Weddingbee Blog

After what was a pretty restless night, I woke up on our wedding day feeling refreshed and ready to get married. Finally! I can’t really remember what time I woke up, or if I showered or who was already out of bed…all I remember was that the moment my eyes opened, I thought, “Oh holy sh*t. I’m getting married. TODAY.”

Sister Sparkler jumped into action immediately, rounding up Littlest Sis and grabbing breakfast for everyone. Then it was off to get our hair done in Wicker Park. Everything was going so smoothly, everyone was on time, and then I realized…where the heck is ol’ Pirate Sis??? Apparently, my second littlest sister had, ahem, imbibed a bit too much at the rehearsal dinner and wasn’t going to make it to her appointment. OK, deep breath, no big deal. Mom Sparkler is a wiz with hair and I knew she could take care of it later. Plus, my mind was already preoccupied with getting back to the hotel to slip into these pretty things:

My makeup artist was ready and waiting for me when I got back to the room, and I started to get excited when I saw all of her supplies laid out. It was time to get pretty! While I sat there being pampered, I got to really take in everything that was happening around me. Mom Sparkler was in true “Mom mode” asking me a ton of questions and being overly concerned about things (love ya, Mom), while my sisters and bridesmaids actually seemed kind of nervous about the approaching ceremony. It was really sweet, but I remember thinking, “Maybe I should be nervous, too.” But I wasn’t…yet.

Please note Pirate Sis getting her hair done in the chair…Mom Sparkler (and Gatorade) to the rescue!

Once my makeup was done, there was really only one thing left to do—put on that dress! I hate having people fuss over me, so I insisted that I get dressed in the bedroom. My bridesmaids didn’t care, though—they stood firm and watched as my mom helped me into my gown. This is when I almost started to panic. A few sips of my mimosa calmed me down, and I started to laugh a little. I was getting married in, like, 45 minutes! It was starting to feel real.

I just love Bridesmaid M’s face in this shot.

Before we left, I gave my girls their gifts. I wanted them to be able to use the cute flats I bought for them at the reception. I really tried to get them something that they could use after the wedding, and I still get excited when I see one of them carrying the bag around.

As we were heading out the door, I realized I’d almost forgotten my trusty Moleskin! You know, the notebook that I had written my wedding vows in? Yeah, that thing. Kinda important. I frantically flipped through it, searching for the very important notes while everyone laughed. I totally understood, too…I mean, who forgets their vows?

Once that crisis was averted, we all gathered together for a quick group shot before heading out the door.

As we left the hotel room, I realized I was really on my way to get married. Nervous as ever, I instructed Sparkler Sis to bring my mimosa with her and not to let anyone stop her from walking down the street with it. As you can tell by the last picture, she was a GREAT maid of honor.

Walking down the street in my wedding dress, surrounded by all of my bridesmaids, felt so surreal. It was one of those moments that I didn’t want to end. I could feel the importance of the day weighing on my shoulders, and I honestly started to shake. If I have any advice to give at this point, I would say just BREATHE. Remember that your partner will be waiting for you at the end of that aisle, and all you need to do is get to them. After that, it’s a cake walk.

Coming up: I head down my aisle.

Get Caught Up!

The Guys Get Ready

The Night Before the Big Day

Welcome to Chicago!

The Rehearsal Dinner

The Wedding Weekend Begins!

All photos by Avery House