Weddingbee Blog

Everyone was ready. Everyone had posed for pictures. There was nothing left on the to-do list. Guests began to fill the seats out in the garden, waiting for the ceremony to begin, waiting for us to get married.

The altar was all put-together, including Mr. Lion’s DIY chuppah…which had been adorned with some lovely greenery and flowers, thanks to our fabulous florist.

Our day-of coordinator lined everyone up—everyone except me. I was alone in the dressing room for about 30 seconds. You’d think that this moment would fly by, but it was the opposite for me. It was as though time stood still. This was the first time I had really been alone in at least three days. This was the first time I hadn’t been frantically busy in at least three days. I savored every second of it. I remember taking some deep breaths. I remember praying. I remember reflecting upon what I had said and the feeling I had experienced during my mikvah. I felt at peace and truly present in the midst of everything that had been going on that day. Then, my dad knocked at the door.

He started to say something deep and meaningful about how much of an honor it was for him to walk me down the aisle, but then he just stopped mid-sentence. I don’t know if he was so overwhelmed with emotion that he lost his train of thought, or if he just got choked up and couldn’t do it. Either way, I just squeezed his hand and said, “Thanks, Dad.” We waited by the entrance to the garden as we watched the processional begin. The DJ started to play the Vitamin String Quartet version of Oasis’ “Wonderwall,” as our officiant (my cousin, Chris) made his way down the aisle to the altar.

Next, Mr. Lion escorted my mom down the aisle to her seat.

Then, Mr. Lion’s mom and step-dad walked down the aisle…

…followed by Mr. Lion’s dad and step-mom.

Lioness Bmaid kicked off the bridal party part of the processional. She was escorted by both Lion Gman Mike and Lion Gman Dan O., since her eight-month pregnant self insisted on wearing the bmaid heels.

Lioness Bmaid Emily and Lion Gman Ryan were next.

Then, Lioness Bmaid Sara walked down with Lion Gman Dan B.

Then, Lioness Bmaid Jessica and Lion Gman Jon walked down the aisle.

Last but not least, Sister Lioness and Best Man Chris walked down. He’s about two feet taller than she is, but somehow they made it look awesome.

Then, the music changed to the instrumental “Married Life” from Disney/Pixar’s Up. Mr. Lion made this face…

…because it was the first time he had seen me since the rehearsal dinner. That, and it was the first time he had seen me in my dress.

Yep, he was just a little bit psyched.

My dad said a few nice things to us…

The Lioness Bmaids gazed on lovingly…

And we were ready to get married.

Catch up on the Lioness recaps here!

• First, we got ready at my apartment.
• Then, we finished getting ready at the venue.
• The boys got ready and posed for pictures.
• We exchanged gifts.
• The girls posed for pictures.
• I admired every little detail.

*All photos by H. Photography unless otherwise noted.