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Miss Cherry Pie, Seattle/Polebridge, Montana Age and Occupation: 25, Marketing Communications Specialist Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Nurse Practitioner Engagement Date: August 26, 2006 Wedding Date: September 2008 Blogging Since: April 1, 2008 Venue: A tiny town just outside of Glacier National Park About Me: I think of life as a journey and I love the places it's taking me! I went to school to study Magazine Journalism, ended up with a second major in Japanese language, and now work at a company that makes software for libraries. I love writing, computers, photography, and the great outdoors. I spend most of my time playing Guitar Hero and Rock Band or geeking out online with Mr. Cherry Pie. I'm happiest when I'm on the road, especially traveling abroad, or just nesting quietly at home with my sweetie, who is a fabulous cook and bakes a delicious rendition of a certain cherry-filled dessert!
About Mrs. Cherry Pie

Married in Montana: The Girls Get Ready

February 11th, 2009 @ 11:26 am by Mrs. Cherry Pie

Our wedding day dawned gray and cold. It had rained the night before, and while the sound of the stream outside had convinced me it was still raining, it was actually dry and partly cloudy. Not ideal, and certainly not 75 and sunny like it had been the previous Saturday, but the best weather we’d seen all week.


(Lake McDonald facing Logan Pass)

I got up at 7AM after a respectable night’s sleep next to Mr. CP—I wouldn’t risk sleeping without him the night before the wedding and ruining my Zs—and went for a nice three-mile run with my MOH, Rachel.

Back at the Lake McDonald Lodge, we had breakfast with many of our guests who had come in on Thursday or Friday.


(Lights hanging from the high ceiling over the Lake McDonald Lodge Lobby)

It was nice to see people but somewhat exasperating to keep being prodded with questions like, “So, are you nervous?” You can only hear that question so many times before you start getting a bit snappy with your responses. People sure know how to breathe down a bride’s neck. ;)

I showered and went to MOH Rachel’s room, where we met the hairdressers. One of the major downsides to staying in park lodging is that you really have to take what you get when it comes to lodging. There often are no suites and being in a wedding doesn’t mean you get an upgrade or discount rate. Rachel’s room was barely big enough to fit us and it was about three times the size of our room, which Mr. CP and his groomsmen were using.

(Me, my three sisters, and our two stylists)

We stuck a shoe in the door (fittingly, a hiking boot) so that the wedding party could parade in and out, and got started prettying ourselves up.

(My sister Allie checks her hair)

My hair took some special work. I wanted a large, crisscrossing chignon, and we had worked out most of the details in my second trial the day before. But we decided to try something new and brave to make my bun biggity… something we heard J-Lo does to her hair to give it “J-Lo booty”: a secret stash of cotton balls, sealed inside pantyhose and bobby-pinned inside the updo.

Yeah, really! I know it looks stupid here but the experiment turned out great in the end, as you’ll see.

As my stylist worked, I had plenty of time to relax and practice my vows:

You can tell from this next photo that I was a bit of a disorganized mess. On the bureau in front of me was all my makeup, faux lashes, ring box… and some 12-year scotch whiskey to nip into my garter flask for later:

My hair started to take shape…

And, just as it was finished, my Oma, Opa, and aunt from Michigan came to the room to greet all of the grandkids and exchange gifts. They’d arrived late the previous evening on the Amtrak all the way from Michigan. That’s a 36-hour trip!

(Oma hugs my sister hello)

(My sisters are curious about what Oma brought me)

Oma brought me several wonderful antiques all the way from home. One of them, a framed photo of my great grandparents on their wedding day, now hangs in the study of our apartment.

Then, it was time to say “see you soon,” and finish the rest of our preparations. More than two hours had passed and it was less than half an hour until our scheduled departure for Polebridge. And that meant it was high time for me to get into my dress.

(Yes, that is a mountain goat up there!)

I had hoped that putting on my dress would be a meaningful moment of transition, where I went from being “just me” to being “a bride”. Thankfully, I think the pictures show it that way. But what I really felt, suddenly, was like this: OH GOD, IT’S ALL HAPPENING SO FAST AND AGH, THERE ISN’T ENOUGH TIME TO APPRECIATE IT ALL!

