The Rehearsal

The Friday before I got married probably should have been the most stressful day in my life. In reality, it was one of the best. Despite my usual procrastinating nature, this day was made super enjoyable for 3 reasons...

1. Michele Spring (our day-of coordinator) wanted us to have everything ready for her when we met for the rehearsal. "Everything" included escort cards, programs, menus, favors, center pieces, our decorations (which included a special guest book desk), and pretty much anything that we needed set up.
2. Our rehearsal had to be on Friday morning instead of Friday night because there was a wedding taking place.
3. Everyone seemed relaxed and they were all on time and doing what they were supposed to do and we were just plain having fun all day.

I DIY'd a lot of the wedding stationary and decor, so while I was up pretty late on Thursday night printing out programs, all I had to worry about on Friday was remembering to pack the car up!

(Have I mentioned that bridesmaid Brigitte just had a baby a mere 3 weeks before the wedding??)

So once everyone got to Tierra Rejada and assembled in the parking lot, we made our way over to the ceremony site to meet Michele. She lined us all up at the front first, and taught us how to walk out, which ended up making sense later. Then we all lined up the practice the processional.

The hardest part was trying to get flower girl Brooklyn to walk down the aisle. But I let her borrow my flowers and she ended up walking running down the aisle like a big girl!

We stood up there with my cousin Caitlin (who was marrying us) and discussed who would say what and when they would say it. Ring bearer Seifer knew when to bring up the rings. The moms knew when to come up and do their reading. My dad knew how to hand me off to Brian. ♥

Everything went smooth, we just had to run through one time. Everyone felt comfortable with what they were supposed to do and where they were supposed to stand. We were ready.

And then we practiced the recessional. Nobody tripped on the bricks or anything!

I have such graceful friends. And tall, too! The girls, anyway! :)

Anyway, once we all felt satisfied with our roles in the ceremony and starving from lack of breakfast, we made our way to the Junkyard Cafe for lunch. Brigitte didn't come because she had both of the little ones and wasn't sure how long they would hold out without a fuss. Sean came, but left right after we ate because he had to get back to work.

 While we missed them, we did have a lot of fun, and it was awesome for Brian and I to just relax and enjoy our closest friends and family.

Once everyone was wrapping up their meals, Brian and I got up to thank everyone for all that they've done for this wedding and how special they all are to us.

We gave everyone gifts (more to come on that later!) and thanked them. And then we got an unexpected gift- a toasting and cake cutting set from both of our parents.

Looking back, I'm so happy the parents got these for us. When my mom first suggested it, I said we didn't need it since we weren't doing a champagne toast and the caterers were cutting the cake. Turns out the whole set came in very handy... and look how cute they look in pictures! :)

Anyway, after the gift giving, we socialized a bit, took some pictures, and then I had to go pick up my dress! :)

*****************************************************

We all reconvened at my parents house for some hanging out and finger foods that night. I was able to show all the girls my dress and we were all getting excited and giddy!

 And my dad spent a lot of time DIYing this sign so Brian would know to stay away!

By 10:00, everyone had left left and it was off to bed... but I couldn't go to sleep right away. I had one pesky little task left before the big day... I STILL HAD TO WRITE MY VOWS...