Wedding Weekend Part 3 - The BIG Day

The big day finally arrived. I was glad I snuck out of the bar when I did the night before and I actually slept very well. I was happy about that. We had a friend that was going to mix our playlist for the dance portion of the reception the morning of the wedding, but we found out that he wasn't even going to come to the wedding anymore, so that made for some last minute hustling and bustling trying to get that squared away and also finding a printer to get the schedules out to Vicki, our wedding coordinator (who did a fantastic job BTW) and Curt, our MC for the reception (who could probably do that for a secondary career if he wanted to). So, the girls had a hike up Alpine Gulch planned for a couple hours, but with some of the extra items we had to take care of that morning, we were a little behind schedule and had to cut the hike short. Us seven ladies still had a great time and the weather was a little cooler for the start, but the big hill up warmed us all up nicely! It was great to get a little something in that morning and Alpine Gulch was brand new to me. Thank you for the fun activity Lins, Andie, Jerica, Gwen, Krista, and Lana!

After the short hike, we picked up sandwiches from Sweet Peas for the Bridesmaids Luncheon - turkey with lettuce, tomatoes, goat cheese spread and a chipolte mayonnaise sauce - they were delicious! We also treated ourselves to the special 7-layer bars - YUM. Auntie Shirley provided the tasty fruit and it was fun to have Izzy and Sofia join us. It was SO cute watching Sofia play with Elizabeth's baby, Cailyn!

After the luncheon, it was time to get ready! We didn't have much time, but it was okay, b/c we were the bridal party and nothing was going to start without us anyway! We got ready at Jeff's house where the girls were staying. Sarah took some fantastic photos that you can see on her website: www.trulifephotography.com. Garrett and I met before the ceremony, in hopes that we could do some wedding party photos with Jim before the wedding, but I was late, so that didn't happen. I was so happy to see Garrett, though and he looked so handsom in his tux! We were grateful to have a few minutes together beforehand.

The guys headed up the hill and the girls stayed down, one reason, we forgot their bouquets and also just to let everyone else get up there first. The ladies took some cute photos in front of the Vickers Ranch sign by the office and Lindsey gave a wonderful prayer for all of us. When it was time, we drove up the hill. We got to the top and parked in the aspen grove and it seemed like chaos, nobody knowing who got boutineers or corsages, people trying to convince us to have the ceremony in the aspen grove b/c it was windy on the hill, all sorts of things. In the midst of it all, my girls and I managed to take more photos together and pretty much ignore all of the commotion (at least I did). Finally, Vicki came down and said it was time. The guys went first, and I met my dad at the edge of the aspen grove. The wind was gusty and I could hear Krista playing, but I can't remember what song. The girls went down the aisle, and then it was my turn! I tried to skim the crowd, but all I remember is wondering who the guy in the bright yellow shirt and big black cowboy hat was taking my picture (happened to be Denver Bob - him and his wife June were our only wedding crashers and gave us a colander for our wedding gift - sweet). I couldn't stop smiling the entire time. I almost cried during the exchange of the rings vow, but Garrett cried the whole time! He's so sensitive :) Everyone loved that about him that day (including me of course)! The ceremony was short and sweet and the wind stopped gusting for most of it making it close to perfect. We were finally married! YAY!

After more photos in the aspen grove with family, the reception was ready to begin. All of our fabulous friends and family filled the tents and love was in the air. Curt did a great starting lineup, the food tasted delicious, and there were smiles flashing everywhere. I loved it. I had such a great time. My girls were my saviors that day, and will always be my best friends. I finally got to smash cake in someone's face, and it was even better that it was Garrett's face. Hugs and kisses and drinks and a boa were shared that night. The dancing went on for hours and there was never a moment the dance floor wasn't full. There are so many photos and I've spent days looking and reminiscing on that day. The wedding and the entire weekend was everything we wanted it to be, plus more. It was the most special time and we are so happy for everyone that shared and was a part of it. We truly believe we have some of the greatest and craziest families and the truest and most awesome friends. Thank you everyone for making it one of the best weekends in our lives - we love you!