What a wonderful, whirlwind weekend - part 2

I left off my last post getting ready to go to the ceremony.  I so clearly remember putting my dress on in the bedroom and coming into the sitting room to be tied in to my dress - the first person I saw was my friend and bridesmaid Kay - and she burst into tears (happy tears).  It reconfirmed that this was my dress and I was ready.  We got to it, finished getting ready, and took photos.  I was able to take photos with my family, but not with my individual bridesmaids.  We made a note to do that after the ceremony, but never did :-(  

We got into the limo and headed for the church.  My adorable niece and flowergirl Julianne got to ride in the limo with us and was so excited to!  She loved the "big car" and had to sit right next to me.  In fact, all day she kept saying how we were special in our white dresses.  It was precious.  We arrived at the chapel but I had to stay hidden in the limo because there isn't a "bridal room" at the chapel.  I was in the car until it was time for me to meet up with my dad and walk down the aisle.  This is one thing I didn't like - I felt very rushed right from the limo to the end of the aisle - literally.  I would have liked a second to take a deep breath and collect my thoughts.  But away I went down the aisle.  I didn't know where to look - at all the cameras?  At James?  Just straight ahead?  I did my best to smile and didn't even cry - until I got to the front of the chapel and saw every bridesmaid crying.  I quickly looked away and at my dad and James.  My dad gave me away and the rest is a blur.  I do remember at one point Candice, one of the bridesmaid, told me to smile.  While listening to the readings, I didn't even think about my facial expression - I wasn't frowning, but I wasn't smiling either.  Good tip...  Fr. Sean Prince married us and he is awesome and gave a fantastic and moving homily.  I barely got through my vows but I did and we are married!  

We headed off to take pictures (next to The Spa in Colonial Williamsburg and at Colonial Heritage).  Our photographer Gene King of Creative Worth Photography did a spectacular job!  He was patient, thorough, and creative.  He has a lot of experience and it showed.  I can't wait to see his pictures!

The reception was everything I imagined it to be.  We had fun, actually got to eat, and danced.  The only problem - my bustle!  I was so frustrated!  After 4 appointments the bustle was right but wasn't strong enough.  A number of the hooks and eyes popped off and dropped the train.  Before we were even introduced into the reception Laura and Laura bustled my dress 4 times and needed to add 6 safety pins!  I was really crabby about that.  We had such a time trying to get it right and then it didn't hold up - even for 10 minutes!  I had to keep leaving the reception to have them fix the bustle - at least 10 times.  One of our friends even said they saw me out in the lobby messing with my dress more than on the dance floor.  Unacceptable.  I will be calling the bridal salon to let them know - although there is nothing to be done now, they should know that the seamstress didn't do a good job.  

We ended the evening with a few drinks are Pauls and then a stop in the hospitality room.  I highly recommend going to a bar in your wedding dress - free drinks and a lot of attention is so much fun!  James and I spent our first night as husband and wife at The Williamsburg Lodge.  From start to finish the hotel was accommodating, friendly, and professional.  I'd recommend staying there and having a wedding block there to anyone getting married in Williamsburg.

Shout out to Morrison's Floral who did our flowers.  They delivered to three locations and didn't make a single mistake.  The flowers were fresh and gorgeous.  My bouquet was purple and I loved everything about it.  Arlene was really nice and easy to work with.  She took my ideas, which were pretty simple, and ran with them.  She made some suggestions but didn't try to add and make the bouquets or centerpieces more than what I had asked for.

The bridesmaids carried white hydrangeas and I made pins out of Scrabble tiles so the girls knew which bouquet was theirs.

My bouquet - stored in a pickle jar after the wedding day!

 We chose three centerpieces, two had orchids.

So, that was it!  In the blink of an eye James and I are married and the reception is over.  It was seriously everything I imagined.  It was perfect.  

Now, James and I are headed to the beach for a few days and then to Greece for our honeymoon!  When we return, I hope to have the pictures from Gene and our videos!  I will also post a few words of wisdom I've picked up along the way to our big day....