My Wedding Day – Getting Ready With My Girls
The first memory I have of my wedding day, was waking up in my fluffy bed, alone in my hotel room, and seeing the sunrise reflecting off the buildings across the courtyard. As I opened my eyes, I was in disbelief that the day had come to marry my best friend and all of our close friends and family have traveled from all over the world to celebrate. I felt like I was dreaming all day long, and even still Justin and I feel like it was all a dream.
I looked over to see my wedding dress hanging up, ready for photos, and realized it really was my turn to get married! I jumped out of bed and ran down the hallway to get ice for the mimosas I was surprising my girls with. I set out our little brunch and heard a knock at the door for room service at 6:30 AM. A few minutes later, my hair and makeup team arrived, and slowly my closest girlfriends, sisters and cousins trickled in.
I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my day than spending a peaceful morning together with everyone. Four hours flew by in a blink, and before I knew it, it was time for my favorite part of the morning – giving gifts!
I had been looking forward to this part for months! One of my favorite parts of planning was picking out gifts for all of the people who were making our day possible – my bridesmaids, Justin’s groomsmen, our parents and siblings – we loved shopping for and ordering customized gifts! Seeing the looks on their faces as they opened them was one of my favorite memories (I have so many favorite memories, but this is at the top of the list!).
I was debating whether to pass out gifts at the rehearsal or in the morning when we were together, and I couldn’t be happier that we did this on the wedding day! And now I have these precious photos to remember how we started off the day. I have to tell everyone though one thing! If you want to incorporate this experience into your wedding photos you need to let your photographer know so he or she can add it into the timeline! I gave us about 15 minutes just to be safe, and it worked out perfectly, but that was for nine people. Less people means you need less time!
And then it was time to get into the wedding dress!!!!
Yuliza is smiling at me, and Marina is eating a banana in the background. HAHAHAHAH! I love my friends!
Right as I was finishing up getting dressed, my wedding florist and friend Carla Kayes came in with my bouquet!!! It was heavenly!!
She is so amazing; she waited until I was holding it to cut the ribbon. Such attention to detail. I love Carla!
My niece and flower girl helped me into my shoes and I put the rest of my details on!
Meanwhile, the boys were getting ready at the hotel across the courtyard!
And yes!!! Justin got his hair done!!!! Ever since Erin first cut Justin’s hair, I’ve begged him not to go to anyone else. She is amazing! We initially hired Erin to come do the ladies’ hair, and when she offered to go do Justin’s, we were like… “Ummm, yeah!!” I have to admit that the whole time we were saying our vows I was seriously just admiring his hair… I’m so terrible.
Justin’s parents gave him a fancy watch as a wedding gift! I love it.
Right after us ladies left the hotel, the boys came by where our reception would take place for a couple photos!
Look at how cute he is!
And then everyone left to the church for the wedding!!! Can’t wait to share that whole part of the day with you next week!!
To catch up on the rest of the series, follow the links below:
Week 1: How I Asked My Bridesmaids
Week 2: The Two Most Important Words of Wedding Planning
Week 3: Finding A Wedding Venue
Week 4: Choosing My Vendors
Week 5: I Thought Planning My Engagement Session Would Be Easy!
Week 6: 8 Little Wedding To-Do’s That Weren’t So Little (…for me
Week 7: Effective Wedding Communication Changes Everything
Week 8: How I Set Up My Wedding Photos For Success
Vendor Love:
Ceremony Venue: Corona Del Mar Community Church
Ceremony Music: Marck McKay, Lindsey Cargill, Jullian Hernandez
Officiant: Steve Salomon
Reception Venue: The Wyndham Hotel Irvine
My Wedding Photos: Rachel Jay of France Photographers
Day-of Coordination: KC Designs
Styling, Florals, Calligraphy: Carla Kayes Floral Design
Bridal Hair: Jessie Kenney
Bridal Makeup: Raeleen B. & Co.
Groom’s Hair: Erin Heck
Tuxedos: Friar Tux
Bridesmaid Gowns: Rent The Runway
Custom Wedding Gown: Jennifer Sitchler of Eden Couture
Cake: Have Your Cake and Eat It
Cupcakes: Kiandra Chun
Donuts!: Krispy Kreme
DJ: Daniel Caban
Cinematography: Nearly North Visuals
Wonderful pictures especially the bouquet!
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[…] Wedding Communication Changes Everything Week 8: How I Set Up My Wedding Photos For Success Week 9: My Wedding Day Part 1 – Getting Ready Week 10: My Wedding Day Part 2 – The […]
[…] Wedding Communication Changes Everything Week 8: How I Set Up My Wedding Photos For Success Week 9: My Wedding Day Part 1 – Getting Ready Week 10: My Wedding Day Part 2 – The Ceremony Week 11: My Wedding Day Part 3 – The […]