A Beautiful Tent Wedding - Natalie & Denis, 7/16/2005

[lunarmagic]

(Click to read my Proposal Story (http://www.mustloveweddings.com/forums/showthread.php?t=310))


For now I thought I'd re-post my wedding story. Thank goodness for journals, right?

** Photos starting at post #11!

* * * * *

Written at July 17, 2005 - 2:54 AM

The day itself was beautiful and wonderful and fun and definitely not flawless but it was… just right.

I woke up at 7:30 or so, Den was already up, a wild look in his eyes. He had of course put things off like picking up the soda and water and ice buckets and… and he was panicking. Bad. It wasn’t half as bad as Friday morning (we were fighting all Friday morning, about everything, and basically didn’t speak to one another for periods), but he was cursing at dropping things and running in and out. I, on the other hand, was relatively calm because I had lists out my wazoo, and somehow most of the items on them had been completed on Crazy Friday (which is what it shall be known as, henceforth). Den did what he could in the time he had, then grabbed his golf clubs and raced out when picked up by his brother for their scheduled golf game.

I wasn’t very stressed except for the morning… I was a little flummoxed then. See, Den’s mom showed up and we set up the place settings and linens and such, but my parents were nowhere to be seen. I had been counting on them to help me set up and to be able to pass instructions on to them, but stuff happens, right?

Jess and Kel showed up at the house with muffins and hot chocolate from Dunkin Donuts. God I love them. At first I was like, they didn’t get me coffee did they? They know me better than that! but of course they know me. :) So we sat and had a bite before hitting the road for the salon. On the way I called my parents and Cory answered. I asked him if they could please please stop at the BigY to pick up the cake I’d ordered. Gave him quick instructions how to get there.

Can I just say how much I loved my hair stylist and makeup artist? They are two amazing people - both in personalites and talent. Doing my hair took about what, an hour and a half? Maybe two hours. It’s just crazy how utterly aweful the hairdo looks when it’s half done. You just have to have complete faith in the hair stylist to pull it all together. And did she! It was gorgeous, even better than my trial IMO. It just seemed… better, more curls on my head, it was great. And the makeup came out fabulous of course. When I finished I just looked… wow. The tiara and the makeup and the hair… yeah. Love it. Almost forgot to add the tip to the bill but how could I possibly forget to tip them, they rocked so much. Meanwhile Jess and Kel had their nails done by the manicurist who did my nails (I got an american manicure - which is basically a french, but not so harsh lines, much softer - I just wanted something soft and natural looking). They looked fabulous, of course.

Back to the house. Walk in to find my family in the house, sitting around. That was a moment of panic… I asked what they had been doing and mom shrugged and said, “Just relaxing…” and then I really had a moment of panic. She added that she just found my list. Agghhh. BUT they had managed to clean the bathroom and Den’s mom had finished setting up the tables and stuff outside. So I took down the rest of the stuff to set up the guestbook table and decide where last-minute things were going to go.

I was putting the finishing touches on my items, and Den calls me. He says he cut it short, he’s coming home right now, so he can finish things. They picked up some stuff from his brother’s house on the way (like the ice buckets). When they arrived I went out to greet Den, but he was still in a bit of a panic. They were also carrying loads of presents out of the truck, which had me completely puzzled - where did they all come from? Anyways, led Den to the backyard to show him what we’d done.

The tent looked gorgeous. It was just… perfect. Well, no, not perfect - there were tons of bugs everywhere, some tables were on unlevel ground, and there were big patches of dirt among the grass - but the way it looked was just so, so wonderful… just what I pictured. A big white tent, with lovely peaks up above; round tables around the area, all covered in white linen; round centerpiece mirrors with round shallow bowls with three round silver candles floating in each; white plates at each place setting with cutlery and a water goblet and a custom-imprinted white-and-silver napkin on each plate. You’ll see pictures later, but man was it great. I hope the photographer got some good shots. You’d be amazed at how elegant it looked. Took my breath away. It really wasn’t that expensive, for such a great-looking setting.

So then a car pulls up and we’re all whispering, “Who is that? Do you know who that is?” No one knew. Then she gets out and she’s carrying a big camera. Our photographer! Half-hour early, too. Den greeted her warmly (he works with her now and then, remember), I introduced myself and greeted her as well. She came inside and greeted all my family and Kel and Jess. At some point she looked over the list of must-have photos I had printed out for her earlier.

