Walking Down the Aisle

Once it was times to begin, we all walked in a long line to a spot further down the point, where the aisle would "officially" begin. We had decided at the rehearsal that, instead of walking from the big Oak tree at start of the point, we'd start a bit closer to the guests, so that it wouldn't take so long to get down the aisle. 

My primary focus during this part was to remain vertical. There are some precarious sections, especially for individuals wearing pouffy dresses and pretty shoes with no tread. Thankfully, I had my dad's arm as support and we made it. 

At some point, though, I finally really looked towards the end of the point and took in the scene. 

As I looked at the figures standing at the end, it suddenly sunk in that Ed was one of those figures. I strained my eyes, trying to see better, but couldn't see more than his silhouette, framed by the Pacific ocean behind him. 

Once the music officially began (it was so windy we couldn't hear it, but we guessed), the first two walked out - Ed's mom Sabine with his brother, Keven. 

Following them, were my mother and our friend, and Ed's best man, Bill. It was really special having them walking down together, as my parents hadn't gotten to meet Bill before the wedding weekend, and through this weekend, she got to spend some nice time with him and get to know him. 

Up next, my beautiful women of honor. My two sisters and best friend Christine were all amazing during the wedding weekend (and all the months prior!). 

First, my older sister Ashley.

Then, my younger sister, Kortney.

And finally, my friend Christine.

My dad and I waited patiently as we watched our loved ones approaching the far side of the point. Even though we shortened the aisle, it was still a bit of a walk all the way down. 

I told Ed before the wedding day that I was most looking forward to the moment where I would get to look into his eyes and finally take his hands in mine. Now, that moment was almost here. 

Once we saw everyone in the bridal party take their places in the front, we looked to our music man, Curtis (Christine's husband), who would be switching to, Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring, my walking song. While we couldn't quite hear it, we were soon told it was time. 

We were walking.

The Guests Arrive

(Becky and her daughter, Johanna, take a quick hike while waiting for the site to finish getting set up)

While I was getting ready at the Inn, our guests were driving over to the ceremony site. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a mix up, and somehow chairs weren't brought for the ceremony!! We were able to get a handful of them, but not enough for everyone, which added to a good deal of stress and confusion for poor Ed and our guests - I thankfully didn't have to deal with this in the moment. 

However, because of this, when my parents drove up with me to the site, all the guests (who were supposed to be calmly sitting at their seats, enjoying the music we had picked out) were milling about the parking lot. 

Not wanting to have my big reveal too soon, we quickly drove past the site and parked a quarter mile up the road, where we could see the site. From there, we could see the guests hanging out in the parking lot, and not much happening where the ceremony was. 

My parents and I made guesses about the cause - music malfunction? yellow jacket swarm? We were confused, and I was worried - What if we couldn't get married at our spot?

We saw our photographer head up the trail, which told us it wasn't a safety issue, and then, finally, the guests started heading up as well. 

Once the last guest crested the hill, we drove the car back down to the lot and got out, ready to get started. The rest of the wedding party was waiting for us in the lot and, together, we headed up to the oak tree, where we planned to wait until it was time to start. 

From our spot, we got to see our train of guests heading to the seats.

While there was only enough seats for about half, we had very good sports who were happy to enjoy our ceremony standing. 

Luckily, as soon as our guests found their spots, we began the long walk down the aisle. 

The Men Get Ready

While I was up in my room, Ed was down in his, with his brother, Kevin, and Bill, his best friend. By the time we sent the photographer to them, they were already pretty much ready, but still going through a few last details. 

Unfortunately, that's all I have for getting ready shots, but they are nice to have. 

Next up, some actual wedding pictures :). 

Getting Ready

(Standing with my wedding flowers)

I woke up on June 28th with a smile and butterflies in my stomach as it sunk in that today was really the day. I got up around 7, I think, and decided to take a leisurely bath, since I wasn't planning on eating until 8:30. I put on a CD of George Winston piano music, which I always find calming, and enjoyed some alone time. I still had a bit of time after that, so I took a few minutes to write a card to Ed (that I gave him on the plane ride to Tuscany) and to write in my journal that I began 3 days before the wedding, all the way through the honeymoon. 

