Everything turned out just perfect. Friday, August 20th I was able to meet more of Ryan's family. They were absolutely wonderful! Scott, Ryan's cousin and our ring bearer, is such a doll! His parents, Pete and Kris, were so warm and welcoming to me, as was Carolee, Ryan's great aunt.
After meeting his family he came over to my parents' house and met my granny, papa, aunt Ingrid and Alex, my younger cousin. I could tell he felt very comfortable around them. Ryan and Papa talked for quite a long time about military stories and what not.
Saturday morning we had the rehearsal at Rose Briar Place. It went really well and it was so cute to see Scott and Hope meet and walk down the aisle together. After the rehearsal I treated myself to a mani/pedi and I needed it!!! My feet were looking pretty horrific! I hung out with my family the rest of the day and then headed to the rehearsal dinner and Bellini's. It was absolutely wonderful! Angie and Doug, Ryan's parents, did such a great job hosting the dinner. The food was wonderful, wine was tasty, and the company was delightful. Everyone talked and laughed and of course, a few tears were shed. Toasts were made and gifts were opened. It was perfect having our family and a few close friends there to celebrate with us.
That evening Mrs. Lauren Williams came over to my apartment for awhile. I have not seen her much lately since she moved to Texas with her hubby, Rob. We had a good, but early night. We chatted about all kinds of things and then I had to hit the hay because I was exhausted!!
Sunday morning I finished packing for Aruba and headed to the Salon at Coffee Creek in Edmond. Rhiannon Sappenfield did mine and Allison's hair and makeup. She did such an amazing job! I have never felt more beautiful, all thanks to her. :)
We arrived at the chapel at 4 p.m. Allison and I changed into our dresses and began taking pictures. John from Huntington Photography and his assistant arrived at 4:30 and began taking pics right away! Some of my close friends met us back in the Bridal Room for a pre-wedding toast and more pictures. Then it was time for the ceremony. I was extremely calm all day. No nerves, no anxiety. It felt like a normal day! But as soon as it was just my dad and me in that room...... I started feeling butterflies. He was nervous too! It did not really hit me until the doors to the chapel opened and it was time to walk down the aisle. All of a sudden all kinds of emotions began running through me. I looked straight at Ryan and smiled. I did shed a few tears while walking down, but they were happy tears of course! The ceremony was beautiful. Mark, the minister, did such a wonderful job. Ryan and I wrote our own vow. That was by far my favorite part of the night. Once the ceremony was over we did all of our bridal party and family pics and then headed into the reception. Everything after that was a blur!
That reception went by soooo fast. I did not even get to talk to everyone who attended! I felt awful about that, but they saw how I was being pulled in every direction at all times. It was a fun reception and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I know we did! My bustle on my dress broke so that was interesting. Julie, one of my mom's friends, and Sara, my boss, had to help do a make-shift bustle for me. If it came out I just walked or danced holding the train. It was annoying but didn't really bother me that much. If that was the only thing that went wrong during the whole wedding, then so be it! I'll take it! haha.
The speeches that Allison, Matthew, and my Dad made were perfect! It meant a lot to me for saying what they did. The reception ended at 9 and left in a limo to The Skirvin Hotel in Bricktown. The suite was super nice, even though we were only there for a total of 5 hours.
The whole evening was just perfect and we could not ask for anything different. I am so thankful to my parents for making the day so beautiful, as well as Ryan's parents. We are very blessed to have such thoughtful, loving family and friends.
Below you will find just a few pictures that my friends took on August 22nd. Once I get my pictures on the computer as well as the professional pics, I will upload some for everyone to see. :)
Thank you to all our family and friends who have supported us and loved us through everything!
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