Finally we started getting ready. Kel and Jess went first, they wanted to get all done before helping me get dressed. I was fine with that situation. :D At the same time, Den grabbed his tux from the bedroom and started dressing in the office. It was chaos for a while, I’ll tell ya… my parents had brought their clothes with them as well, but left them in the bedroom where Kel, Jess and I were changing, so they just waited. Not enough room in this house to have practically half the wedding guests getting ready. LOL But we did it! Anyways, I went in and got out my dress, Kel and Jess oooed and aaahhhed at it appropriately, and I smiled happily cause it’s so pretty. I stepped into it, they zipped me up. I was done. Leanne snuck in to grab her dress and we talked her into dressing in there too - that was great. :D All us girls in there. There was plenty of room too - our bed folds into a couch (futon) so there was tons of floor space.

It was around that time I decided that, even though Den was almost ready in his tux, I didn’t want to just walk in there. I felt so, so pretty that I wanted to catch that moment when he sees me. I mentioned it to people, they passed it out to the people in the living room, the photographer got word and snuck into the bedroom to take pictures of all us girls separate, together, etc. I decided right then that she was at least a good photographer, if not a good net communicator. She just had that confident tone about her as she got people into position and maneuvered for the shot. So then she went out to the living room and the girls were the go-betweens telling me when everyone was ready. Finally I stepped out of the bedroom to see Den. I couldn’t focus on just him though because EVERYONE was standing there staring at us, all with cameras poised, lol! So my eyes were flickering back and forth, but shortly I told myself to ignore them and really looked at Den to take in his tux. He looked so dashing. :D We kissed and zeroed in on each other for a few moments of sanity.

From there the three girls, me and Den went out back to start the formal photographs. Every combination possible. LOL! Got lots of Den and me together. Then me with the girls, me with each girl, me and Den with the girls, Den with the girls, lol. Whew. Then we got a sneak preview of the photos on the photog’s camera (digital!). I was very, very impressed with what I saw. Obviously I can’t tell details from such a little picture, but the composition and clarity looked just spectacular.

Then we sat and waited. My family arrived out back finally dressed, more photos occurred. Then we waited more. There was a lot of waiting for people to arrive. Apparently Den had forgot to mention to some people about the formal photographs before the ceremony, they just found out days ago, so family was scrambling to make it on time. As people came in we got more and more pics. Was great. The JP arrived, greeted everyone. Photog asked if flash photography during the ceremony was okay to make sure, of course our JP said no problem. Non-family guests started arriving as well, and it was just this… big mish-mosh of people gathering. Every time someone showed up I just felt myself light up, I was so happy. But by the time we were done with the photos almost everyone was there! So while I was happy that the party was off to a good start, I was also a little sad that my big entrance was rather slashed by the fact that I was standing right there greeting people.

(to be continued)

[lunarmagic]

(con't)

At some point around 5 everyone was there - even some people we weren’t expecting until later! - and we were ready to start. And then it was time for a moment of panic - the music!! The music was all set up on the laptop - but the laptop and speakers were in the office! I told Den or Dad or someone, and they got it down there and set up and ready to go. The girls and I banished ourselves to the house to recoup a little in the AC and to give a little more oomph to our entrance. There was some misunderstandings about what music to play for our entrance. Dad was relaying to Cory, which was a disaster - Cory had to come in himself to check with me, as Dad had garbled the messages horribly.

Soon they were motioning us from below that they were all set, and the three girls and I hustled outside to start moving. Leanned had asked a few minutes earlier how fast to walk, I demonstrated, saying, “Not too fast. But not too slow. Just nice and relaxed.” So she starts to go. Kel starts moving, and I call out when the spacing was good. Then Jess. Then me. And we walked through the tent to the trellis.

Oh yeah, mention: the guests were all seated at their tables. The trellis was maybe 20 feet outside the tent by the trees. That way we didn’t have to move chairs around. I wasn’t sure about the idea, but went with it anyways, I didn’t have time to argue with people and it truly wasn’t that important. I just was hoping that everyone could hear me.

Another mention: we had been trying to decide what song the girls should walk out to. And I was really concerned with, how to get the playlist to change tracks to my song at the right time? Was cory going to stand there at the laptop? Plus we couldn’t really decide on a song. So instead I thought, hell, let’s all walk out to Pachelbel’s Cannon. It’ll take like 30 seconds total; this at least gives 30 seconds of my fav. pieces instead of a short 10 second walk. (The Canon warms up, musically, anyways… the begginging is very quiet!) So that’s what we did!