At just before 8:30, I headed upstairs, where a number of other people were loitering. For some reason, none of the staff members were upstairs for breakfast! Finally, someone (my mom I think?) went downstairs to the kitchen to get someone to serve us, and we got going. While we have never had an issue with service at our favorite inn, for some reason, this, of all weekends, was the one that they seemed understaffed and unorganized. It took until about 9:40 for us to get our food, which was a bit problematic, since my hair appointment was for 10! 

I did enjoy sitting on the deck with family, though, and enjoying the beautiful morning. 

As soon as my food arrived, I gulped it down quickly (tasty french toast, too bad there wasn't time to fully enjoy it!), and my mom and I rushed to get to the appointment. 

We got a little lost on the windy mountain roads, but arrived just a few minutes late to Verde salon, a newer salon in Mill Valley specializing in Aveda Products (and unintended perk, as I didn't realize this specialization when I booked them). 

The got me settled right away, and had me put on a beautiful silk kimono, as they found out what I was looking for. I had some pictures, and emphasized that I wanted to look pretty natural. They were a little surprised to hear it was for my wedding, and that I hadn't gotten a trail, but I tried to reassure them by saying its just hair - I don't honestly have to have it a certain way - I just want it to look nice. 

The process getting to nice was a little "hairy" at times (couldn't resist!)

but quickly got under control.

And, in just under an hour, my hair was finished!

After hair, they shifted me to the front of the salon, to get my makeup done. I bonded with the makeup artist over a shared fear of mountain lions (she informed me that, according to a ranger she spoke with, there are 4 on Mt Tam!). I also communicated the "natural" request, and she did a great job. 

My mom was a great partner through the whole process. 

Walking to the car was a funny experience. Especially on a monday, people didn't quite know what to do with a girl dressed in normal clothes wearing a veil. I got lots of funny stairs and a few, "Are you a bride?" and some congratulations as well. 

We took a moment to pause by some beautiful flowers, and then headed back to the inn. 

Once there, lunch was soon too follow!

We got it from this great place - Cafe Del Soul - which was delicious. I got this salad with cranberries, feta, and other loveliness. I sat on my mom's deck to avoid my soon to be husband, who was eating upstairs. 

It was hard to not see Ed all morning, harder than I thought. I was looking forward to seeing him and hearing about how his day had been, and wanted to share everything that had happened with me so far. Christine and Bill acted as middlemen to make sure that we were kept apart. 

After lunch, I had a little bit of time to myself, and was able to write a little in my journal. My friend Jenny joined me after a little bit, which was lovely, and then it was time to get dressed! 

(in all the pictures below, and the coming posts, unless otherwise noted, these photos are courtesy of our amazing photographers Hewitt Photography. I'll probably do a post about them in the future, but for now, I'll let the beautiful pictures speak for themselves)

At around 2pm, it was time to get ready for the big event. My room for the weekend was nice and spacious - perfect for getting pretty with my favorite people. 

I started by putting on some waterproof mascara (which, surprising, I didn't need! No tears for me), and then we had some time to wait around, while we waited for the flowers to do some accessories photos before I got dressed. 

We took time to take some pictures together. 

And also to have a few special moments with my sister and my mom. 

And, some special moments with my dress, too :)

We sent Vita away for a bit, to photograph the boys, and when she got back, it was time to really transform. 

First up were my amazing, beautiful blue shoes. My mom convinced me, against my best judgement, to purchase these expensive Vera Wang ballet flats. Looking back, they are very special shoes that I will be able to wear for important events for many years to come, and they were a good investment. 

Once in the dress, it was time to tie me in. I had my very own "Gone with the Wind" moment as I held onto the bed post while Christine pulled and my family looked on, amused. 

It was fun, if slightly odd, to have people dote over me, but it was necessary to get me all ready. 

It was really nice to just spend some relatively quiet time together before we went out into the bright, busy day.

It was really special when my Dad showed up, as well. He definitely got teary seeing me all ready (though he tried to deny it!)

Before we left, I took one last look out the windows, out to the redwoods and the bay beyond. It was the perfect day.

My sister helped me with one last touch up...

And I was ready to go!