
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mrsallgood (message)  68 posts, Worker bee

What a gifted writer you are - so expressive and evocative. Hey, I’ll stand in line to get your first book signed!

Love your pink dress, too!

 
44.
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KatyStardust

The combination of the truly breathtaking photographs and your eloquent writing truly made my heart go pitter patter (and not for the babies). I can’t WAIT for my wedding day. You’ve got me all excited!

 
45.
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Jennifer

You are an AMAZING writer! The combination of your story and the photos make me excited for my wedding day (and to hear about the rest of yours) :)

 
46.
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Mrs. Emerald (message)  901 posts, Busy bee

Oh Lovebug, what an amazing post!! Gosh you are gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous… and those legs!! ;D *sigh*

But I CAN’T BELIEVE you did all that work on your wedding day!!!!!!! And I also can’t believe you slept til 10am =)

 
47.
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joe's girl

I can’t wait to read more. I also waited not so patiently for you to return from the honeymoon! I just ove your entries.

 
48.
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Miss Gingerbread (message)  647 posts, Busy bee

Love it! Can’t wait to see more :)

 
49.
Cynthia
Member
Cynthia (message)  38 posts, Newbee

Aww. I teared up reading your post. It felt like I was there with you experiencing all the emotion with you. I will remember to take it all in when my big day comes (in 4 months). Beautiful pictures!! :o)

 
50.
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Mrs. Lovebug (message)  714 posts, Busy bee

I’m so glad everyone liked the post! Yay! I was making bets with myself as to whether all the commentary would help or hinder. So delighted it was worth it.

Thanks to everyone for the amazing compliments, too, and yes, Missrae - I’m definitely going to keep my blog for posterity. =)

Next installment en route shortly!

 
51.
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Mrs. Lovebug (message)  714 posts, Busy bee

Katherine - it’s Chris Richards. Pretty good stuff, huh? He’s worked for Rolling Stone, Nat’l Geographic… His link is up in the blog post. :)

Thanks again to everyone for the incredibly sweet comments. Y’all have no idea how much it feeds me.

 
52.
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bearbride (message)  309 posts, Helper bee

The last photo.. just totally encompasses all those feelings of anticipation. Lovely.

 
53.
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Marisa

Breathtaking…..wow just wow.

 
54.
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alaud41

OMG - can’t wait to see more. Everything is just perfect so far! :)

 
55.
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Charmi

those are such gorgeous pictures! you look amazing and i love your dress

 
56.
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NearlyMsSubrosa (message)  290 posts, Helper bee

Oh my God, best Weddingbee post EVER! :)

That first photo of you putting your shoes on - wow!

All the photography and the way you wrote this made it just perfect… I’m bookmarking it and setting a reminder to myself to read it again in the days before my wedding!

 
57.
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Miss Flamingo (message)  1,267 posts, Bumble bee

Oh wow, Mrs. Lovebug… these are stunning. You truly are a beautiful bride. I hope my wedding will look half a good as yours. ;)

 
58.
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brendalynn

amazing! One can only hope to be a fellow Nitrous Oxide Bride! And I looove the story of Captn Don…

 
59.
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Katharine

Doh, I missed the photographer link, how dumb am I…? Thanks!

 
60.
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Brandi

I loved reading your story!

 
61.
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Miss Candy Corn (message)  516 posts, Busy bee

Giiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirl, you done made me cry.

Beautiful.

 
62.
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chingyee

omg, amazing photos and well written entry! I could feel myself bursting into the joy you felt just by reading your words!

 
63.
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motownpacific

Bloody beautiful post. You looked stunning and the inhaler shot is fantastic!

 
64.
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Watercooler » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] One Lucky Day: Prelude to the Bliss by Mrs. Lovebug [...]

 
65.
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Married in Montana: Pre-Ceremony Preparations » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] Here I am trying to rip off Miss Lovebug’s fabulous bouquet photo pose: [...]

 
66.
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Love, Texas Style: A Few More Deets : Free Wedding Articles For Your Website

[...] Before we head over to the reception, I thought I’d take a moment to share a few of the ceremony and cocktail hour details that didn’t make it into the previous recaps (or did, but I loved them so much I felt they deserved another go ’round. Like my amazing bouquet pictured above, Lovebug-style). [...]

 
67.
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Typewriter letters « happy go lucky wedding

[...] is Mrs. Lovebug’s actual bouquet and it was also part of my inspiration board.  Keeping with my modern yet vintage [...]

 
68.
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Remember This Inspiration Bouquet? » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] is Mrs. Lovebug’s actual bouquet and it was also part of my inspiration board. Keeping with my modern yet vintage [...]

 


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Mrs. Lovebug Mrs. Lovebug, Tucson Age and Occupation in 06: 31, Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Professional Game Show Contestant Engagement Date: February 18, 2007 Wedding Date: April 19, 2008 Venue: Historic Inn About Me: Likes: blogging, wikis, semi-colons, cuddling, fragrant flowers, syntax, and spooning. Dislikes: typos, dangling modifiers, flypaper, citronella candles, and run-ons. If I had my druthers, I'd exchange simple vows in a candlelit library. But I lost my druthers long ago...anyone seen them?
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