It was a bit of a startle to start walking and have everyone in the tent get to their feet. I was really confused I thought, Oh no, they’re all trying to find better spots to stand so they can see! But no, it belatedly occurred to me that probably it’s traditional to rise for the bride’s entrance. Oops. Hahaha.

I stepped up before the JP, up to Denis, and just stood there. The JP reminded me to pass my bouquet to one of the bridesmaids, which I did (I have no idea what happened to it at that point, to be perfectly honest). I was standing there on a little patch of grass, my toes were sort of hanging over a little hole, and my feet were quivering from nerves. Crowds, being center of attention, having to speak publically, getting married… I was way surprized that I wasn’t more a mess. Den’s 4 brothers all standing beside him was kind of intimidating. I don’t think most brides feel that way, but it was just a moment of panic that I was entering into their family and I wasn’t sure if they were totally thrilled about it or whatever. I don’t know. But I saw them smile at me a few times, so it was probably okay. I focussed on the JP and Den - on the words. The JP read the ceremony I had written. A few places did sound a little weird outloud, but overall it made me smile, it was really nice. At the vows place the JP handed each of us the card on which I’d printed our vows - whew! (There was NO way I wanted to worry about forgetting words.) So we read, me first in case I broke down crying halfway. I didn’t. It was actually kind of cute… during the vows each of us said it with our own meaning and inflection, they sounded a little different. I emphasised the “trust you even when I don’t understand” and Den quirked a smile and emphasised the “I respect your individuality” part. Hehehe.

Then the JP asked for the rings, which Den’s bro handed him. (Both of them; Den handed me his. I was originally going to tie it to Jess’ bouquet, but just forgot and didn’t have time. But it worked out anyways!) Then we repeated the one little sentence about rings symbolizing love and commitment and placed the ring on the other’s finger. Mine went on fine. Den’s didn’t, half because I momentarily blanked out and couldn’t remember which hand it went on and wouldn’t take his left hand when he offered it to me, and partly because it’s still a little too small for him so I put it on far as I could and let him fight with it, lol. That caused a bit of a chuckle from the crowd.

Then the JP pronounced us man and wife, we kissed. And that was it. There was unfortunately no recessional set up, so when we were done everyone looked at me like, “Okay, what now?” and I’m like, I don’t know!! I guess we could have filed out or something, but there was no music, and the plan was always to just EAT. So I shrugged, gestured, and the ceremony broke up. Very undignified. Ah well.

(to be continued)

[lunarmagic]

(con't)

Den had to go get the food, which was warming in our oven. I forgot to mention that too… during our photo taking before, the caterer showed up, which was great! I was so worried he was going to show up middle of our ceremony, that would suck. But he set up before it even started, left the hot plates in the oven to keep warm.

So Den and some of his brothers went to get the food. Den and I were reminded that we needed to serve ourselves before anyone else would, so we started taking the covers off and dishing on our plates. Quickly a line formed. :) I sat down to eat. Den sat down, took one bite, then went to get the beer. Or the wine. Or just about everything else. After a while of me sitting by myself eating and looking around, watching Den run to and fro with stuff, I think Kel went to talk to him… because he sat down and said he just had a stern talking-to and was told to sit and eat, lol!! Well, he did for a few minutes. ;)

I just started mingling… both of us did, right from the start. Man I talked to everyone. But “everyone” was family of mine and family of his and 8 friends from his baseball team that I see frequently. So I knew everyone anyways. But I wanted to chat with everyone, I think I did a pretty good job!

My poor cousin, my junior BM, she had gotten really sick friday night at the dinner, ended up throwing up and crying and just feeling aweful. So during dinner her plate was empty and her head was on the desk. She had made it through the ceremony though, which was great. But she ended up spending the entire rest of the night on the couch in our living room. :( I felt SO bad for her! I think she was pretty upset that she was sick, but everyone at the party was asking if she was okay and how she was and such, they were all so concerned and feeling bad.

