My wedding wasn't royal, but I felt like a princess!

All of this talk about the royal wedding that took place today has got me to thinking...  My wedding sure wasn’t as big of a deal as this one- not even close, but it sure was a special day for us!  Yes, Kate is now officially a princess, but I was the princess for a day!  I know that as more time passes we’ll forget more and more of the details, but we’ve got some amazing pictures that I’m going to share that captured most of the memories.

Attractive, huh?

Planning for our wedding, like most, started months ahead of time.  During the last couple of months, we were busy with the last few details, making sure everything would be just right.  I remember hand beading my gloves, making my veil with my mom, and creating our table centerpieces.  In this picture, I am having my hair colored while Ryan was working on folding our programs.

Heather fixing my hair.

Finally the big day had come!  I was so excited!  I guess I wasn't the normal nervous bride.  I just couldn't wait for the day!  We all woke up and my mom made us some french toast for breakfast.  My Maid of Honor, Heather, had spent the night, so we thought it would be a good idea to start working on my hair right away.

All ready to go!

Before we knew it, it was time to head to the church for a few pictures and to get ready for the service!  Ryan and I didn't have any pictures together before the service.  The first time he saw me in my dress was when I was walking down the aisle! 

Just starting to get ready.

Once we got to church we all got dressed for pictures.  I made my garter, myself.  It had my 'something old' and my 'something blue'!  My 'something old' were two wedding bands- one was a gift to me from my Grandma Alice when she died.  I was only 6 months old.  The other was borrowed from my Grandma Jan.  She is still alive as ever and I'm so thankful for it!  My 'something blue' was the blue ribbon and stitching.

My pretty garter.

Finally... time for the dress!  I just loved my dress.  It was a princess dress and it was absolutely as poofy as can be!  I've never been a big girly girl, so it was a lot of fun to be a princess for a day!

My attendant, Shannon, helped.

The service went off without a hitch.  It was just as I imagined it.  Ryan and I both were a little teary-eyed, but nothing compared to the rest of the men in my family!  My Dad and both Grandpa's were ALL crying!  We exchanged very traditional vows.  Actually almost everything about the ceremony was traditional- just the way I like it!  

Here are a few more pictures from the service.

My Papa walking me down the aisle.

During the ceremony.

Blessing our marriage.

"You may kiss the bride!"

After the ceremony we walked out of the church and were showered with white birdseed!  I wanted to do the traditional 'throwing of the rice' but the church doesn't allow rice because they are worried about old ladies in high heels falling on the cylindrical rice!

Our birdseed showering!

 We took some more pictures at the church and in the park across the street...

Newlyweds right after the ceremony.

I had stargazer lilies in my bridal bouquet.

Happy to finally be husband and wife!  I was 19 and he was 20.

The groomsman swept me off my feet. 

Our bridal party, minus the littlest ring bearer.

Kissing under my blusher.

The new little family.

Resting my tired feet on the church steps after the ceremony.

 After those pictures were done we got in our white horse-drawn carriage and left for the reception.  And when I say "horse-drawn carriage" I really mean tiny, red Saturn coupe!

Our car was so pretty!!!

Look!  He's even opening the door for me!!!

My dress rode to the reception on the dash.

We had our reception at a golf course that we both worked at.  It is just a beautiful spot!  We had chicken sandwiches for dinner and then moved onto the dance.   We danced the night away with friends and family!  It was such a wonderful day!  I've got a few more pictures to share from the evening.  They were hard to choose!  I've got so many I love!

Sitting on the grass with my poofy princess dress and new husband!

Here are our rings and my bouquet.

Let's see Princess Kate do this!!

A kiss at sunset.

Looking forward to our future together.

Here are our centerpieces I made!

 
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!  I hope you all come back!

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