Saturday, June 26, 2010

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

... And they'll live happily ever after ~







Well, the day my family excitedly anticipated and helped plan for has come and now gone. And it was a day we'll never forget! All the months of planning went into this one day and it was wonderful. Everything about it was beautiful. All of us, girls, got ready together and rode in a limo to the church. As we rode along, I told Jessie it felt like it was all a dream. We got to the church and our grandparents saw Jessie in her beautiful dress for the first time. And I can, honestly, say I could not have been happier. For the past year, I prayed that our grandparents would be well enough for the wedding and there they were.

About a half hour later, we were lining up to walk down the aisle. Jessie and Uncle Polie were in the cry room together waiting for their turn to walk down the aisle and once the bridesmaids and groomsmen made their way down the aisle -- I was the last one, to walk down the aisle, left in the lobby. Soon, it was my turn, the ushers opened the double doors and off I went. I vaguely remember hearing the music playing. All I remember is looking on both sides of the aisles and seeing everyone who came to see Jessie and Greg get married and smiling. When I got to my spot and the music changed over the Canon Pachebel, that's when the tears started coming. It really felt like a dream watching Jessie walk down the aisle. The ceremony was soo beautiful. We got to face everyone sitting in the pews while Jessie and Greg said their vows. It was so special to be able to watch everyone's reactions to watching the bride and groom.

After the ceremony and a few pictures taken, we all went to the hall. And had an absolute blast! We took more pictures, including the famous CAKE pictures! After that, we watched Jessie and Greg dance their first dance, then watched as Jessie danced with Uncle Polie and Greg dance with his mom. It was very sweet. Then, the bridal party all danced. After all the first dances were done, the best man and I made our toasts. Then, Jessie and Greg cut their cake. And the dancing began! We, literally, danced from 3 until midnight. I think it was the longest reception EVER, yet it went by in a blink of an eye. It really didn't feel like we were there all night. I have never had so much fun at a wedding reception before.

The food, the cake, the decorations --- everything was perfect. Everyone commented on how lovely everything looked. I really wish we could relive that day/night. It was so special. To top it all off, we finally learned the day of when MawMaw and PawPaw got married. Wouldn't you know, it was June 12th? So, as Jessie and Greg got married; MawMaw and PawPaw celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. What a beautiful thing!

My PawPaw and Ms. Vergie also came to the wedding. PawPaw danced quite alot! When, they left - I told them thank you for coming and Mom walked them out. I saw her walking back into the hall, after they left, in tears. I went up to her and asked what was wrong. She said that nothing was wrong, but that PawPaw just told her something that instantly brought her to tears. She said that he told her my MawMaw passed away 10 years too early. That she would've been so proud of me that day. So, of course, that made me cry, too!! It really meant alot. Jessie saw me crying and ran up to me and I told her what we were talking about. She hugged me, then told me it was time to dance some more. haha!

It was so great being all together. Greg's family and our family just joined together so quickly. You could really feel that we all became one family that day. Now, we're ready for another get together!

Standing beside Jessie on one of the biggest days of her life will, always, be one of my most proudest moments. It was such a huge honor. Leading up to the wedding, I knew being her maid of honor would be a huge privilege. But, when the day of the wedding came, it was more special than I could have ever imagined. It's a day I will never forget!

June 12th was a great way to begin the future. And by judging on how great that day was, the future is going to be so bright!!! ♥

Thursday, June 10, 2010

we're all in this together~

Tonight, we had the rehearsal supper. Rehearsal went really well. The church is beautiful. Mom got the 2 readings she will be doing. And the words are so pretty!!! She's going to do a great job! :) One thing that I really love is how the priest said he likes to stand with his back facing the pews and have the bride, groom, and the bridal party facing everyone seated while the vows are being said, instead of the opposite way. I thought that was SOOOO neat!!! He practiced with Jessie and Greg, while we were up there. (I stand at the top with them. I felt tall. haha!) And it was great to look at our parents watching us.

I can't wait to watch MawMaw and PawPaw watch their little girl get married. I am so thankful that they will be there. PawPaw has alot of health problems and MawMaw has had her share of issues in the past year. But, I prayed that they would be well for the wedding since Jessie and Greg got engaged 16 months ago. Thank you, God!!! My PawPaw will be there, too. :) He's very excited! And I know that if my MawMaw could, she'd be there, too. She loved Jessie. And I know she's so excited that she's getting married. Actually, I'm pretty sure she'll be with me helping me walk down the aisle. Someone has to make sure I don't trip. haha!

The two ladies who will be helping us the day of the wedding asked me how I was related to Jessie. And Uncle Polie said we were cousins, but more like sisters. "They're joined at the hip," he said. "She's my niece, but like a daughter, too." That was so precious. :) The ladies thought it was so nice to see cousins that close.

After rehearsal, we went to Greg's parents' house for supper. The spaghetti was great!! We visited for awhile, then headed for home. Tomorrow, we get up early to go and decorate the hall. I'm excited about that!! I can't wait to see how everything looks all set up. It's going to be wonderful!! And then, Saturday is the BIG day!!!

So, the next time I post, I'll have TONS of pictures to upload and a new cousin --- another guy to add to the bunch! :)

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

The day is nearly here!!

We are just 3 days away from the wedding! The day we've been planning for for 16 months is just around the corner. It's almost surreal. Everyone is so excited! We have rehearsal supper on Thursday night, we'll be gathering at the hall to decorate on Friday, and then Saturday is the wedding. I can't wait to see Jessie walking down the aisle. I can't wait to walk down the aisle as her maid of honor. I can't wait to see all of the family together celebrating. I just can't wait for it all!! :D