But besides that everyone looked like they had a pretty decent time. My mom and dad got along well with everyone, as I expected. What I didn’t really expect was dad to get along with Den’s dad, because they’re rather different, but dad whipped out a photo album of the huge fish he caught one year and the guys were all hooked. He talked their ear off, but the entire rest of the night the guys were coming up to me saying, “If I ever get the chance, I am SO taking him up on that offer to go fishing back there!!” LOL!! And dad and Den’s mom got along splendly due to the gardening aspect, dad also had pictures of his ponds and landscaping, so they were talking for quite some time too. Mom naturally gets along with strangers (though sometimes it seems she works hard for it, though she really does just mean well), so I introduced her to people and let her do her thing, lol.

Cory sat in his chair looking sullen the entire night, except for when he was eating or talking to dad. At one point Den’s youngest brother introduced himself and started talking about cars, which got Cory to come out of his shell a little bit. But he still looked miserable. I know this is why he didn’t want to come. :( I’m sorry for him, but it was my day.

We forgot to do our first dance. Everyone was eating and talking and we just figured eh... whatever. Not a big deal. The process of finding that song netted me a playlist that lasted all freakin night so it was not a waste.

Den drank a lot all night. He said he was going to, and he sure did. He’s a very happy drunk though, so for most of the night he was just extra-cute and smily and kissy, which I enjoy. I had him make me one White Russian with the first food I had grabbed, I got through over half of it but was getting such a headache from the combo of the alchohol and the hairdo that I just stopped and went to water.

I can’t even remember what happened for the next several hours! People were going in and out of the house to use the bathroom and check on Leanne, who unfortunately started feeling very ill after arriving here. She made it through the ceremony, then finally gave up partway into dinner and layed down on the couch inside. Kel and Jess took a leave to chill in the ACed office and surf the web for a bit, which I didn’t mind a bit.

People talked a lot. There was a lot of smoking, which kind of sucked as Kel and Jess are allergic (part of the reason then went inside, I’m sure). But the smokers all smoked outside the tent, which was fine with me, as long as they keep the smoke out there I’m all good.

The desert I bought was a smashing hit. People were going on and on about how good it was. :) I bought some kind of tuxedo truffle cake from Big Y - it was premade and sitting there, two log-type cakes. I just had to have them and tossed my previous plans out the window, though I did order a lemon/yellow cake just for Den (which was barely touched, oh well, now we have lots of lemon cake).

The party wound down slowly over the course of hours and hours. People trickled out as they had to leave, which was fine. I’m glad they came, I’m glad they could share this day with us. My family stayed pretty late, and at the end I was kind of hoping they’d call it a night because the party was getting a little bit party-hardy and they’re not that kind of people, I didn’t want them to get offended by anything. After they left the brothers got really silly and sappy and it was very close-knit and I was welcomed into my new family (well, one of my new families, I got two!). I danced with my new father-in-law (cripes that sounds weird), I talked with my new brothers-in-law (also weird), and mostly observed the craziness that four brothers can cause. Father-in-law’s wife (Den’s step-mom) was there, along with Den’s oldest brother’s girlfriend whom I really like, so the three of us were just kind of quiet and observed. They also helped me get my hair down, taking out the million bobby pins that were in there - Den wasn’t sure he’d be able to. God did that feel good.

The music turned very soft - classical and very old classic love songs like Etta James’ At Last. The three couples danced alone as if in our own little bubble at times, to certain songs. It was sweet.

Finally the party broke up for good and I set to cleaning up what I had to tonight - I left the plates and everything for tomorrow - but I took in things like the cameras, guestbook pages, gifts, food. Den helped a bit before I just led him to bed - he partied pretty hard, lol. I’m kind of glad he’s asleep - it gives me time to process this all.

(to be continued)

[lunarmagic]

(con't)

Wow, it was just… a surreal kind of day. Having my family here, a huge tent, lights strung and candles lit, music playing, me in a huge fabulous dress, my hair all done up… all of it was just totally surreal. I felt like a princess. I felt so happy, just so happy… that it all came together, that it was all over - not over, but culminating. Den and I finally stopped fighting with each other and realized why we did all of it.

Wife. Oh my god, I’m someone’s wife. I thought I’d freak out sometime before it happened, or even during, but it never happened… I was too busy to dwell and it all seemed daydream-like anyways. But just sitting there once in a while - especially sitting here now - I’m struggling to comprehend it all. After the ceremony we walked away to eat and I turned and said, “I don’t feel any different.” The words of the ceremony really are true: the wedding and marriage is not a joining… it is a public acknowledgement of that which already is joined. Den and I live and act like a married couple…. now we really are one.

