To commemorate the wonderful day it was, I feel like giving y’all a depiction of what my day was like as a bride.
I started the day off with an oatmeal mask and relaxing bath at my Aunt Kathryn’s home. Then my maids and I headed over to one of our favorite bars downtown Clemson, TD’s, for some grub. I find it humorous that I had been stressing over what to eat the day of the wedding for so long and ended up with a chicken sandwich and fries. Next was primping time. I did my own makeup in my grandparent’s home, in my mom and aunt’s bathroom they grew up in. My hair appointment was early in the afternoon to ensure she had enough time to work with the LOAD of hair I have. She finished in 15 minutes. My hairstylist may be superwoman. Then my sister and I made the drive to Westminster, aka middle of nowhere South Carolina. Usually when I get really excited, I get anxious and talk too much. But on this day I had a cool calm come over me…
I had only seen the venue twice before the wedding day; the second time was at the rehearsal. When I arrived, everything was in place. Since I had to plan from Texas, I relied on my awesome family members to do a lot of the decorating (luckily my aunt and grandmother are interior designers so I fully trusted all of their decisions). I had NO idea what my bouquet, table centerpieces, or ceremony flowers would look like. The surprise was astonishing. My grandmother had grown hydrangeas in her back yard and had them lining the aisle. The centerpieces were to die for. The bridesmaids' bouquets were so unique and classy. As I sat in the “holding area” with the lovely ladies of my life, I realized they were being kind of sketchy (which is kind of normal for them, but I detected something else). I hear one of my little flower girls, Crosby, tell someone, “oh nooo, it’s raining!” No one wanted to let me know it was raining in fear of a bridezilla freak out moment. But at that point in time- I was ready to walk rain or shine. I didn’t let it get me in a tizzy. When it was time for my 10 bridesmaids, 6 junior bridesmaids, and 3 flower girls to begin the stroll down the brick aisle, I headed upstairs to watch the processional. I had my iPod on Alejandro on repeat. For some reason that song gives me stellar confidence and put me at ease for the 5 minutes I was by myself.
Ahhh- as I am typing this, all of these memories are coming back and I’m literally shaking and can’t stop smiling.
SO, I am standing at the top of the stairs, looking through glass doors at what has to be one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. A sanctuary of vivacious green trees surrounding everyone who I care about it one place at the same time; and my best friend standing at the end of the aisle, looking handsome as ever. When the doors open, my dad is right there to help me make it down the ten steps which I was fretting over – didn’t want to make an entrance falling on my face. I remember giving him this look (that my photographer captured because he is the bomb) that said “I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment. Let’s do it”
Ok I’m already tearing up. Dang it.
When I saw Nicholas tearing up as I walked down the aisle I lost it. The sensation/reaction that I had making the walk can only be described as euphoric hysteria. I was laughing so hard and crying at the same time. I’ve never had this experience before or since…yet..
The ceremony went perfectly. My nervous energy made its way out of me by a shaky leg that you can totally see in the video. I recall doing it and just not being able to stop. We kissed and made our way down the aisle hand in hand with high hopes to make this last forever. I was so caught up in the moment that I didn’t realize until everyone started running up to me that the rain stopped the minute I stepped outside. Thank you mother nature.
Making our entrance into the reception hall I got to see my cake for the first time. This was another aspect I didn’t pick out. I chose 5 and let my mom pick and surprise me. She did well. Very well. Elegant and tasty!
We danced our first dance with our gigantic wedding party joined around us swaying to the sounds of Citizen Cope’s, “If There’s Love.” We danced and mingled the night away.
Our exit from the front door of the bed & breakfast was another unforgettable memory; a cloud of bubbles and every one chanting Tiger Rag. I wish I could replay that moment over and over again.
Our limo driver was a sweet man who chatted us up all the way to….WENDYS. They gave us some free food they were so excited to see a bride and groom. Then we headed to our hotel room for the evening and dot dot dot before changing into the shortest and tightest dress I have ever worn for the after party taking place at another favorite bar in downtown Clemson, Tiger Town Tavern. We rarely get to see our family and friends since we moved out to Texas so we wanted to celebrate all night with them, and we did, and it was glorious.
If you made it to the end of this ridiculously long account of my day as a bride, thank you for reading. I can’t wait to be there for all the women in my life on their special day.