Story of my life, that.

We crammed about five people plus our photographer into the much smaller room next door where my dress was hiding. I was hauling my dress around, trying to figure out how to get into it and who should help me, while gesturing wildly for some people to leave and others to stay. Mr. CP’s poor step dad was trapped in their tiny bathroom the whole time.

One of my very few regrets about this day is telling some of my sisters to wait in the hall. I didn’t really think how much it would mean to them to be there when I was putting on my wedding dress. I didn’t even think about how much it should mean to me. I wasn’t being reflective; I was being reactive, and hurried, which apparently hurt a few feelings. In retrospect, I very much wish they had all been there to help me, crowded or not.

But into the dress I went…

And my mom zipped up the back…

Time still hadn’t caught up to me yet. I think I look a bit shell-shocked checking myself out in the mirror:

Now, let’s find those boots, my little “cowgirl secret”…

And, what better than a secret inside a secret? Mr. CP’s mom put one Irish coin inside each boot for luck. Why? Well, most everyone is familiar with “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”. However, not everyone is familiar with the lesser known fifth part of “a silver sixpence in your shoe”. My MIL had heard different variations of what the correct coin was, and so she gave me one each, a fivepence and a sixpence, and on went my boots!

I put in my earrings and decided to save my necklace as an accessory for during the reception. Finally, I just needed to find someone (with a crochet hook) to button up my dress.

(I love the way my v-back custom alteration turned out! It makes me look super ripped)

Mom met me on the landing above the lobby for a good few minutes of quality time with some buttons:

We shot few bridal portraits amid the rustic kitsch (more of these later) as the boys scurried out the door to catch the first shuttle bus on its way to Polebridge.

About then, I finally remembered to take a breath and soak it all in. The day, the dress, the deer heads, all of it. I think my expression here says, “Holy crap, I’m a bride!”:

Once the moment had passed, I was back to scurrying about, head poking in and out of lodge rooms, gathering things to my bosom like a chipmunk and chattering incessantly:

My MOH, Rachel, was much more organized, checking things off her list in the room and moving them all into bags for transport.

Outside the lodge, the school bus was waiting…

As were my little maids, all in a row…

A last check of the makeup in the mirror of one of Glacier’s Red Jammer shuttles and we were ready to go…

We got on to the bus (which is harder than it looks in a wedding dress)…

(I love my youngest sister and her panda backpack)

And away we went, bumping down the long dirt road to the wedding…

(My sisters and I ham it up for the camera)

Up next, a few photos of the guys getting ready, and Mr. CP “takes the plunge”!

[Credits: All images courtesy of Piknik Studios.]

Previously:

Married in Montana: The Rehearsal

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40 Responses to “Married in Montana: The Girls Get Ready”

1.
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Bee
Miss Stiletto (message)  758 posts, Busy bee

These pictures are fabulous!! And I LOOOOVE your hair, it looks amazing.

 
2.
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Miss D'orsay (message)  1,293 posts, Bumble bee

oh fun! I love your hair!

 
3.
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Miss Taffy (message)  2,596 posts, Sugar bee

You look amazing!!!! And you are right, the hair trick worked beautifully. :)
The last photo of you and your sisters is too cute!

 
4.
LzzNYC
Member
LzzNYC (message)  877 posts, Busy bee

ooooo keep the pictures coming! I love them! you look great! =) I have two sisters.. makes me think about how my day will be and I think it’s so sweet =)

 
5.
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Miss Quiche (message)  2,175 posts, Buzzing bee

I love the picture of your cowboy boots with your veil - frame-worthy!

:)

 
6.
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Bee
Miss Quiche (message)  2,175 posts, Buzzing bee

Oh, also, is it possible to elaborate a little more on the hair puff piece thingy? I love it!

 
7.
purpleHaze79
Member
purpleHaze79 (message)  875 posts, Busy bee

Yes! please keep the pictures coming!! I love the cotton ball trick for your bun! It turned out gorgeous!!!

 
8.
EAQ219
Member
EAQ219 (message)  1,033 posts, Bumble bee

You’re just gorgeous. This is kind of a weird question, but how long was your hair at the time of your wedding? The chignon is sooo pretty.

