Getting married was the best day of my life. The night before I had my best friends stay the night and a few of my cousins. We had to set our alarms for 5:30 AM! Of course it was pitch black outside when Gloria and Olga came to do our hair and make up, so Leah's barking woke most of us up.
As soon as I heard Leah I sat straight up in bed. I was as excited as a kid on Christmas morning. My heart was racing and I had to take deep breaths to control myself. I had Annie and Angela get started on hair and make up first. As they were getting ready I called my Great Aunt Irene to thank her for the gift and let her know I was thinking about her. Lindsey sent me a text message letting me know she was happy and excited for me and wished she could be there. It really meant a lot, and was the first time I had to hold back tears for the day.
As Julie and my mom arrived, I kept breathing deep breaths. The only thing I was nervous about was crying tears of joy and ruining my eyelashes or make up. I felt excitement, happiness, and an overwhelming feeling of love.
I got my hair done first and when Amanda, my photographer and good friend from high school, came I was super excited.
When it was time to go to the venue, Chelsea drove my car and Amanda rode with us. The weather was perfect. It was high 60s, low 70s with an overcast (great for pictures!) and a light breeze. As soon as the coast was clear, I ran into the gazebo to get ready.
Annie helped me in my dress and helped get my shoes on. Everyone around me was tearing up and it was hard not to cry. My mom leant me her pearl earrings and necklace and it was the perfect touch in completing my outfit. We enjoyed our girl time in the moments before the ceremony began, and then it started. The girls began to walk out and meet the groomsmen and finally they opened the curtains and I stepped out to join my dad. I wrapped my arms in his and took a deep breath as I walked down the aisle. My smile was SO BIG. I tried to look at my future husband, but he was tearing up and I had to look at our guests to hold my composure.
When my dad gave me away, I held on to John and did not let go the entire ceremony. As soon as Richard, our pastor, began, I felt calm. He spoke of things we had talked about before and it was easy to put myself back in the kitchen when we had these conversations for the first time.
It felt so good to be on that altar, 100% sure of my decision to be there with John. I had zero doubts, and no desire to be anywhere but right there with my husband.
Again, my smile was so big as we walked down the aisle together. We gathered with our wedding party and took some pictures on a bridge and some with our parents and grandparents. Then, we began the reception with our grand entrance and first dance. The song was "It had to be you" by Harry Connick Jr.
There was a lot of kissing :)
The reception went by so quickly. I spent the first part running around with my bridesmaids taking pictures and being silly. When I got back inside, the anniversary dance song was on. I knew my Grandma and Grandpa Feikes would win, so we had the DJ play their wedding song, "I left my heart in San Francisco." It was really special.
We also had the father/daughter dance. My dad and I danced to "My Wish" by Rascall Flatts. I cried some during this one ;) It was very special and I am so thankful to have such a great dad/wonderful parents.
John and I cut the cake to Michael Buble's "Crazy Love" and the guests had cupcakes from Annie's Bakery in Murphy. They were delicious!
The whole reception was amazing. Inside, we had the food, drinks, DJ, and most of my friends. Outside we had horseshoes, a petting zoo, a mechanical bull, bounce house, Redneck Golf, and swings. Needless to say, there was entertainment for every guest!
At one point, the DJ came out and said "Hey guys, I need you to come in for the last dance." I looked at him, threw my hands up, and said "It's over?" He nodded his head yes. I did not want it to end! I was having such a good time! John and I took a few more pictures and then went inside. Our last dance was The Beatle's "My Life."
After our song, John and I drove back to our house. We were super tired, but we took a picture for facebook and I changed my relationship status to "married" and my name! (of course!)
We were able to relax a little bit and eat some of our cake :) Then, we had dinner at Ruth's Chris, our favorite! It was so yummy.
I had the best day becoming John's wife. It was full of fun and excitement, and the most amazing support system. If there was ever a time in my life I felt full of love and life, it was this day. 5.12.12.
