Weddingbee Blog

I have two favorite posts that go hand-in-hand. My absolute favorite, number one post is from the morning of my wedding. It’s my “I’m getting married today!” post to the hive.

When I think back on that day, on being cuddled up in that big down blanket in the still of the morning, typing that post on the little silver keys of my BlackBerry, it brings me right back. I’ve never felt so much joy, so much happiness, so much fulfillment, and so much peace. It embodies what the day was about: our love, and not all of the lil’, stressful logistics or even the fun, but superficial, design details. I’ve never been so in-the-moment and that post is a great reminder of that tiny piece of time I had to myself so that I could reflect on the reason why we were there.

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Dear Hive: Today’s the day! I am writing from my BlackBerry because my little, rustic (yet luxurious) cabin doesn’t have wireless. It’s a brisk 25 degrees out now, up here at 8300 feet in the mountains of Colorado, but the sun just crept over the peaks and is starting to defrost this little patch of earth and warm it to a comfortable 60 degrees.

I am sitting on the deck of my cabin, snuggled in a huge down comforter. Before me, the light stripes through the pines and makes the wheat-colored grass appear to be standing at attention. Beyond the stand of trees, there is a very still pond in a meadow, a forested hill beyond that, and a snow-capped 14,000 foot peak peering into the meadow. Birds are calling to each other in sweet chirps.

I feel calm, relaxed, exuberant, vibrant, happy. We’ve been here at Devil’s Thumb Ranch for 3 days with friends and family filling our days with yoga, hiking, good food, laughter, intimate conversation and many bouts of good tears.

Today, it culminates with a possible spot of rain or snow later, but I am ready for whatever the day throws our way. With plenty of sleep last night, I am finally rested. Crying—even if they are tears of joy—is exhausting, and the past few days have been a serious windy road of emotion. Just something to keep in mind, future brides. It is a transformation, after all.

To Mr. CB: I’ve loved you for the past four years and I am ready to commit that love to you for the rest of our lives, today. My vows are written and I can’t wait to share them with you at our ceremony and hear what you have prepared for me. You are my absolute best friend, and there is no one else I wish to spend a beautiful, still morning with, like this one, than you. As I have written in my vows: “The world appears a little more golden when I am hand-in-hand with you.”

Hive, you’ve been remarkable. Your feedback, honesty, support, and energy has made this process unforgettable. I am so fortunate to have been able to document everything here with you.

With love,

Miss Cowboy Boot

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And, this is the cherry on top to that first post. It’s visual proof of my bliss. All of my beautiful girls were around me, sharing in my joy, celebrating with me, and I cherish every moment of that morning. And, I have to admit, I like looking at my dress, because I adored her and sold her, so photos are all I have.

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The day started off as golden as I wrote to all of you, with sunlight striping the pines in front of our cabin. I woke up around 8 AM with Mr. CB beside me. I slipped out of bed, took a quick bath, and then pulled on my merino wool sweats and my “Soon to Be Mrs…” tank I’d received for my shower.

Luckily, my bridesmaids were in the cabin right next door so I didn’t have far to go. The makeup artist, Liz from Bobbi Brown, and the hairstylist, Candace from Denver’s Hot Heads Salon arrived at 9 AM and started getting some of the girls going. I got to their cabin at 9:30 to find coffee and bagels waiting. I was ready to start the day.

My hair was set in curlers to give it body. While I waited for those curls to set, Liz did my makeup.

Meanwhile, my bridesmaids were all getting ready in one of the bedrooms in the cabin.

Somewhere in the mix, my maid of honor and I were mirror images of each other.

Photo by Amanda Wilson

After my makeup was finished, it was right back to Candace’s chair to finish my hair. During my trial, we decided one side of my hair was too plain with the side bun so Candace added these two little braids to spice it up a bit.

The bridesmaids’ dresses all hung in the window next to mine.

The obligatory dress shot…

Finally, it was time to put her on.

And add the J. Crew belt I thought would make a good addition.

Bridesmaid AC helped me put my shoes on.

I wavered between the pearl studs and the long, pearl dangles.

With my dress, shoes, and accessories on, and my hair and makeup done, I was finally feeling bridal.

And ready to head outside for our First Look…

How did we get here?

First, Mr. CB and I road-tripped it to Boulder, CO.
Then, I spent a peaceful morning with my bridesmaids and maids-of-honor.
Followed by a rowdy bachelorette party that night.
The next morning, two days before the wedding, we fought.
Then, we made up.
On Saturday, Mr. CB recuperated from his bachelor party while I hiked with friends.
Until evening, when we celebrated our rehearsal dinner.

**All images above by the ridiculously talented and awesome Tec Petaja, unless otherwise noted. Head to his blog for some serious eye candy.**