After the flowers were done and the tutus were trimmed, the ladies were off to the salon. My mom had arranged for snacks and champagne, so we would not be dying of starvation by the time the reception started. We had most of the salon to ourselves, since there were about 15 of us getting hair and or make-up done. For what it's worth, I think all hair cuts should be accompanied by a glass of champagne.
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It was a really fun, laid back time to just sit and be pampered. I also loved watching everyone's hair take shape. If you are struggling to figure out who and what to pay for in the pro hair/ makeup department, here is what I did: I paid for all the bridesmaid hair and if they wanted pro makeup too, they covered that themselves. Only one girl (besides me) went for the pro makeup. Everyone looked AH-Mazing.
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If you recall, I had my hair and makeup trial the day of my Bridal shower. There were a few things I wanted to tweak, and Lisa did a phenomenal job. I could not be more happy with how my makeup turned out. I felt so beautiful all day. I didn't touch anything up except lipstick, and that, only once.
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As the last two girls (MOH MD and Bridesmaid Red) where sitting down to get their hair done, we got a call. The photographers were done with the dudes and ready to come shoot the girls' getting ready shots. Before I had a chance to be concerned the two remaining maids told me to go and they would meet me at the church. With that, we were off.
The "Bride Room" at the church was in the parish center basement. It was not the most glamorous place in the world, but it had a large open room with big mirrors, rails to hang dresses on, one smaller room with a table and a piano, and a kitchen. My dress had been in it's bag for a few weeks so Grandma Aardvark and Bridesmaid Flossy steamed it quickly while my Bridesmoms got into their dresses.
I helped Bridesmaid Sis do her makeup and tried to relax and soak in the moments as people came down and the excitement built.
After stalling as long as I could waiting for MOH MD and Red, it was time to get dressed. First the little dress. There were buttons over the zipper but it really did not take that long to get into.
Then, it was time for the over-skirt. I had tried the dress on a few times and never figured out a lady-like way to do it. It pretty much came down to me stuffing the little skirt in like a long shirt. Although having extra hands helped!
And then lifting my skirt like a toddler (and or cancan dancer) so that everything could be sorted out underneath.
The picture below is another of my many favorites for a number of reasons. It is, I think, the only picture from the whole day of just Mama, Step-Mama Aardvark and me. On top of that, the photographer did not get a clear shot the first time Step-Mama Aardvark helped me with my garter (which I made a failed to blog about! EEK soooo sorry it was a LAST last minute addition) so, they asked her to "adjust" it so they could get a better shot. I think she said something like, " I didn't expect be the one to linger at your thigh on your wedding day..." And then we all cracked up. (Also, sorry about about the near crotch shot, and big white leg...)
While all of these shenanigans where going on, the bridesmaids were also getting dressed. I have to say, I was a tiny bit nervous, that the girls in their different navy blues would clash. (Clearly, not nervous enough to come up with a different plan.) I have to say they looked stunning!
At this point MOH MD and Bridesmaid Red were still at the salon. I was doing my best to ignore that little voice in my head saying, "FREAK OUT! FREAK OUT NOW THEY AREN"T GOING TO BE IN ANY PICTURES AAHHHHH!!!".
That was silly. They would make it. Deep breathes. Everyone seemed to be running around and getting themselves ready so I slipped back into the "getting dressed" room to put on my super-long-lasting-72-hour lip color. It was totally quite and peaceful. I was not stressed or jittery or anxious. In those few final moments, I was putting on my lipstick. That was all. It was such a blessing to have that time to myself on such a busy day.
Then, it was back out into the chaos!
I did not want to put my veil on until MOH MD and Bridesmaid Red arrived. I just didn't want to be "Full on bride" when they got there, I wanted to share some of the transition with them. The photographers were getting worried that we wouldn't have time for many shots before the wedding, but I was not concerned. They decided to get some detail shots while we waited.
Besides my butt bow which had been Step mama Aardvark's, I still hadn't found a "something old". The weekend before the wedding it hit me. My late grandfather always had a hanky. As a kid, I thought it was gross that he would blow his nose on it and then put it back in his pocket, but now as a bride, I thought it would be the prefect way to carry a part of him with me. My grandma found the one above for me to carry. The W is the first letter of my maiden name as well as the first letter of his first name. It was really nice to keep in my pocket and came in handy in an unexpected way later that evening!
MOH MD and Red Finally arrived. MD teared up right away when she saw me in the dress, but managed to rein it in and save her makeup!
While they scrambled to get into their dresses, I was finally ready to put on my veil! But before I did, I made sure the photographer got a shot of my hair do...and a few little friends that were hitching a ride!
Mama Aardvark was somehow the only one in the in the "getting dressed" room. It was so nice to have some mommy and me time in the those last couple of minutes before anything began.
Then, Papa Aardvark cam in "to see if anyone needed anything". I am SO grateful (an a little surprised) that he didn't cry. He just had the biggest brightest smile on his face. There were no deep parting words of wisdom or marriage advice, but there didn't need to be. All I needed was a hug.
With that we were ready. The guests were arriving and everything was in order. It was time to go to the church!
All photos by Michael Terri Studios Unless otherwise noted.
Miss a recap? Don't fret! Here they are!
1) For the Love of Love: Practice Makes Perfect
2) For the Love of Love: DIY Flowers]
4) For the Love of Love: Dudes Become Gentlemen
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