Our Wedding - Part 2: The Ceremony

Just in case you missed Part 1, you can read all about it here.

I wanted to start this post with a picture of what the arbor we got married under looked like BEFORE the rain:

My mother and I spent the last week before the wedding making all of the paper flowers, so I was a bit bummed out when they didn't look this good for our wedding pictures. The best part about these though was the time my mother and I spent at my kitchen table talking, laughing and enjoying each other's company. It's a memory I will cherish and hold dear to my heart for the rest of my days.




Wendell and I are blessed to have a group of incredibly talented friends; from musicians to bartenders, their talents added plenty of spice to our special day. We were fortunate enough to have our ceremony graced by the musical talents of Eddy & Heather Green. I walked down the "aisle" to their rendition of Billie Holiday's 'There is no greater Love'. I wish I had an audio sample for everyone to hear (and for my ipod).



My sisters have always been my best friends and completely spoiled me growing up. My little brother was my partner in crime and we were the best of friends, practically attached at the hip until my early 20's. Kristen is one of the very few friends I've ever had that I can actually say is a BEST friend. I loved having them with me for the few days they were here. The only thing missing was my other sister Maribel who unfortunately wasn't able to make the trip. I would've loved for Wendell's family and the rest of our friends to have met her as she is such an essential part of my family and who I am (as is the rest of my family).



Despite my father's horrendous allergies I must say that I could see how happy and excited he was on this day. While we waited for the heavy rain to pass he kept everyone warm and entertained with shots of tequila and his comedic prowess.

I love the fact that my Dad used the umbrella to keep himself dry, haha. I'll never forget the look on Wendell's face when he first saw me. At that moment nothing else existed. I couldn't feel the rain; all sound was muffled nor did I see anyone else. For that moment it was just me and Wendell and the sound of my pounding heart in my ears.

A few final words from my Dad before "giving me away".

Carl was the most perfect officiant. There was a window of time where we weren't sure if he was going to be able to make the trip to marry us. This was one of the things that I was really stressing over. I just kept thinking that there wouldn't be anyone else that could fill his shoes. Luckily, he was able to make it. Wendell may have written the ceremony, but no one else but Carl could have delivered those words with such eloquence and sentiment behind them.

My Dad hugging Wendell, this was HUGE for me. My Dad didn't like any of the guys I dated, ever. Then he met Wendell, and hugged him on the very first day that they met. I should've known then that he was "The One".

It rained through the entire ceremony. It was a warm, light rain with dime sized raindrops. The air smelled of dewey grass which was only intensified by the humidity.

Before exchanging our rings I had my Mom and my "maids" bless Wendell's ring. A few extra good vibes are always a good thing. The best part about that was when my sister handed my Mom the ring. A HUGE clap of thunder rang out, almost as if the gods were stamping the blessing with their seal of approval.

Wendell wrote our vows and ceremony. It was something we had planned on writing together, but he called me back into our computer room one day and had written everything out. It was perfect, I didn't want to change a thing. My favorite part was a line from a song he had written for me that he included in our vows....le swoon!

We handed out maracas for everyone to shake in celebration during our first kiss as Mr. & Mrs. Wendell Hess. It was a perfect touch for our Mexi-themed day.

Oh, the aftermath of bright red lipstick!

I've heard so many horror stories on in-laws, but I couldn't have gotten a better deal. It's like having two sets of parents!!! I absolutely adore this woman!

I loved that we kept our ceremony short and sweet. It allowed us more time to enjoy moments like the one captured in this photo, as well as time celebrating our union with our loved ones. Which of course is never enough time.

Finally, we have (most of) the extended family in one shot. I absolutely LOVE this photo!

Part 3: The Reception coming up!!!

Our Wedding - Part 1: Getting Ready

The wait is over! After two months of anticipation I've decided to end my procrastination streak and you're finally getting the rundown on our special day.

We had some stressful moments during the planning process, but I was nicely surprised on the day of our wedding at how relaxed I was. I know having my Mom with me was a huge influence. Since we had an evening wedding I didn't have to get up too early; something I'm NOT a fan of doing. Wendell on the other hand was already gone when I awoke.

My Mom and I had the morning to ourselves. We talked and laughed as we began our preparations for the day. I was even able to have a relaxed breakfast with both of my parents. I had missed breakfast with them. It wasn't something we did together often since my Dad works early in the morning and I couldn't remember the last time the three of us had sat down and not only enjoyed breakfast, but each other's company as well.