And yet, but still, the concept is still a scary one. I just committed my life to this. Not that I don’t love him and believe in it, but it’s still just an overwhelming concept. I have a new name, a new signature. I’m having an identity crisis, LOL! Funny how I always practiced it and happily jotted it down and thought about it but when it actually happens I panic. Yeah… that’s me. But it’s just so strange. It’s going to be hard to get used to.

I think I’m finally getting emotional. I didn’t cry during pictures, I didn’t cry during the ceremony, I didn’t cry during out dancing, I didn’t cry when everyone was congratulating me. I was all SO happy and grinning and dancing around in my dress like a fool. I did start tearing up when Den, at the end of the night, held me forehead-to-forehead and said how much he loves me and is happy. But now…. now it’s all finally caught up to me and I’m overwhelmed.

* * * * *

One year later and I'm still not entirely used to the fact that my last name has changed, that I now check the "married" box. But it sure feels good. :)

* * * * *

For wedding photos see PAGE 2 (http://www.mustloveweddings.com/forums/showthread.php?t=313&page=2)!

[~LeAna~]

Oh I just love your story!! I can't wait to see pictures!

[mrs.g]

I can't wait to see your pictures!

[Emily]

Love your story! Can't wait to see pics!

[Kelly]

lovely! I can't wait to see you photos;)

[lunarmagic]

OMG I'm such a slacker!! The time has come to finally post my wedding photos. Most of you will probably have already seen them, from UW... but I do want to put them up again. :D Here we go!

(Please refrain from posting until I'm done posting all the pics! Thanks!)

[lunarmagic]

(saving this post...)

[lunarmagic]

Hair and Makeup

The day started with hair and makeup. Jess, one of my BMs, was unofficial photographer for the morning. ;)

Me before hair and makeup.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Hair%20and%20Makeup/before-makeup.jpg

"Uhhhh, I'm not going to look like a doll when you're done, right?"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Hair%20and%20Makeup/P1010066.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Hair%20and%20Makeup/P1010068.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Hair%20and%20Makeup/P1010067.jpg

Ohhhh, I'm starting to see the light!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Hair%20and%20Makeup/P1010069.jpg

I love it! I love it!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Hair%20and%20Makeup/P1010070.jpg

I got my makeup done there too. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Hair%20and%20Makeup/P1010072.jpg

All beautified!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Hair%20and%20Makeup/P1010077.jpg

[lunarmagic]

Getting Ready

Surveying my domain... and all the sh@# that still needed to get done that morning. But it was okay - I had lists. Lots and lots of lists. And pretty hair.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0325.jpg

Strike a pose.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0326_001.jpg

Getting dressed, all us girls in the bedroom.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0334.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0340.jpg

Bridesmaid Kel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/kel-inside-sm.jpg

Bridesmaid Jess

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/jess-inside-sm.jpg

My slippers. Unfortunately they started hurting later. Yeah, I bought slippers for comfort... and they hurt my feet. Go figure.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0342.jpg

Den, waiting for me to come out. (I wanted a big surprize, yaknow?)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0344_001.jpg

He sees me for the first time all prettied up! Mom cut off his head.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0345.jpg

Nervous laughter? Trying to make myself look like a dork? Unsure.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0346.jpg

Definitely look like a dork. A horrific, mutilated dork.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/P1010083.jpg

[lunarmagic]

Before the Ceremony

The tent! My bootiful, expensive-but-oh-so-worth-it tent.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0356.jpg

Showing how the area was set up. We rented the arch and set it up next to the woods.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0357.jpg

More photos of inside the tent.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0358.jpg

The Centerpieces

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/centerpiece-unlit-sm.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/centerpiece-lit-sm.jpg

Bwahahahaha.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0359.jpg

Watching while we take photos.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/P1010089.jpg

Sitting in waiting in the heat... because SOMEONE (*cough*the groom*cough*) forgot to tell people to get there early for pictures.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0368.jpg

Me. Waiting. Hot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/P1010094.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0364.jpg

My DJ. Okay, okay, it's my brother and my laptop. In this case it's the same thing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Pre-Ceremony/DSCF0376.jpg

[lunarmagic]

The Formals

Now these are NOT all or even most of the formals, because I don't have the pro pics scanned (I still don't have them on disc yet from the photog :firemad: ). But these are some of them.

