The Big Day - Before the Wedding...

After an awesome rehearsal night and the anticipation of the next day, it was very hard to sleep Friday night. Thankfully my day would start out well... a pedicure with my good friend Kara. The trend continued though- we were late for our appointments! I quickly picked up Kara from her hotel and she finished our drive so that I could inhale some breakfast so brought me from their hotel Continental buffet!

I didn't get any pictures of our relaxation but it was wonderful. I enjoyed a first... a hot stone massage on my legs and feet. It was so nice!! And the company was great... it was so nice to have some time alone with Kara in the midst of the craziness. It meant a great deal to me that she and her family had made the long trip for my wedding. We had a great time catching up, laughing and having some girl time. 

Kara left me a little early to get on with some family plans. When I went up to check-out I found that she had been sneaky and paid for my pedicure! It was a such a nice surprise! As I walked out of the salon feeling refreshed, my phone rang and the wedding day had begun. My parents had been nice enough to pick up the wedding flowers and drop them at The Winfield. Now we were ready for lunch!! I picked up my parents at The Winfield and played cell phone "Marco Polo" with my Groom, trying to avoid him while he was there dropping off decorations and helping with the set-up. 

In an effort to squeeze in some more family time and play tour guide for my Atlanta family, I suggested a Texas original... the famous Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood. It was a short drive out to Salt Lick and we were able to enjoy some beautiful Texas Hill Country scenery. My parents and I met my Uncle Brad, Aunt Camille and Matthew there and soon sat down to an endless supply of meat and sides. Our out-of-towners were not disappointed by the hype surrounding Salt Lick and we ate our fair share of their BBQ supply. It was a great time for relaxing with the family because we knew the rest of the day would be a whirlwind!

After lunch, I ran a couple of errands before heading back the The Winfield. I ran around for a bit checking on the progress of the decorations and set-up. Many of you have heard Brad and I talk about the staff at The Winfield. Part of the reason we choose this location was because they are full-service. Brad and I spent the weeks leading up to wedding getting everything organized but then we handed it over the morning of the wedding and they took over. It was a Bride's dream. And a Groom's answered prayer since he didn't have a stressed out Bride! So, after answering a few questions, I was able to join the ladies in the house to get ready and even had time for a quick shower to help cool down a bit!

Kasi was already getting her hair done when I arrived and then Brad's Mom, Dorothy followed. I was able to sit and chat for a while before my turn in the chair. As time progressed other people began arriving including our Flower Girls who got all pretty too!

Meanwhile, the grounds were buzzing with preparations. From our room in the house, I could watch the progress. Brad was running around hanging a few special items, tracking down things and finishing some details. Kara went out to help him so that he could get dressed. Family began arriving and visiting. The photographer and videographer arrived and started capturing the day. 

Family enjoying the porch.

Brad meeting some of my family - Mike & Stephanie McDaniel.

The Brothers... so mature.

Visiting with family while waiting for the Bride.

Dylan and Dad pre-wedding duds.

Stephanie, my Mom, Cindy and Jana.

Kasi & Rush.

Kara hanging flowers on the cross in the gazebo.

Brad's Mom getting her corsage.

Joanna arrived with her team to set up the sound equipment and do a sound check. I had intentionally not listened to her practice or attend any of her rehearsals with the string musicians. I wanted to hear her sing for the first time during the ceremony. Although over the sounds in the house, I couldn't actually HEAR the words she was singing, I could hear her voice... As I sat there getting my hair and makeup done, I got emotional for the first time.

Even though it didn't take THAT long, it felt like I was in that hair and makeup chair FOREVER!! It was finally time to clear out the room and Kasi helped me get my dress on. 

 

One of the things that Brad and I wanted for the wedding day was some time alone before the ceremony. So, after I was dressed and ready, I headed downstairs to see my husband-to-be for the first time. 

Heading downstairs to see Brad.

What you can't see here, is that I tripped, gracefully, just before going down the stairs. My heart stopped JUST A TAD!

It was a wonderful moment... he looked great in his suit and we were both so happy to finally see each other. After the photographer got some fun shots, we retreated to a room in the house for some quiet time. This is by far one of the things I will forever love about this day. Brad prayed for me as his future wife. I then prayed for him as my future husband and tears just streamed down my face. Then we were able to chat and laugh before being told "it is time"!! Brad went out so he could take his position at the ceremony site and I waited in the house with Kasi, the Flower Girls, Kara and Dylan.