After breakfast and running a few last minute errands I picked up Kristen; one of my bridesmaids (and best friends) for some pampering time. We headed out to a local salon to have our nails done; something else I hadn't done in quite some time. The lady that tended to us was really sweet. Unfortunately she worked rather slowly and I wasn't able to make it to the MAC counter and have my makeup done as I had planned.

We had a rather small budget for this wedding and I didn't really see the need to spend hundreds of dollars on makeup for one day. Granted it was one of THE most important days of my life, but I still couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of money, especially because I'd only be getting charged that much because it was my wedding day and not because some magical technique was going to be used on my face. And besides, I've always liked how my makeup turned out when I would visit the MAC counter (well, with maybe one exception). And the bonus, I'd end up with some new makeup. Alas, I didn't make it. So, I just opted to paint my own face.

This was also the point I think I started to stress out a bit. I had left Kristen at the salon because I had to get home, do my makeup, gather my belongings and get to the cottage to have my hair done. I foolishly told Kristen I'd be back to pick her up and take her back to her hotel so she could get ready. I hadn't realized exactly how late it was. It took me a long time to accept the fact that I wasn't going to be able to do what I had promised and I felt bad leaving her to taxi it up to get around. Turns out I stressed out for nothing as she made it to the wedding.

Finally at the cottage I was able to relax again. Having my hair played with has always been soothing for me. Getting my hair done was a definite highlight! Our friend Eddie did an amazing job. I couldn't have asked for a better stylist.

Apparently Wendell was stressed out more than I was. He kept having people check up on me, pacing and most likely biting his nails. Luckily he had Carl, one of his best friends and our officiant there to calm him down and get him to laugh.

I enjoyed a couple of margaritas while hanging out with the most important women in my life: My mom, my sisters and my friend Kristen. I was also taking care of a few last minute details; like putting together our playlists. And of course I was indulging my ego and enjoying having my picture taken, especially with my mom.

After the beautification process was complete, it was time to put on the dress. The dress that my mom had made from scratch by a seamstress friend of her. Aside from having my family with me, it was THE best gift I could've gotten that day. I had found the dress of my dreams online only to find it had sold two months prior to finding it. I simply sent my mom the pictures and VOILA! I had my dress!

My parents brought a gift for Wendell too. A guayabera. It was perfect for our mexican themed wedding. He looked so handsome in it and it complemented my dress so well.

The ceremony was set to start at 6pm but it started to rain. And not just a simple rain, it POURED! There was plenty of thunder and lighting that came along with it. It was decided to have the ceremony moved indoors but I really had my heart set on an outdoor ceremony. So, with the help of the magnificent Danielle, wife of our friend and officiant Carl, we had everyone move back outside once the rain lightened up enough. At this point the awesome mexican paper flowers my mother and I spent the previous week working on had withered during the downpour.

The sun had started to peek out. After eight months of planning and a couple of freak out moments I was ready to walk the walk. I, along with my Maids of Honor and Bridesmaid were ready to go.

To be continued..........................Part 2 coming up tomorrow!

Procrastination Is The Name Of The Game

So, it's been a month since I promised wedding details and pictures "soon". Um, yeah. I could give you a humongoid list of things I was doing that prevented me from delivering said post, but most of it was simply procrastination. However, I didn't have all of my pictures yet either, so THAT is the real source of my procrastination (but not really). That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Seriously though, it's coming soon. I promise, scouts honor and all that jazz.

We Did It!!!

Many more details and pictures to follow, soon!

YIPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

My Mom arrives today! I get to have her for a whole week before our wedding. I haven't seen her in a year. We speak regularly on the phone, but it doesn't compare to having her full time. It's been one of the hardest things to go without living so far from home. The woman spoiled me (in more ways than one), and it's just going to be absolutely stupendous to have her around.

I love you Mom!!!!

TWO WEEKS!!!

We picked up our marriage license yesterday. Two weeks from today I'll be Mrs. Wendell Hess. The anticipation of becoming an "honest woman" and seeing my family is driving me bonkers! The excitement of it all keeps me up late at night and helps me move along despite the lack of rest and constant fatigue. The butterflies in my belly are flapping their wings at an increasingly fervent rate. I know the day will be here in a heartbeat and will be over much too quickly. I can't wait to soak it all in.

