My Favorite Getting Ready Moments

For me, our wedding day flew by. I was up at 4:00am then took forever to get back to sleep. My parents made sure I ate even though I wasn’t exactly hungry (chalk it up to nerves..not about getting married but about everything going smoothly and all of the mingling I’d have to do). Then my girls started to arrive and I felt a little more at ease. Here are some of my favorite “getting ready” moments.

Taking a moment to capture this time and celebrate with my favorite ladies.

Reading the letter Cody wrote me and trying not to cry and ruin my makeup.

Taking it all in, holding the flowers Cody had sent over…one of each of my favorites – a gerbera daisy and a rose, and already wearing my wedding gift from him – a Swarovski bracelet. He also sent my favorite chocolates over for me and my “beautiful bridesmaids” as the note said. So adorable. I gave him an all black Nixon watch and the special handkerchief I wrote about in an earlier post.

Some details.

The moment the purse that matched my dress completely broke and I, completely out of character, was fine. I just used the other purse I already had and didn’t sweat it. Definitely not normal for me. Same thing happened when my necklace broke. I was okay, it wasn’t the end of the world. Very strange, but I’m thankful that’s how I reacted on such a special day. I guess I knew that those weren’t the things that mattered. The love and celebration were what truly mattered.

My bridesmaids helping each other get ready.

Taking down my dress. (This is when the nerves started to kick in.)

My mom helping me into my dress.

My mom and cousin who I grew up with like a sister putting in my veil. You can see the nerves have fully kicked in at this point by the look on my face. Fun fact: I put in her veil for her wedding this past May.

It took forever to get this earring in – it just wouldn’t go! There are several more photos I won’t share that show the frustration and panic as my ear was bleeding and I’m desperately trying to stay on time and get the thing in. (I eventually got the earring on and all was well.)

My mom helping me put on my grandma’s ring.

The moment my bridesmaids saw me in my dress for the first time. Their reactions were so sweet.

My sister-in-law crying and saying a such sweet words to me.

My mom telling my dad, “Wait until you see her.”

My dad’s reaction and hug.

My mom loving watching my dad see me in my dress for the first time.

My parents looking so happy and proud.

Cody getting ready and looking so handsome.

Our nephew Riley playing the game we got him and looking so cute in the suspenders we picked out for him.

Cody’s cousin Devon looking like the boys were having a good time getting ready.

Cody’s brother and best man getting ready. He really kept things together, helped Cody so much, gave a great speech and came through for us on our wedding day.