Weddingbee Blog

With the day gone in a blur behind me, there I stood in the bridal suite, emotions awakened with a stomach full of butterflies and the heavy feeling of happy tears pushing on my eyes. I was just moments away from living out my little girl dream of walking down the aisle to marry the man I love.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

Though my dreams weren’t quite my reality, I couldn’t help but think back and reflect on how much of that little girl still remained within.

What I felt was overwhelming happiness, similar to that high you would get as a child when you knew something really exciting and wonderful was about to happen. No, I didn’t have cold feet, or feelings of regret or fear, nor any other feelings of true anxiety (except for those joyful dancing butterflies). I was completely elated to have the planning, worries, and the stress behind me—all I could think about was that in a few short moments I would be walking towards my soon-to-be-husband.

While we waited for the word, my brothers finished handing out programs and assisted in seating our guests.

Photos courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

And, all the men gathered for their walk down the aisle…

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

Our Judge/officiant patiently waited for the ceremony to begin…

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

…as did our guests.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

And, then the music began to play…

A cue to the men (and us girls) that it was time to start.

Our wedding party walked the aisle to The Vitamin String Quartet’s version of Chasing Cars. With such a small group we decided to have each wedding party member walk the aisle alone. And, it worked out rather well for the most part. The men started things off and only two people had slight issues. Can you guess who had trouble walking the aisle alone?

First up was Bro-Locket…

Oh wait, I bet you’re wondering where that photo is, right? Well, turns out Bro-Locket was a tad confused and didn’t walk the aisle (I can’t blame him, he did miss the rehearsal). Instead, I was told that he walked along side the tent, realized he had messed up when he saw groomsmen Mike walk the aisle, and backtracked to re-walk the aisle the right way. You got that? Still a bit confused? Well, it went a little something like this.

Bro Locket saw Mike walk the aisle and immediately had that gut wrenching, “OH CRAP I MESSED UP MY SISTER’S WEDDING!” feeling set in.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

Okay, I kid, I’m sure he didn’t feel like he ruined the wedding, but I know he was rather embarrassed/mildly humiliated. Either way, he did what any person would do in that situation. He tried to make it right.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

Bro-Locket decided to rush behind best man Harold (who should have been last) to officially walk the aisle as intended.

Look at him with that smirk! He totally thought he pulled it off without anyone noticing. Or maybe that was his look of shame when he realized how smoothly our ring bearer was able to walk the aisle.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

With three men and a ring bearer down it was time for Mr. Locket and MIL Locket…

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

It was such a nice, sentimental touch to have Mr. Locket walk with his Mom. She’s been such a great support to us both and we couldn’t think of a better way to honor her for being such an integral part of our lives together.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

Soon enough, he sat her down and took his place next to the guys.

Then it was time for the girls…

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

Sister-Locket started things off and left many guests wondering why there was a random Kardashian look-a-like in the wedding. She was followed by my dear friend Catie whom was secretly engaged at the time to groomsman Mike—that sneaky couple informed us and everyone of their engagement last month.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

Then came my best friend of 16 years, my MOH Amy…look at her, she is already trying to hold back the tears.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

Once Amy finished walking the music changed to Priscilla Ahn’s Dream, a song so perfectly fitting to what was about to happen next…

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

That shy little girl you see behind the trees is our sweet flower girl Anna. As soon as the music switched and she knew it was her turn to walk the aisle she became extremely nervous. She literally paused in her tracks and turned around. We had to urge her on to keep going and eventually she gathered just enough courage to walk down and toss petals from her basket.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

From what I hear, it was absolutely adorable and gave many of our guests a good laugh. All the while, Mom and I began to take our first steps towards the aisle.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

And, Mr. L looked on with a smile…

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

…as we made our way down to the aisle.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

And then the toughest part began…walking through grass with heels was no easy task. I think Mom was having a harder time than I was, as it nearly looked as if I needed to drag her to give me away.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

Or, maybe I was a wee bit eager to get off the grass and marry the ruggedly handsome man waiting for me at the end of the aisle?

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

With each step I was confident that no, I would not cry, I could get through this without the ugly cry face. I was WRONG. With each nearing step I was able to see a man on the verge of tears—tears of joy, tears of love and I could not hold back any longer. The ugly “I am about to cry, but am trying real hard not to” face made its appearance.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

And, slowly worsened with each step. Fortunately, by the time I had reached Mr. L he was calm and collected which helped me put away my “cry” face. He later told me that he thought he would cry until he “manned up” and pushed the almost-tears aside.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

And, finally the time had come for Momma Locket to give me away.

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

Photo courtesy of Anna Simonak Photography

Stay tuned for Part II!

Did you have any issues with your ceremony processional? Did any other brides have a hard time keeping the tears away?