Today is our Eight Year Anniversary. And let me tell you, it feels like an accomplishment. IÂ didn't think I could grow even closer to this man but somehow it's happened.Â
Eight years ago today:
I opened my eyes to see my Homie Heather Wilkerson still asleep. She was in my wedding party. We had worked it out that she would be sleeping in my room and my Maid of Honor, who flew out with her husband Jeff, had their own room. The room we were staying in is what we nicknamed "The White Room" at the Lucas Estate. It's a rather large room with a white carpet, white bed and dressers, posh blue walls and gold trim. The sun was pouring into the room beautifully. Heather totally sensed that I was awake and opened her eyes. She smiled and said, "You're getting married today!" And to that, I said, "Wake up in the mornin' feeling like P-Diddy." We giggled.
Downstairs the chef had whipped up a gigantic breakfast. There was so much food to choose from. I felt like Belle having my own 'Be Our Guest' moment. Try the grey stuff it's delicious! Joe's best man, Jeremiah, was downstairs loading plates up to take back for the guys. They were staying in a separate building that also facilitated our reception. I handed him a gift to pass along to my groom. Which was a special pair of cufflinks I knew he would love. After eating a light breakfast us girls went back to the room and climbed back in bed to relax! At about 3:00pm Charlotte called me down to look over her outfits. She couldn't decide. So I chose a champagne dress with sparkly beads from her shoulders to her toes! She asked if I was sure about it because it might steal the show, and I assured her I'd love for her to wear it! We went into her vanity and she began curling my hair. The photographer and videographer showed up as we were starting on my hair and makeup. Terina came in to help and put herself on makeup duty! Her and Charlotte did an amazing job on my hair and makeup. Feeling like a princess I went back up to the bedroom to finish getting ready. I had a very exciting 'this is all happening moment' as we were tugging, giggling, snapping, and lacing me into my wedding gown.
Charlotte gave me a Lucas Family pep talk then handed me a present from Joe. It was a beautiful pair of earrings with a very beautiful necklace. I put of the earrings and chose to go without the necklace as it pulled attention from my wedding gown. I had a moment to take a drink and admire all my details from my headband down to my shoes. I felt like perfection! I was smiling from ear to ear ready to get married! My wedding coordinated instructed us to line up and listen for the music. Now this part is funny to me. I had the perfect songs picked out to walk down the spiral staircase too. We were staying up at the Lucas Estate Two days before our wedding and the night before rehearsal and the night of rehearsal we practiced walking to the music at the perfect time. Walking at a certain pace that went perfectly with the music. We practiced over and over again until we, as a whole, felt comfortable with the pace. So there we are and suddenly we hear the music but we were past the perfect spot in the song to begin walking. Amber and Heather turned to me horrified with wide eyes and panic! I just smiled sweetly and said, "It's okay, just start walking it will be fine."Â
Then I stood there for a moment alone. I took a deep breath and clutched my bouquet of white peonies. My music started playing and I waited a second then stepped out to the foyer. The way it worked out, I was to walk down the spiral staircase escorted by my brother. The guests could all see me, but my groom had to wait until I was at the bottom of the stairs to see me. I loved the idea of building up this anticipation to see me. The lighting, the song, and the look on everyones faces. I started tearing up. I made eye contact with my brother. He mouthed to me, "Breathe." Then he carefully escorted me down the stairs. At the bottom of the stair case, Charlotte fixed the train of my gown and gave me a tap that she was finished. Then we stepped further into the foyer and Joe smiled. My brother gave me away. Joe and I wrote our own wedding vows which are now framed in our house. The bridal party stayed for photos then we all hopped on a shuttle bus to the reception. There we danced the night away! By the end of the day it felt like such a blur! A wonderful blur! If I could go back and change one thing I might have liked to plan our wedding a little earlier in the day. Just so we had some snowy sunlight pictures to look back on. But thats more like a if I only knew then what I know now scenario.
Cant Forget to thank who made our day Wonderful!
Special Thanks to Charlotte and Forrest Lucas for generously allowing us to get married in your home and all your help!
Shelly and Terina for popping in like the coolest freaking fairy-god mothers and helping with decor and even my makeup!
Jo-Ann who helped organize and plan my wedding.
My girls Amber Manka and Heather Wilkerson!
My hubby for his irrevocable love and support for me.