Our Wedding Day

Wow! What a beautiful day it was on Saturday, April 25th. We were blessed with a couple of days of just gorgeous days smacked right between two weeks of constant down pours. I woke up early in anticipation for the day to get going. I finished packing, took a shower, gave dad his to-do list and got my things for the day packed in the car. Then mom and the girls headed to get our hair done. I went first and then it was on to make-up. To be honest when I left the salon to get my makeup done I was not too thrilled with my hair. I thought it was going to be a disaster, but after I got my face on and went back to the salon for a few touch ups, all was good! I think it's fair to say I was cool as a cucumber all day. The day was very relaxed and I was just excited about my wedding day. After all the hair was complete we went to Chili's for a late lunch. Then we arrived at Cedarwood. Man, what a beautiful place! As I arrived and did a walk through of the property, I was so amazed at everything. It was just way beyond my expectations. I knew what I had planned, dreamed and imagined but had idea it would turn out so perfectly. We did a quick rehearsal with the bridal party (minus Mark) and then it was time to put my gown on. I just loved my dress. It was so simple, yet elegant, very red-carpet, I felt completely comfortable in it, it was not all that heavy and I did not have to wear a bra! :) So I put on the final touches and it was time to see my husband-to-be. Mark and I decided to see each other before the wedding to get several of the pictures done and to calm some nerves as well. It was such a special moment. I did tear up but didn't really cry. So we did pictures then I hid until show time! Before I knew it, Christa was calling me outside ready for the ceremony. I was just so excited to see everyone and finally marry Mark. Again, not nervous and feeling great. I don't think I stopped smiling all day. Then within 20 minutes we were MARRIED! Wow - and we still can't believe it. Just a sweet time. We then started the reception. We had a sit-down dinner with salad, rolls, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables. And then everything else feel into place -- we cut the cake, had the first dance, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, bouquet toss, garter toss, and departure. I had the BEST time. Late during the reception, my sweet dad dedicated the song 'I Loved Her First.' He gave Mark this book of Father/Daughter cherished memories with a CD of the song. I danced with dad again through half the song then finished the song dancing with Mark. Now remember me saying that I didn't cry when I saw Mark, well I made it all day................until this moment. I cried my little heart out, it was such a sweet time. And one of my favorite pictures from the snapshots taken by friends and family was one of me, Mark and my dad - the most special men in my life! I'm definitely a daddy's girl and always will be! The wedding and everything was just perfect! I loved every single bit of it, I was so happy! It is a memory that we will never forget. Thank you so much mom and dad for such a special day! We love you both.