The Wedding Day (finally!)

I can not express how much I enjoyed my wedding. I liked it so much more than I expected and what I loved about it was so much bigger than any of the stuff we spent time and money planning. We were both just so happy and had so much fun. Aside from all the wonderful traditions we observed, we had a couple unique moments that I want to share:

All day long, I kept finding little notes Mike had stuck to everything I packed (with illustrations, of course). It was hard not to cry every single time.

My very favorite part was sitting in an empty sealing room joking around with Mike and practicing our official “kiss” for the ceremony. I hate hate hate fake tight lipped kisses so I told him we had to open our mouths enough and kiss long enough to make it seem like we meant it. So as we "practiced" Mike kept humming a beat to time the kiss. Each time this would make me laugh too hard to go on. It was so lovely to spend the moment before getting married enjoying a moment that epitomizes the reasons we had decided to get married.

After the ceremony, the sealer (also my great uncle) spoke with just Mike and our parents for a few minutes. He said some very nice things but the best thing was when he called us "Brother and Sister Brittany." Now that is a name change I can get behind.

After the temple we took family photos and everyone left to prepare for the reception. Then suddenly, for the first time in days, Mike and I found ourselves alone with some time on our hands. Not really wanting to get sucked back into the wedding whirlwind at my parent’s house, we went out to ice cream instead. Yes, people did look at us funny as we were still dressed up as bride and groom. But it was so nice to have a private simple little celebration with my new husband. And he was so sweet. He told me that he felt completely at peace. I think that is the perfect thing to feel after such a big step in life. I felt exactly the same.

Besides just how wonderful it was to marry Mike, I must thank a ton of people for their help. My dear friends were there all along the way consulting me on everything from hair to flowers. I am only going to have a chance to thank a few people specifically:

My old roommate Erin drove out from the mid-west to come and did a wonderful job helping me arrange my wedding bouquet. Just look how cute it is!

My sweet, talented friend Becky also drug her family out from the mid-west and as soon as she arrived she got right to work helping me make my cake. We were all so impressed watching her handle that fondant. She owned the fondant.

Stephanie took my engagement photos and also took tons of wonderful photos at both my receptions.

Nikki, Katie, and Stephanie were also my make up and hair team. It really made me wish they would always follow me around with fake eyelashes and hair spray.

Sarah, even though she couldn't even come, made me and my girl friends the most amazing spread of treats. She knows I love treats.

My parents were the best hosts to all our guests. The food at their house was spectacular.

Mike's parents, friends and family were also wonderful hosts at our Boise reception. I cannot believe how  great the food was and how smoothly that all went.

Shy was just there all along the way, how she always is.

Mike... his contribution was obvious.