Reader, I married him. | Pt. 3

My bridesmaids and I took a moment to pray before they took their places.

It's one of the memories I cherish most from this day.

As the musicians began to play "Anna's Theme" from the movie Leap Year, I began my walk down the aisle.  There were butterflies in my stomach, but I just kept my focus on the end of that aisle...on my handsome groom.

And I didn't have to walk that long aisle alone - I was blessed to have my dad right there with me the whole way.

  I honestly don't remember much from during the ceremony, except Hank and being overwhelmed by how blessed I was to be marrying him.  

Pastor Paul does such a wonderful job of showing how the relationship between Christ and His church is imitated by the relationship between husband and wife.

I do remember it feeling so odd to be the one up there exchanging vows and rings.

And about here is where the picture of our first kiss should be...except we don't have any.  Nope, not one.  Apparently we were really quick about it...I know I was feeling a bit shy about getting my first kiss in front of so many people.  I'm still glad I waited until the ceremony for my first kiss, though.  And it makes for a good story. :grin:

Edit 9/28: My Aunt Kathy sent me this picture that my cousin Parker captured of our first kiss with his phone!!  I am sooo excited to have this!!!

So, so happy.

Here we come, officially, until God by death alone parts us, Mr. & Mrs.!

That's all for today's post.  Up next will be the reception.

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Start at the beginning with Part 1 and Part 2 of Reader, I married him!

Baby Bump

I'm in awe at the miracle of it all.

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139:13-16

A familiar Psalm, but it means so much more to me now.  I'm so thankful for this child that the Lord has blessed us with.  So amazed to be part of the creation of new life.  Life is so precious.

Reader, I married him. | Pt. 2

This was it.  The big day.  As unreal as it seemed, this was my wedding day.

The weather was perfect.  No...really perfect.  Beautiful blue skies, warm but not hot.  Perfection.

This day of all days began with me sitting in my parent's kitchen, eating breakfast, and getting my hair done.  After checking to make sure we had absolutely everything that we needed, my brother, cousins, bestie, and I got in the car and headed for the Rockin' B Ranch.  My folks had to pick up a few things, so we took separate cars.

This was, and still is, my dream wedding dress.  Handmade by Kellie Falconer Design.

Simple white flats, real pearls, and the garter I made.  I used this tutorial.

The buttons up the back are from my mom's wedding dress.  Just for looks - invisible zippers are the best.

There is nothing more delicious then long curls down your back.

And the bride is ready!

Aside from a light dusting of powder (thanks to Abbie - wouldn't want a shiny nose!) and lip gloss, I chose not to wear any make-up.  I don't wear make-up much anyway, so that was an easy decision, and one I do not regret.

The book shaped locket on my bouquet was borrowed from Grandma Barb.  It has black and white photos of her and my Grandpa when they were young.

Our bouquets and the bridesmaid's corsages were so perfect and lovingly put together by my friend Dinah Raye.  They were exactly what I wanted!

I totally wanted to steal one of the bridesmaid dresses - they're so beautiful!  Kellie made her's, and I sewed Abbie's.  It's really handy when you and your cousin are the same size...plus, very handy if you end up wanting to keep the dress. :wink:

I used this tutorial to make my veil - easiest thing ever, and so much fun!

And then it was time for me to hide away inside while my handsome groom had his turn with the photographers.  We both agreed that we wanted to wait to see each other until I was walking up the aisle.  I think "first looks" are silly.  No offence if that's what you did because that's your choice, but I think there's something incredibly exciting, suspenseful, and romantic about waiting until the ceremony to see each other!

With the getaway car, err, pick-up.  Fords are best.  Just sayin' it cause it's true.

Somehow or other, this picture happened.  Um, Austin??

Hank wears that purple tie well, doesn't he?

Tip for the bride-to-be: take advantage of the Amazon Prime month long free trial.  It includes free 2 day shipping.  I signed up the month before the wedding and used it a lot for last minute purchases, including both Hank and Austin's ties.  Just make sure you cancel your membership right away so they don't bill you next month.  That would be so sad.

Anyway, continuing on...

I couldn't resist peeking through the curtains at Hank.  It was amazing and surreal to think that by the end of the day we would be married, never to be separated except by God.

With one of our nieces and flowers girls, Ruth.

Hank and his dad.

This post Austin, Hank, and Alex approved.
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It boggles my mind when I realize that this day was almost a year ago.  Can we really have been married for almost a whole year now?!  I thank the Lord for every month, day, hour, minute, and second of this past year with my husband.

I'm planning/hoping to share the next installments of our wedding photos before our 1st anniversary.  Choosing which photos to share is so hard!

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Start at the beginning with Part 1.