On the late September morning of our wedding, I awoke to this rather wet view of Austin:
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Rain on your wedding day: not so ironic
Well, shoot. It had been raining for at least 24 hours, and I knew the ground at our wedding site would be totally soaked. Even if it didn’t rain during the actual ceremony, it was pretty darn unlikely that we’d be having the ceremony outside. (Picture chairs, shoes, etc. sinking into muddy lawn…not so nice.)
But no tears were shed! Part of the reason we chose our venue was because it had a great rain plan. The wall of glass at one end of the reception pavilion would make a lovely backdrop for our ceremony. I spoke with our day-of coordinator and the site coordinator on the phone, reviewed the setup diagram over email, and called it a done deal. Woohoo!
I also took a few minutes on my own in our suite at the Hilton Garden Inn downtown to write my last blog entry as a “Miss,” smiled at my big vase of beautiful roses from Mr. C, and enjoyed a delicious lemon kolache as I waited for my girls to join me for hair and makeup. Soon enough, we were all rocking out to Pandora and hanging out while each of us got pretty for the day.
First for me was hair, with the lovely Mandy Silver.
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Mandy getting ready to tame my mess of curls
After re-curling all my ringlets to make them look awesome, Mandy got down to the real artistry of an updo, making sure everything was arranged in style and secure. (There’s actually no “base” in this updo—just pins! And it stayed beautifully all night—I even wore it home on the plane the next day!)
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Work in progress
Then it was on to makeup with Maris Malone Calderon.
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Plumping up those lips!
After my hair and makeup were complete, I asked for pictures with both of them. Their work made me feel fabulous.
Maris and me
Mandy and me
And then a quick photo of my girls Chicago J and NYC J with me in the middle. We haven’t aged a day since high school, I swear!
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Pretty girls!
Once we were all prettified, we said good-bye to our miracle-worker hair and makeup artists, and started loading up Mama C’s car for the 45-minute drive out to Pecan Grove to finish getting ready. T minus just a few hours to “I do”!
All Photos Personal
Missed a Cauldron wedding-day recap? So far, we’ve had:
Your hair and makeup look amazing. And how cute is your image at the bottom of the bride and groom cauldron!? Adorable!
I’m glad you were able to re-bound so well and not be upset by the rain! 
I agree that your hair and makeup look phenomenal, and I LOVE LOVE your recap banner/image! How adorable!
What’s up with Austin brides having rainy weddings? It’s a desert here most of the year! (Same thing happened to me three years ago, BTW.) Also, your hair and makeup are gorgeous!
You look beautiful! And, you handled the rain so gracefully, I know I wouldn’t!
@Mrs. Castle, @Miss Bat: Thanks! I loved the hair and makeup too (and I had fun making the recap banner 
@Mrs. Mouse: It worked out well for us, thankfully! We beat the heat and still had a gorgeous day!
@Mrs. Pony: Thanks! I had a few days to get used to the idea since the forecast wasn’t great…it all worked out wonderfully and there was just no point in letting it be a “problem” on a day I knew would be awesome regardless. You know?!
Oh you are gorgeous! I love your hair and makeup! So fresh looking! Can’t wait to see the rest of your recaps!
I like your low-key morning of getting ready. Your hair and make-up look great! Can’t wait to see all of the pieces come together soon.
Miss Cauldron, New York City/Austin Age and Occupation: 33, Human Resources Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Technology Engagement Date: October 8, 2011 Wedding Date: September 2012 Venue: Pecan Grove at the Salt Lick About Me: I grew up in the Lone Star State, but moved to NYC after college to get a taste of the Big Apple, and never left. I love baking, yoga, Mr. C, and sunshine (not necessarily in that order)! Mr. C and I met on Match.com back in 2007, and our second date was at a Texas barbecue restaurant in Manhattan. It’s only fitting that after almost five years together, we are getting married at an iconic Texas barbecue joint. (Shiner Bock and brisket, anyone?) I’m proud of the life we have built together around our love for each other, Mr. C’s crazy dog Bosley, and fun sailing adventures on our boat, and I’m looking forward to celebrating our marriage at one seriously awesome party in September.
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