Weddingbee Blog

Why the guys were hanging out in their hotel and taking pictures at the venue, the girls were rushing to get ready. At this point, hair and makeup were done and it was time to rush off to the venue… and I’m not kidding when I say “rush”!

My bridesmaids cleaned up our room in a fury (we were checking out and leaving for the venue simultaneously), and we all rushed down to the parking garage. There were about nine of us total, and we were in three different cars. My maid of honor led the pack driving me and my mom—at the speed of lightning—around the corner to our venue. Again, thank goodness it was close! The drive was probably 5 minutes and it went by so fast that I didn’t quite get a chance to prepare myself for that feeling that hits you when you’re walking up to your venue on your wedding day! Wow. It’s pretty amazing.

Awaiting me inside was the bridal suite that had sealed the deal for us in choosing Exon Hill, and all my beautiful things. Can you see my dress in the reflection of the mirror?

Photo by Meredith Perdue

Meredith had the genius idea to go to the venue before us, and take some photos of my accessories. I actually gave her the bag carrying my clutch, my shoes, jewelry, handkerchief and bridal emergency kit to take over there! Thank you for delivering it safely, M, and for capturing such awesome photos of everything.

This handkerchief was a surprise gift from Etsy seller (designsbyGloria). In the week before the wedding I contacted about 20 designers for a rush order (read: the week before the wedding!!) for a handkerchief for one of my grandmothers who I accidentally left out in the original order. Ms. Gloria was available, inexpensive, and super efficient! She totally saved the day, and her sweet gift turned out to be a beautiful addition to my accessories.

You all know the story about my dress, right?

Swoon <3

I still love her!

I love the backdrop in these photos because Oxon Hill Manor’s bridal suite is totally sweet! Seriously. It’s so pretty and eloquent, and definitely has a little Victorian flare, which I love! I wish I had an excuse to go back there.

Remember the search for these shoes? My first-ever purchase from Zappos turned out to be quite a success!

Oh yea, and my clutch! I almost didn’t have one, you guys! It wasn’t until a few weeks before the wedding when I read Mrs. Panther’s post about her sparkly clutch that I realized I didn’t have one (and needed one)!

I had absolutely no money left in the budget for it, but luckily, my seamstress had plenty of extra fabric from my dress and a creative talent for making darling little handbags. She surprised me with this when I picked up my dress after the final fitting. I loved it! It was yet another vendor surprise that totally made my day!

I’m pretty sure I mentioned the significance of this jewelry, which was given to my grandmother from my grandfather.

And, did I tell you I had one of those bridal essentials kits?

Another gift from granny that I actually did not end up using at all! Woo hoo!

All my things were ready and I was almost ready, too! Next up, the biggest surprise of them all!

Did you receive any surprise gifts for your wedding day that you ended up loving?

*All photos by Meredith Perdue

Miss a recap? Join in!

• Pinned Together: Pictures, Rehearsal, and Presents
• Pinned Together: A Snicker’s Cake and Special Reunion
• Pinned Together: It’s Wedding Day!
• Pinned Together: Hold Your True Friends With Both Hands
• Pinned Together: Make Me a Supermodel
• Pinned Together: In My Daughter’s Eyes
• Pinned Together: The Grooms Have it Easy
• Pinned Together: My Groom & His Gents