 
9.
LatteLove
Hostess
LatteLove (message)  4,094 posts, Honey bee

Did you wear casablance 1831? I am having my back custom made with that dress style as well!

I love the hair secret! it turned out amazing!

 
10.
PrettyKitty
Member
PrettyKitty (message)  505 posts, Busy bee

Your photos are breath taking! Swoon. And I love your hair!

 
11.
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Bee
Miss Apple Cider (message)  215 posts, Helper bee

The hair is great! Makes me wish for straight hair :)

 
12.
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Member
lbo (message)  16 posts, Newbee

I love love love all your pictures. You are a ridiculously gorgeous bride and the location is so awesome.

Wow.

I love your response on the “Are you nervous?” question. I totally felt the same way.

 
13.
LoriLori
Member
LoriLori (message)  234 posts, Helper bee

Great hair and beautiful pictures! Thanks for posting everything.

 
14.
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Member
Jenny Bee (message)  258 posts, Helper bee

You looked BEAUTIFUL!!! Love, love, love the hair!!

 
15.
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Guest
Elle

Wonderful pics - you looked amazing!!!

 
16.
HumarockBride
Hostess
HumarockBride (message)  1,480 posts, Bumble bee

Wow. So beautiful! You look amazing. I love your hair and seriously might steal it. I also have to ask — and maybe you can PM me if you don’t want to announce it to all the world, but what did you wear for a bra on your wedding day, if anything? My dress has the same cut as yours: low front and back, and I’m not sure what I can wear with it. Beautiful, Mrs. Cherry Pie, Beautiful!!

 
17.
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Member
AdrienneB (message)  28 posts, Newbee

Oh I LOVE the pictures! That “booty” is a great idea! I need to try that!

 
18.
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Guest
Tdot

I didn’t say it on your last post, but I will say it now: I am so happy you are back mrs cherry pie! Keep the recaps coming! I can only hope mine turns out similar to yours!

 
19.
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Bee
Miss Peep Toe (message)  1,636 posts, Bumble bee

Your hair is freakin fantastic!! And I love that picture of you getting on the bus looking over your shoulder.

 
20.
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Member
renaissancetrophywife (message)  233 posts, Helper bee

what great photos! Terrific hair tip… and your Oma is so adorable. Love the schoolbus pic with all of you as well!

 
21.
MrsSl82be
Member
MrsSl82be (message)  1,472 posts, Bumble bee

Love the hair, and what a great idea! Your dress is beautiful, i love the v back!

 
22.
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Bee
Mrs. Cherry Pie (message)  688 posts, Busy bee

@Miss Quiche: The hair puff thingy is pretty simple– hidden inside the bun with hair wrapped around it. I guess she just took a snip from the toe of some hose, stuffed it with cotton balls and tied it shut. Then, she bobby-pinned it to the nape of my neck (with some hair under and some over) and started wrapping pieces around it. I’ve actually had this done to my hair before, when I was in Japan and got dressed up in a kimono!

@EAQ219: My hair was about the middle of my shoulder blades… if you check the rehearsal pics, you can see how long it looks in a low ponytail to get a better idea.

@LatteLove: My dress is a Pronovias Diamante. They seem pretty similar. I’m sure yours will come out beautifully!

@HumarockBride: I had cups sewn into my dress and then I used a “Natural Bra” (basically a NuBra) that I got for cheap online. (Google either for more information.) Holy smokes, did it make my boobs look great! (Also, huge.)

@ Everyone else: Thank you for your compliments! I’ll keep the posts coming! :D

 
23.
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Miss Hot Cocoa (message)  1,715 posts, Bumble bee

I love love love the bus shots, esp. the one of you and your sisters peeking through the windows.

 
24.
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Miss Perfume (message)  1,630 posts, Bumble bee

You’re a classic beauty!! I think the backdrop and that epic gown really compliment your grand yet earthy style nicely!

And the stocking hair thing, my hairdresser mentioned that…so THAT’s how it works! Genius! You’re hair looks great in these!!!

