The Ride of our Lives: A pre-ceremony pitstop
When we left off…. I was just arriving at the ceremony site, along with the ladies of my bridal party. We took off our shoes before ascending the stairs, as was tradition at the Shumei Center, in whose Hollywood garden we had our ceremony.
I knew the time had come, and all I wanted was to peer out the upstairs window at the guests gathering, but I was quarantined upstairs so as to avoid being spotted by Hunter. We hid out in a spare room, and waited, all a-buzz with bridal delight.
Ta-Dizzle!
Our dear friends own a company specializing in tea, accessories, and gourmet goods called Algabar (in whose former shop I worked for years) which also offers marvelous tea-inspired catering as Fete du The. As a wedding gift to us, they offered to serve a ceremony refreshment, and we loved the idea!
They served our favorite tea cocktail that they had invented, The Mrs. Palmer: a lavender-infused lemonade blended with earl grey and lavender tea, (with an option to spike with vodka), and sweetened with lavender syrup. As soon as we got upstairs, I was all… “someone get this bride a drink!” Just one… to take the edge off. Hey, I may be an actress – but standing in front of everyone without a character to hide behind, is still intimidating. And, I was about to get freaking married!
wetting my wedding whistle
Our friends served the drinks in mason jars that I BrideShared with a bride I met on the indiebride kvetch forum, at a table off to the side of the ceremony seating. The guests later gushed about how much they loved and appreciated the tasty drinks.
Then of course, thanks to my drink and the nerves, I had to pee. Now, I am posting this out of love for you readers, and because I keeps it real. But you gotta know, it probably will happen to you. And you’ll need help. That’s what your maid of honor is for. That’s what sisters are for. So, ladies and gentleman (that’s you, dad)… I give you, The Broke-Ass Bride at her very finest!
It happens to the best of us...
I just had to post this picture because MaPo took it and I love it. (and in the hopes it will help you forget the previous photo)
Feels like a fairy tale.
Headpiece and earrings by TS Tiara
Next thing I knew, Sharlene our intrepid DOC, was upstairs telling the ladies it was time to line up for the processional. I quickly rallied the troops for some last-minute wall pushups to get strong and make ourselves feel ultra bad-ass.
for last minute toning...
And it was time to go! I took a moment to be alone upstairs after the girls left, to breathe, to give myself a moment. I gave myself a “be present” pep talk and felt a HUGE smile creep across my face. I was nervous, but mostly just excited and calm and steady and ready.
I could hear the processional music beginning, and I knew that everyone was lined up downstairs, ready to walk that aisle before me. That my father was waiting to walk with me on that path. That the garden would be full of my favorite faces and most beloved friends and family. I knew at the end of that aisle stood my husband.
Omg, these pictures are PRICELESS!! As much as I enjoyed the potty shot, I think I love that last-minute toning one even more!
I love your hair in every one of these photos.
Ok I think I just cried a little lol, sorry emotional day or something
Your last paragraph made me cry….cause of the romance?my nerves or the pure dlight that i too will be in your shoes one day…..(164 to be exact) who knows!!!
Thanks for sharing.
You may love the last photo but I think the one of you taking a pause with your tea is gorge! So ethereal and romantic. And the wall push ups? Genius…might have to do a variation of that one. Very in line with my post today.
PS – your dress sends me over the edge. Keep it coming!
I love the wall push ups !! The pee shot well okay – very nutty but hilarious!
I love that you – to quote my husband, "got your swole on," right before the ceremony!
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Love it! How candid – thanks for sharing!
With every post, I can just FEEL the anticipation growing!! I <3 these posts!
wonderful, Dana!
You look beautiful! I don't even know you and I wasn't there but just reading your post made me tear up a little- I don't know when I turned into such a girl! Lol. That Mrs. Palmer drink sounds delish.