Monday, June 9, 2014

The day I'll never forget

It was early that morning.  I think I woke up around 5:30 or 6.  Before my alarm even went off.  I laid in bed staring at the ceiling convincing myself to sleep for a little while longer.  Wasn't going to happen. It was like Christmas morning except the anticipation was one I'd never felt before.  I hopped out of bed and went out in the backyard to the massive tent that was set up.  I felt the wet grass between my toes and did a quick prayer that it wouldn't rain.  Then it was time to get to work.  I had given my parents specific orders the night before of everything we needed to set up the day of.  They had the deer in the headlights look, so I figured I better set up a table so they could see just what needed to be done.  

Wow!  All this sweat.  It was now 7 am and this was hard work!  Much harder than I'd anticipated.  How could I be sweating already at 7 am?  Oh, that's right, because it's Florida and was already 80 degrees.  Oh well, it would all be worth it in the end, right?  Yes, it was worth it and then some.  The table I set up looked amazing.  White linen.  Sailboats, flower arrangements, candle holders with starfish, lighthouses, chalk boards as place settings, personalized water bottles in personalized koozies.  It was all so beautiful.  By this time,  my sister in law, Lisa had woken up and was ready to get the day started.  We sent my brother to Dunkin to get us coffee as we knew we were in for a long day.  We walked around screeching like little girls while getting ready to head to the salon.  The brother comes back and gets us our much deserved coffee and a dozen donuts.  A few minutes later my MOH Stacy and her husband show up in their chariot to take us to the salon.  More screeching ensued and I think her husband was questioning how in the hell he got roped into this gig.  But he was a great sport and besides, someone had to pop the champagne for us.

We get to the salon a little before our appointment and Stacy gets to work.  She sets up a welcome area and puts out croissants, muffins, and mimosas.  Sweet, sweet, mimosas. Everything was so amazing and lovely and I felt like the most special woman in the world.  The ladies made a toast and then the make up artist got started on the bridesmaids makeup. Not soon after my Stepmom, Laura showed up.  She grabbed a mimosa and came to spend time with the girls.  It was amazing and we had a great time.  I was very nervous the whole time, I felt like I might throw up.  After the girls got hair and makeup we headed to the hotel.  As we were walking out of the salon it started to sprinkle.  We were a little panicked it might rain but were confident it wouldn't.  On the way to the hotel, Laura called me and said we needed to talk.  At this point in time, it was pouring.  She told me about the alternate plans of where we were to get married (under the tent) and went on to explain how they had to set everything up as a backup. The gift table wasn't where we were expecting it, we wouldn't get married outside like we expected, everything had changed.  I texted the fiance and told him "I don't know if I can do this" of course he said back "do you need to talk?" Uhhhh yes, talking was the least of what I needed at this point!  My girls assured me everything would be perfect so we kept on to the hotel to get ready.  We pulled up to the hotel and the fiances best friend brought our room key as we were pulling up, and the girls were pouring me a glass of wine.  I made him pinky promise he would not tell Frank we were having another toast! We headed up to the room and the photographer called that he got some amazing shots of the guys and wanted to get some shots of us.  At this point, I wasn't too jazzed.  It was pouring, everything at our home is not what I was expecting, and my Mom decided to be a weirdo and throw a wrench in our plans.  I wasn't too stoked but I put on a happy face because this was a day for Frank, the LO, and I and we would not let anything ruin it. 

Just as the photographer comes in (btw, he looked like a hollywood actor), a friend sent Frank and I a text.  As I was reading this really depressing text, I felt overwhelmed and could not stop laughing.  The photographer and girls were playing into it too so we were laughing as we were crying.  It was a good time and I think he got some good shots.

After he took some basic shots of us girls getting ready, I asked if the guys were ready for the letters.  You see, Frank is not very good with words.  He asked if we could surpass the new tradition of couples reading and writing their own vows.  I told him yes, as long as we wrote eachother letters to read before the ceremony.  Well, guess what time it was?  It was time to read the letters.  The photographer was still down in the girls room, and Frank's brother brought down the letter frank had written for me.  It was such a very, very sweet letter and make me laugh, cry, and break out in hives all at the same time.  I read the letter aloud and I don't think there was a dry eye in the room.  I joked with his brother that there is no way there'd be a dry eye up in the guys room!  Him and the photographer headed to the guys room to take pictures of them reading their letters. By them, I mean the following:  Frank, the LO, and Frank's Mom.  I did not just write Frank a letter.  I also wrote his Mom a letter.  Telling her how she raised the man of my dreams.  I wrote the LO a letter that as his S-Mom I promise to always encourage him, and help him find his path in life.  It was emotional and at this point, I was ready to get the show on the road!

We headed to the house and it was pretty rainy.  We pulled up to the neighborhood and there were cars everywhere!  We told the limo driver we didn't want anyone seeing us so he drove around the block for awhile.  We listened to black eyed peas and drank champagne.  By the time we drove back around, it was show time!  The girls got out and then I followed.  I remember walking to the house with the limo driver and telling him I still had time to run!  He did not find my tipsy banter too humorous!  Before I knew it, I was at the front door and my Dad was standing there.  We hugged and watched the bridal party walk down the aisle.  As we made our way into the tent I noticed how crowded and warm it was!  Good Gosh, this is not what I expected!  BUT, it turned out amazing and it was ours and that is all that matters.  My Dad gave me away and Frank and I said our "I Do's"  You know, he was crying so hard the tears were streaming.  It was so sweet. And sincere.  I did not have that reaction, although I thought I would.  It was so sweet and even the Pastor remarked that it was "so cool" to see a groom with that emotional reaction.  After they pronounced us husband and wife the song "Happy" by Pharrel Williams starting playing.  JUST IN TIME.  Because the RAIN stopped!  And we were able to enjoy a few minutes of our cocktail hour while taking pictures and greeting all of our guests....