 
25.
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Miss Perfume (message)  1,630 posts, Bumble bee

you’re=your

 
26.
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Mrs. Cherry Pie (message)  688 posts, Busy bee

@Miss Hot Cocoa, Miss Peep Toe & renaissancetrophywife: There are plenty more bus pictures to come! Our photographer was on the bus with us and we have some very unique shots because of it!

 
27.
fifisweet
Member
fifisweet (message)  128 posts, Blushing bee

Awwwww… you are just BEAUTIFUL! And the setting is absolutely fabulous. I love the rustic charm.

 
28.
cannotwait
Member
cannotwait (message)  1,023 posts, Bumble bee

awww, I’m having six pence (but it is also doubling as my something borrowed) You look ridiculously gorg, and I’ll have to try that hair trick sometime!

 
29.
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Bee
Miss Duckling (message)  1,349 posts, Bumble bee

Love the cowboy boots!! You look gorgeous!!! I can’t wait to see more!!

 
30.
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Guest
sphbride

LOVE your pictures! What a wonderful start to your wedding day! Congrats!!

 
31.
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Bee
Mrs. Onion (message)  657 posts, Busy bee

Love it — what a great start to your day. You are in amazing shape — strong just like I’m working to be :)

I felt the same way when it was crunch time and I had to put on my dress. I started by getting my hair/make-up done, then giving my bridesmaids their presents…then I was told the guys were already dressed and I had to get rolling. The “big moment” that everyone had talked about was a bit contrived for me….I kept waiting for “feel like a bride” but the truth was, I already did. From the moment I woke up that morning (at 5 am cause I couldn’t sleep) like toast from a toaster as Mr. Onion recalls it…I felt like a bride. Too much pressure is pu to the dress moment.

Can’t WAIT to see more.

 
32.
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Miss Kitten (message)  699 posts, Busy bee

I love the cotton-ball trick! So crafty! And that school-bus picture is adorable!

 
33.
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Mrs. Cherry Pie (message)  688 posts, Busy bee

@Miss Kitten: Oh just you wait, there is soooo much more school bus to come!

 
34.
saramari
Member
saramari (message)  315 posts, Helper bee

Love the hair secret! Thanks for sharing. Your pics are gorgeous!

 
35.
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Bee
Mrs. Sea Breeze (message)  912 posts, Busy bee

Your pantyhose and cotton ball reference just turned my whole world upside down. Srsly.

I ADORE the b/w pic of your mom doing up your buttons on the landing. And oh, the bus! Don’t get me started on the bus!

 
36.
PeachandPearl
Member
PeachandPearl (message)  187 posts, Blushing bee

I love your honesty, Miss CP. And your hair, of course!

 
37.
beaninca
Member
beaninca (message)  76 posts, Worker bee

I am envious that you ran 3 miles the day of. I am wondering if exercising will help calm you down or pump you up?

 
38.
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Guest
KP

Great pictures!!
I have an Oma also! Isn’t that something that is so special?

I was wondering if you would be interested in selling your dress? It’s beautiful!

 
39.
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Bee
Mrs. Avocado (message)  1,407 posts, Bumble bee

I tried creating a “rat” for height in my hair, but your cotton ball version would have worked so much better. Dang, why didn’t I wait to get married so I could have learned this trick from you!

 
40.
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Guest
Javed

I want a married with someone.

 


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Mrs. Cherry Pie
Mrs. Cherry Pie Miss Cherry Pie, Seattle/Polebridge, Montana Age and Occupation: 25, Marketing Communications Specialist Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Nurse Practitioner Engagement Date: August 26, 2006 Wedding Date: September 2008 Blogging Since: April 1, 2008 Venue: A tiny town just outside of Glacier National Park About Me: I think of life as a journey and I love the places it's taking me! I went to school to study Magazine Journalism, ended up with a second major in Japanese language, and now work at a company that makes software for libraries. I love writing, computers, photography, and the great outdoors. I spend most of my time playing Guitar Hero and Rock Band or geeking out online with Mr. Cherry Pie. I'm happiest when I'm on the road, especially traveling abroad, or just nesting quietly at home with my sweetie, who is a fabulous cook and bakes a delicious rendition of a certain cherry-filled dessert!
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