Weddingbee Blog

Once Mr. French Fries and I got to the altar on our wedding day, we were faced with two kneelers. Remember when I told you about our rehearsal and I said that we would be standing for the entire ceremony? Well, I was a little bit wrong. OK—a lot wrong. Yup…we weren’t just going to be standing for our entire ceremony…we were going to be kneeling, too! Oh, and just FYI…kneeling in a heavy gown and a hoop skirt should be an Olympic event.

Yep, we did a lot of kneeling.

…Still kneeling.
At least it made for great dress pictures, right?

OK, I think you get the point.

Anyway, our ceremony began with my sister and MOH B reading the First Reading, Tobit 8:4B-8.

Then Mr. FF’s friend A read the Second Reading, 1 John 4:7-12.

Then, it was time for the Gospel, for which we chose John: 2:1-11. Our readings were a bit nontraditional as far as readings from the Bible go, but they all had special meaning to us as a couple.

Mr. FF and I held hands during our entire ceremony.
We were pretty much joined at the hip — er, hand.

Our priest gave a great homily, as you can see by the look on our faces. He reminded us to love each other every day, even when it’s not easy because loving each other through the “not easy” times would make us a stronger couple and deepen the love in our marriage.

Next, it was time for us to recite our vows. We used traditional vows, but they were perfect and beautiful, and one of my favorite parts of the entire day. We promised to be true to each other in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health; to love and honor each other for all the days of our lives.

My “I’m trying not to cry” face makes another cameo.

Mr. FF was amazing and recited his vows perfectly. I, however, choked up during my vows and my voice broke…but Mr. FF squeezed both of my hands and smiled. I took a deep breath and continued and finished, my voice thick with emotion. This is the part of the ceremony I still get goose bumps thinking about.

Then, we exchanged wedding bands.

… I thee wed.

I love this one.
We look like we’re the only ones in on a secret.

After reciting our vows and exchanging rings, we lit our unity candle. We both went and got a single taper candle from our parents, which they lit. Then, we carried them to the altar, and lit our unity candle together.

Walking with a lit candle, a veil, hair caked with hairspray, and a huge skirt is not for the faint of heart.

It was at this point that the priest told us (note: just us…not everyone else, since he was talking in a whisper to us with his microphone off) that we were now married, and that we should kiss. Wait…what? There was no intro? No announcement to everyone that we were married? No “you may kiss the bride?” Hmm. Well, when these things happen, you have to roll with it. Thankfully, our photographer was able to get a picture of our “first kiss” as husband and wife, even without an introduction!

The priest had our parents come up for a special blessing over us as a couple.

Then, our Best Man and Matron of Honor made their way to the altar and signed our marriage certificate as witnesses. That was it! We were married! Since Mr. FF and I were pretty much just observing at this point, I told him in a hushed whisper that I thought we should kiss again on our way out. He agreed.

Letting Mr. FF in on my idea.

We made our way to the front of church and kissed once more for good measure…

and made our way back up the aisle!

Success!

I remember being so excited and so happy! We made our way to the back of church, followed by our bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Once we were alone, I got one more kiss and a hug from my new husband (!!!) and relished the moment. Looking back, our ceremony was one of my favorite parts of the entire day. Thinking about it still brings tears to my eyes and makes me smile.

Miss a chapter?

First, we drove all of our stuff to our venue.
Then, I freaked about the weather forecast.
Next, we rehearsed.
We had a yummy rehearsal dinner!
The girls got glam.
We both got dressed and ready to rock and roll.
Mr. FF watched me walk down the aisle.

(Unless otherwise noted, all photos in this post are courtesy of Molly from MThree Studio.)