Wedding Part 2 − 25 August, 1996
Well, Steve and I really did have our big wedding. When we got married, everyone told us we wouldn't have our church ceremony. OK, they didn't actually tell us this until after we did, but I guess the doubt was there.
Anyway, not long after getting married, I was on the ground running, planning our bigger wedding. I had never anticipated so many details needing to be ironed out, nor did I expect how expensive it would be. I was in a panic most of the year between trying to find a reception hall, photographer, etc.
Since leap year fell in 1996, our anniversary fell on a Sunday, so the budget gods were with me that year. : ) Sunday afternoon meant cheaper rentals and less security at the reception. It also meant everyone going back to regular life the next day (which included me, as I was starting my last semester of school the next day and Steve was flying back to Albuquerque for work).
It took me forever to find my dress, but once I saw it, I loved it immediately. Looking back, it's not what I would picture me in, but at least it wasn't too huge and it wasn't full of ruffles. My colors were pink this time...but I had to find the right shade of light pink. My sister was my maid-of-honor even though I really wanted it to be my best friend, Randy. I bought my bridesmaids their dresses as a gift (which give me the ability to be a control freak and insist on certain shoes, jewelry and hair ornamentation!!)
So, Steve came home for the weekend and we prepared for the wedding. We were doing the food ourselves so we spent most of Saturday getting everything ready. We had to go decorate the hall that evening.
On Sunday, Randy and I went and got our nails done. Wouldn't you know it, the day I get married, a Sunday no less, is the day everyone is getting their nails done. So, it takes forever which results in the rest of the afternoon being a complete rush. I had time to get home long enough for my mom to fix my hair. Everything else had to be taken to the church to finish there. I should say at this point, I had bought underwear just for this day...that even took forever to pick out. So, up until leaving, I had not worn any because I wanted to wear my special underwear that day.
We get half way to the church and realize we had forgot Brittany's dress at home, so we turned around. We finally arrive at the church and have little time to get ready. I didn't have time to do anything with the front part of my hair so my bangs end up totally curly (thank God professional studio portraits were done a different day). I go to get dressed and realize I can't find my underwear. So now not only do I have curly bangs that are getting worse since it's humid, but I'm going commando to my "formal" wedding.
Finally, the wedding begins. My uncle lit all the candles in the church and it looked beautiful. My bridesmaids walk ahead of me, then Brittany and Josh, my flower girl and ring bearer. I had my mom walk me down the aisle.
Steve and I did a unity candle and I later found out, Steve's hand got burned by candle wax. I am personally he wasn't up there cursing...but given the location and all, probably not wise.
The rest of the wedding went well. The reception was nice, even though Josh slipped on a slick floor caused by a bubble machine. I had to ask Steve to be careful removing my garter. : )
