While I was freaking out in the vestibule, our ceremony was just beginning. We chose the classic “Canon in D” for our parents and wedding party to come down the aisle to. I decided to go as classic as possible for the ceremony, because I liked the idea of having a stereotypical, quintessential ceremony that was the same as the kind I’d performed for Barbie and Ken growing up. Also, I once butchered “Canon in D” at a piano recital, so this gave me some closure on that horrifying experience.
Personal pic / Let’s all take a moment to be thankful this outfit and these glasses don’t exist anymore.
First down the aisle were Mr. Unicycle’s parents, followed by my mom escorted by my little brother. Fun fact: At the rehearsal, for some reason the church coordinator kept telling him that he was “just an usher” even though he was a groomsman, and I think he started to feel a little bad about himself. So now I constantly remind him that he’s “just an usher” whenever he’s annoying me.
Photos by Jennifer Shaffer Photography
When the mothers got to the front, they lit the candles we’d use for our unity candle ceremony later on.
Photos by Jennifer Shaffer Photography
Next up came the bridesmaids and groomsmen. My maid of honor had to walk alone because the priest wanted the best man to be standing at the altar with Mr. Unicycle already, for “moral support,” I guess.
Photos by Jennifer Shaffer Photography
Then the music changed to “Here Comes the Bride.” (I told you we went traditional!) Everyone stood up, and my dad and I began our walk toward Mr. Unicycle. I’d like to say I focused on him the whole time, and my freak-out dissipated like sands through the hourglass or something, but I’ll be real: I was still freaking out for the first half of my walk. I remembered to smile about halfway down. Mr. Unicycle seemed amused at my tears.
Photos by Jennifer Shaffer Photography
I was very relieved by the time I got to the front, partly because the scary walk was over, and partly because Mr. Unicycle has that affect on me. He’s basically the human Xanax. I had to make this collage of The Many Faces of Mr. Unicycle. What a friggin’ hottie. I can’t stand it.
Photos by Jennifer Shaffer Photography
When we got to the end of the aisle, my mom stood up so she and my dad could both give me away. My dad flipped my veil (we had practiced this ad nauseum because I was so sure he would screw it up, as dads are wont to do), then he and my mom kissed me, and he placed my hand in Mr. Unicycle’s hand.
Photos by Jennifer Shaffer Photography
And we headed to the front of the church to begin the riveting ceremony!
Photos by Jennifer Shaffer Photography
What do you think will be going through your head during your walk down the aisle? Will you have tunnel vision, or will you be nervous like me?
First, I love your posts and get super excited every time there’s a new one. You’re the best!
Second– the whole aisle runner process confuses me a lot. Can you explain what you did? It looks like it wasn’t down until the bridal party started walking. Who put it down? Was it attached in some way to the ground? Any issues of ripping or bunching?
We have some dark gray carpet in our church aisle, so I’m trying to wrap my mind around the runner.
Beautiful!
And since you asked, I know for a fact I’ll be nervous for that walk…. our “aisle” is a VERY LONG and winding cobblestone path through the woods, with some wide steps thrown in just to REALLY throw off the bride! I already plan on wearing anything NOT heels so I don’t fall on the cobblestones. I’m nervous just thinking about it! Haha.
My aisle is like 15″ long so I am gonna try to walk a little slow and relish in the attention (I’m the opposite of you!!)
Despite all your nerves, you are beautiful, Unicycle! And the pictures of your dad lifting your veil are just precious 
This was basically my walk with thoughts of “stop looking at me guys.” Love your posts- thanks for always keeping it real.
You are so normal and refreshing! I’m loving reading your story
For a bride who was freaking out, you sure LOOK calm and beautiful! Can’t wait for the rest of your recaps -
I LOVED walking down the aisle to my future husband! I was so worried that I’d be ugly-crying the whole way, but when the day finally came, I was just so happy! I didn’t cry and I made eye contact with as many of the guests as I could.
I definitely had tunnel vision for my walk down the aisle, otherwise I probably would have freaked out!
God I love your posts. And I love that you referred to your husband as “human Xanax.” Sparks is my human Valium. I feel you.
@Ana: I was confused about that before the wedding too! We bought it at Save On Crafts, and we had 2 of Mr. U’s cousins roll it out for us before the wedding party walked down. I don’t remember exactly when they did it, but I think sometimes only the bride walks on it.
“I decided to go as classic as possible for the ceremony, because I liked the idea of having a stereotypical, quintessential ceremony that was the same as the kind I’d performed for Barbie and Ken growing up. Also, I once butchered “Canon in D” at a piano recital, so this gave me some closure on that horrifying experience.”
i laughed! you’re one of my favorite bees. love your wry sense of humor!
not to be creepy or anything but i often still think about your comment about when people honestly start caring about what goes down their sink i know i’m not there yet haha and fear i never will be. le sigh.
Love the hell out of your recaps! Just have to say that you look like Margaret from Dennis the Menace in your recital picture!
Mrs. Unicycle, Chicago, IL Age and Occupation: 23, Editor for a Web Publishing Company Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, MD/PhD Student Engagement Date: March 26, 2011 Wedding Date: June 2012 Venue: Bridges of Poplar Creek About Me: I’m a writer by trade who likes analyzing pop culture, making fun of celebrities, and laughing until I cry. I’m the queen of half-assed crafts, and there’s nothing I won’t try to DIY. You can usually find me reading blogs on my laptop in front of a good Lifetime movie, wine in hand. I’m planning a polka-dotted summertime wedding to my physics geek college sweetheart, and when I’m not making stupid puns I’m freaking out about my wedding timeline.
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