The Day is Done

Okay. I totally underestimated how busy planning the wedding would keep me. As September 18th approached, I had hoped to keep a record of the planning process in real-time but that (clearly) didn't happen. I'm happy to report that after many unforeseeable glitches in my perfect wedding plan, our big day actually arrived and exceeded my expectations for our very perfect and special wedding day.

What I can say after all is said and done, is that planning - for sure - is key. But without a doubt, not everything will go as planned and you have to be okay with that. Actually, you have to embrace that some of the best memories and elements from that day will likely be what was unplanned. So, be prepared... and be prepared.

Here are a few of the details and spectacular moments from that great day!

 This lovely sash of chiffon rosettes was created by my friend, Sky Liu, to adorn my dress. I loved the dress but loved it a million times more with this amazing little belt.

 I bought and returned about 7 pairs of shoes before settling on these light gray suede shoes. I didn't want a traditional pair of bridal shoes and finally found something comfortable, tall and with enough sass to make a statement.

 The bridesmaids and I getting all dolled up.

 The groom getting suited up next door.

 It fits!

 It took a few minutes to fasten the buttons.

 Almost ready... I'm wondering if I've forgotten anything.

 My sister and maid of honor delivers a card to the groom.

 Let's get pinned! The groom's mom helped me make the boutonnieres from herbs and flowers we bought at the grocery store. I was obsessed with this idea I saw at OnceWed, but in hindsight I should have just had the Farmer's Market provide them. The men smelled like a turkey dinner from the rosemary.

 Avery, my niece, came running down the aisle during the ceremony to take her place near her mom. She was the ring-bearer moreso than the flower girl. But she was adorable! She lasted about 5 minutes then had to be removed. We expected that with a two year-old.

 The groom in anticipation.

 Walking in with my dad, I was so giggly I couldn't compose myself. Especially after I saw my sister crying.

 Okay, so we're both a little giddy.

 Our ceremony was short and sweet, performed by my husband's father, George. We had him ordained online for $30. Having Bill's father marry us made it that much more meaningful... we wanted someone who knew us both well.

 Another find from Etsy, we had this poster-sized wedding announcement created in our wedding colors and matted it to provide our guests with a "guestbook" alternative to the traditional portrait that's been so popular. This looks so great hanging in the living room now and such a pleasant reminder of that day.

 You can't count on the weather. We had hoped for sunshine to take advantage of the outdoor space at The Viewpoint Inn for our ceremony which overlooks the river. It rained so hard you couldn't see 50 yards so the ceremony was moved inside. But we grabbed an umbrella and got some great shots in the rain. Ah, Oregon.

 My dear friends, Gabrielle and her mom, Marybeth, were pivotal in pulling everything together on the day of the wedding. They are both superstars and because of them I was absolutely worry-free that day. Here they are with my sister and the few kids that attended our wedding.

 My sister was incredibly nervous as she gave her speech. She killed it... as you can see.

 The bouquet toss had exactly four potential catchers, including a ten year-old. I told you I was nearly dead last to get hitched.

 Bill really tried to reach up my skirt. Inappropriate.

 Thanks to my awesome shoes, our huge height difference didn't impede our first dance. We had the pleasure of hiring the most amazing and talented musician, Shaun Barrowes, and his band (including a break dancer) for our wedding. I had requested Jason Mraz's song "I'm Yours" as our processional, which he killed. He played it again for our first dance. It was so beautiful.

 My niece was going nonstop. It was sort of amazing. What a party animal.

The night ended way too early. What an amazing, amazing day. Looking back, I would not change one thing... except to extend the evening a little longer.