Our rings :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/hands-rings-sm.jpg

My JBM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Formal/DSCF0366.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Formal/DSCF0371.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Formal/P1010099.jpg

Me with my mom, dad, and bro

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Formal/P1010084.jpg

Me and my daddy. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Formal/P1010085.jpg

My favorites of me

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Formal/P1010092.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Formal/P1010093.jpg

The one good one of us together taken by the pro and scanned in by me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Formal/den-me-400.jpg

[lunarmagic]

The Ceremony

In front of the arch by the woods in our yard with a JP. Just what we wanted!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Ceremony/DSCF0383.jpg

The menfolk. All Den's brothers. (one step-, two half-, one full-) Notice how one is wearing a BLUE SHIRT. Another example of DH's lack of communication. *sigh*

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Ceremony/DSCF0381.jpg

The girls (The BMs are my two best friends who travelled to be here, and the JBM is my cousin.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Ceremony/DSCF0382.jpg

My absolute favorite photo of the ceremony.... taken by one of the table cameras.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Ceremony/4536600-R1-068-32A.jpg

[lunarmagic]

The Reception

"WHAT are you doing?? Oh. Right."
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/bustling-what-sm.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/bustling-sm.jpg

The bustle! (5-point overbustle)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/bustle-sm.jpg

Another shot of the bustle

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/dance-bustle-sm.jpg

Food!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/DSCF0396.jpg

(My Dad and brother)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/DSCF0398.jpg

(The BMs)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/girls-serving-sm.jpg

Cutting our "wedding cake" (It was soooo good!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/DSCF0410.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/gotcake-sm.jpg

The boys:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/DSCF0417.jpg

Me and the girls :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/girls-sm.jpg

Talking to JBM, who was very sick that day :(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/den-me-sickleanne-sm.jpg

Brotherly love :lol: He's such a nut.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/4536560-R1-000-53.jpg

[lunarmagic]

Me talking to the menfolk. I think about fishing. (Someone got my dad started, sigh. ;) )

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/DSCF0423.jpg

Goofballs? Drunk goofballs!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/4536580_R1_038_17A.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/4536570-R1-069-33.jpg

Watching the fireflies. Note the little butterfly decorations that my dad hung from the tent, lol!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/DSCF0430.jpg

[lunarmagic]

And of course, dancing into the night!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/DSCF0431.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/den-me-sing-sm.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/4536580_R1_056_26A.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/4536580_R1_032_14A.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Reception/4536580_R1_030_13A.jpg

[lunarmagic]

The Morning After

Den, very much hungover, and exhausted after his baseball game that morning.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/4536560-R1-089-43.jpg

My BRIDE shirt! Jess got it for me. :D The girls both had BRIDESMAID shirts...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/4536560-R1-085-41.jpg

... and Den got a GROOM shirt. He had to be coaxed into it. :P

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/den-groomshirt-sm.jpg

Opening cards and gifts. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/4536600-R1-024-10A.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/4536600-R1-022-9A.jpg

Showing... something.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/4536600-R1-018-7A.jpg

Happily newlyweds. With stuff.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/den-me-presents-sm.jpg

Mom welcoming Den into the family. I bet he wishes she hadn't done it quite like that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/4536600-R1-026-11A.jpg

Bridesmaids relaxing after breakfast.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/4536600-R1-050-23A.jpg

My family relaxing after breakfast.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/4536600-R1-052-24A.jpg

Jo sniffing the presents. Hmmmmmmm, what are these...?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/cat-presents-sm.jpg

The cat enjoying the bags the presents came in. Because to cats? That's the BEST part!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/lunarmagic/Wedding/Wedding%20Photos/Morning%20After/cat-bag-sm.jpg

[lunarmagic]

For more (better) photos of me in my dress and Denis in a tux, you can also check out the Second Reception we had (http://www.mustloveweddings.com/forums/showthread.php?t=891) (which was in BC, Canada, with all of my parents' relatives). I truly was very disappointed with the photos I got from my wedding, which is probably why I've put off putting them up here. I'm really glad I got a second chance at it.


Alrightie girls, I think I'm done! It took a while, sorry... what a mess!

Post away!

[~Tala~]

Natalie!

I think they are great! You looked beautiful and I loved your dress! Thanks for posting them! :)

BTW-your wedding story is great!

[rowanmayfairs]

Love your wedding !!

You looked beautiful !!

I remember seeing some of your pic's before..but also some new one's I don't recall before :) all are great !!