Written on e-parchment.

Omg, the wedding and honeymoon were AMAZING.  We've been home since the 3rd, but it's all been a jetlagged blur.  We did spend some time with both sides of the family, and that was nice.

We both had today off work.  I'm not looking forward to the mess that awaits me tomorrow.  I just hope it's not bad.  A bit bad is okay, but not full-blown bad. 

Okay, here's part 1 of my wedding recap!  My mom put pictures up on Facebook, but I will be posting pics at some point for those of you who aren't on there.

Wedding day recap

Okay, first of all, it was really weird sleeping in my own bed the night before the wedding.  I had some trouble sleeping (no kidding!) but finally got to sleep.  Six-thirty came too soon, though.

Sister and I went and got McDonald's for breakfast (pancakes yummmm!) and then headed out to the salon for hair and makeup.  My SIL was already there (although later--waaaaay later) I found out that she got lost.  Jeff had called me in a panic, and my phone was off b/c I was saving the battery.  Oh, well.  She apparently figured it out.  Anyhoo, we're sitting there waiting for our appointment and it dawned on me -- I'D FORGOTTEN MY VEIL AND TIARA!  :tear:   I couldn't believe it, but remember, I am a zombie in the morning.  I never get up that early! 

So my sister, bless her heart, volunteered to go get them, and we got started.

I have to say that this place was very efficient -- they had us in and out within something like an hour and a half, and that was with curling my hair for about an hour.

It was fun watching the transformation -- for me as well as sister and SIL -- and omg, they did a beautiful job on everyone.  I barely recognized myself!  I was SO pretty.  And bridal.  And so perfect.

So we came back and worked on getting me into my dress.  Fun.  First, I got the key to sister's house (next door) and set the key on the coffee table, as I always do.  This is important to note.  So I started gathering everything together (bra, slip. dress)n while sister and Mom got dressed.  Then it was my turn.  It took awhile but we managed.  I came out and my sister's ex boyfriend (who's now practically family...long story) was there, and thank God because I needed help after getting the dress on.

We decided to take two cars.  My dad's car was bigger to accomodate my dress.  It was getting late, and we needed to be at the chapel at 11.  Well around quarter to we discovered that my sister's key was MIA.  Couldn't find it anywhere, and time was ticking.....we almost left it unlocked b/c if we locked it, we couldn't get back in (no spare...not cool) but apparently they found it.  Dad and I left and we got there JUST ON TIME.  Naturally, I was panicking.  I didn't want to be late.  That was like, my biggest fear.

But we were okay.

Photographer -- M -- started taking pictures almost immediately, so I had a ood distraction from my nerves.  I was very impressed with him.  We had a second photographer and an apprentice as well.  I told M that I was into photography (and my mom was bragging to the other about my polaroid transfers, which apparently was a hit with him) and he said that if I wanted to get into wedding photography to CALL HIM.  :faint:  So, of course, as soon as I get settled I'm calling him!

So that went on, and then my coordinator came in and briefed me on what's happening.  I got to watch Jeff walk down the aisle (in a mirror) and I almost started crying right then.  I was sooooo nervous but also excited.  No urges to flee.  ;)  So then it was time to meet my dad and walk down the aisle.  We went slow.  I looked at Jeff, and I focused on just him.  I was sooooo happy.

The ceremony was absolutely beautiful.  The minister was wonderful.  He was serious but also made us laugh and put everyone at ease.  I almost started crying during the vows but was able to keep from crying (makeup).  We went to light the unity candle and it wouldn't light, which I found funny and a bit worrisome, but it worked.  Oh, and I had trouble getting Jeff's ring on him.  His finger was a bit swollen.

When his sister gave him my ring, she whispered, "I love you" which touched everyone.

Okay so then we did a presentation to the parents -- these lovely cards thanking them for being there for us -- and to my utter surprise, MIL embraced me.  She made the first move.  That was really cool. 

And then we were pronounced husband and wife, and we walked out, and then did the bubble thing which was SO COOL.  The weather was really perfect, sunny, no rain, just great.

And then we bustled me (which was tricky) and it was time to ride in the limo.

And that's it for now.

More to come!

PB/CA/VW