With all the ups and downs, when all was said and done, it was PERFECT. Here's the low-down:
Saturday, October 6: FI (now DH
) and his mom were supposed to go grocery shopping for the reception food. MIL couldn't/wouldn't go for whatever reason, so DH and I went instead. We went to Walmart (on the 1st Saturday of the month--we're brave souls), got the food, and then went over to MIL's house so they could make the food. I went back home to clean up and do some chores. Later on I go back to pick up DH and he tells me MIL isn't coming to the wedding. Apparently he asked his mom not to bring up any family drama at the wedding because his cousin would be there and he didn't want anything ruining our day. Seems like a fair request, but MIL completely shut down and decided she wasn't coming to the wedding at all. We all tried begging and pleading with her, but at the end of the day we knew nothing we said/did would change her mind.
WEDDING DAY
Morning: We wake up and just chill till our vendors show up. Our cake was delivered first and then our apartment manager showed up to unlock the clubhouse for us. We started setting up and the flowers were delivered. MIL and a friend showed up to drop off the rest of the food. We thought she would have changed her mind, but she showed up all disheveled and not really talking to anyone. I I left everyone to finish setting up so I could take a shower and get to my hair appointment.
Early Afternoon: I was running late for my hair appointment so I show up to the salon with wet hair. It worked out because the stylist was able to get some body in my hair by blow drying and then styling it. My photographer showed up to the salon to start taking pics.
Before Ceremony: This is where it gets a little crazy. I came back to the apartment to get my make up done by my MUA, DH was still there, and my photographer was there too--taking pictures of my shoes, rings, bouquet, etc. The property manager had closed up the venue until 3 p.m. so there was no place for DH to get ready. I went out on our apartment balcony while he got ready inside and then left. Also, other guests started showing up and there was no place to go except my apartment! Once DH left to go downstairs, I could get ready.
First Look Photo: I'm a traditionalist and thought I didn't want one, but so glad I went for it. It really calmed us down and let us focus on "our" day. Ladies, there is nothing like it! Seeing the expression on your man's face when he sees you. If you're still on the fence about it---DO IT!
Ceremony: We still had some crockpots and platters to get set up in the clubhouse so DH and my realtor got that taken care of while my photographer did some outside shots of me. My DOC got everything running smoothly and I waited in the workout room area of the clubhouse before dad and I waked down the aisle. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful. I thought I was going to cry but I didn't.
After the Ceremony: We let the guests serve themselves and DH and I went off with the photographer to do some photos. I feel like I missed my entire reception and I hope my guests don't feel like we totally ditched them. When we got back, we did the cake cutting, family and friend pictures and our bubble exit.
The problem with catering your own wedding is the CLEAN UP! However we had some awesome friends to help with that. Once that was all taken care of, we had a small get together in our apartment with my parents, his brother, and some friends of his. I opened presents, we all had a drink, and were able to relax.
When everyone left, DH and I had REAL champagne and were able to finally able to have some "alone" time
Here's a sneak peek pic:
http://i49.tinypic.com/2i1jwuf.jpg