We all know the wedding drill, because we’ve seen it a million times in person, in movies, on TV: white dress, suit, flower girl, sniffling families, “I do,” kiss, beaming escape down the aisle.
But we can’t know how it feels until we’re standing there, staring at that other person we’re about to marry. And what a feeling that is.
For me, it was a surreal experience. “Wait, this is really happening? Right now? I’m getting married right now?!” was about the only thought I could register for a couple of stunned minutes. It really was happening, and it really was wonderful.
Zach and I got married on Feb. 22, 2013. At sunset, we stood on Brave New Restaurant’s back porch, which has a beautiful view of the Arkansas River, shivering from the cold (and maybe nerves). Our parents, stepparents and siblings joined us—a whopping 10 people—for our short (and sweet!) five-minute-long ceremony. Then, we celebrated with our loved ones over a decadent meal—which was one of the reasons we chose the location for the ceremony. For us, it was the perfect wedding.
Like any bride, I started the day off right—with lots of primping. (I’ll share more about my bridal style and dress next week!) My mom, sister and I got dressed in our room at The Peabody. They witnessed my only bridezilla moment, as nerves, tardiness and makeup got the best of me. I’m not a makeup expert, so I was nervous about eye shadow application or getting a case of cakey concealer, and I may have lost it for a minute.
But my worries melted away when I saw Zach for the first time standing in front of the Old State House Museum in his dapper suit. We met on the lawn for our “first look” before the ceremony, as well as a photo session with our photographer Drew Cason.
Drew was a complete pro, directing us in poses to capture us looking our best, but still natural. We took photos around the white columns of the historic museum, which were beautifully lit by natural daylight. Then we detoured down to the riverside park to snap a few shots in front of the pedestrian bridge (Zach and I took a walk across it the day he proposed…plus, it just looks impressive).
Not only does Drew make us and our surroundings look incredible in the images, he also made us feel comfortable for the whole shoot. It was a breezy, fun couple of hours that set a nice tone for the ceremony ahead.
So, there we were: Newly married, standing on the deck, and my husband looks out at our family and says “Let’s eat!” That man knows the way to my heart.
See you next week when I’m back to share the story behind my dress and accessories.