And, I'm so glad my mom will be here in one week. It's going to be such a comfort to have her here with me for a week.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

The Last 30 Days

It's here. The home stretch. We are exactly 30 days away from our wedding date.

After these next 30 days I will no longer check the "single" or "living with partner" box on any paperwork I fill out. I'll have to get use to being called "Mrs." instead of "Miss". I'll have to learn to sign a new last name. And, I'll actually have a piece of jewelry that I'll never take off.

There won't be much in day to day living that will change. I'll still give him grief about cleaning up. He'll still give me grief about my shopping habits. Dog hair will still be everywhere. I'll spend too much time online. He'll spend too much time playing xbox. Our love will continue to grow. We've already fused our lives together as a pair. We do just about everything together. And when we're not together, we miss one another. We've already made the mental, emotional and spiritual commitment to one another. The only thing that will be different after these 30 days is that it will be legal.

It almost makes me feel grown up.......ALMOST!

I know postings have been scarce, but in all honesty we've been busy.....and tired! All that should change after these next 30 days. Stay tuned for upcoming details on our continuing journey.......

100

In 100 days I'll be Mrs. Wendell Hess. 100 days!!! To celebrate this day I'm going to share 100 reasons why I love my future husband. They are; in no particular order:

1. He'll hold my purse when I go to the bathroom in public places.

2. He constantly tells me that he loves me.

3. His answer to my many suggestions for our home is "Whatever makes you happy".

4. He's a dork just like me.

5. He loves me even when I'm grumpy, PMSing, and generally unpleasant.

6. He likes to surprise me with breakfast in bed.

7. I can use him like a jungle gym.

8. He writes me random love notes.

9. He'll watch chick flicks with me (he's even liked a few).

10. He likes it when I curse him out in Spanish.

11. He buys me chocolate.

12. When "Aunt Flo" comes to town he'll pick me up tampons, midol and more chocolate.

13. He writes me love songs.

14. He doesn't just tell me I'm beautiful, he makes me feel it.

15. We can take a 3 hour car drive in complete silence.

16. He's incredibly smart.

17. He smells good without cologne.

18. He defends my honor.

19. Despite his tough exterior, he's a big teddy bear.

20. He doesn't care if I post pictures like this online:

21. He won't complain when I listen to techno even though he hates it.

22. He'll do yoga with me.

23. On more than one occassion he's made a 2+ hour drive home in the wee hours of the morning so I wouldn't spend all night alone.

24. Everyone who meets him instantly loves him.

25. His kisses.

26. He's seen my fugly side and didn't run away screaming.

27. He likes to watch me go about my business when I have no idea he's looking.

28. He'll fix my computer every time I "break" it.

29. He's the first person to really see me for who I am (other than family).

30. He can always make me laugh. Even when I'm mad and don't want to.

31. He can admit when he's wrong, and even say he's sorry.

32. He can put me in my place when I'm out of line and still be respectful.

33. He finds my OCDness endearing. He's even taken to calling me his "little aviator".

34. He'd rather learn to do something than to pay someone to do it.

35. He enjoys a hot bubble bath for two.

36. Loving him has taught me how to really love myself.

37. He loves my feet.

38. He'll take me out so I can dance even though he doesn't care for the environment.

39. He's old fashioned and chivalrous.

40. He's a rockstar. See:

41. He always compliments my cooking even when I know it's not that great.

42. He checks with me before he makes plans with friends (not because he needs permission, he's just courteous like that).

43. He emails me at work with random humor and to tell me he loves me.

44. He's uber sweet with our dogs.

45. He sacrifices things he wants to give me things I want.

46. He likes to smell my hair.

47. He finds humor in inappropriate places.

48. He's probably the hardest worker I know.

49. He inspires me to be a better person.

50. With him, I've found true happiness.

51. His infectious laugh.

52. The way he speaks to me is different from how he speaks to anyone else.

53. He'll tell me if my outfit doesn't look good.

54. Despite the fact that he may be roasting, he won't fuss much over the thermostat in the winter.

55. With him I'm learning to ask myself "do I need it? or do I just want it?" when I'm shopping.

56. He's teaching me to be better at not taking anyones crap.

57. He'll listen to my stories. Even if I've told him the same story 3 times before.

58. He'll send me flowers at work, just because.

59. He lets me sleep in on the weekends despite the fact that if I was up first I'd probably wake him up.

60. He loves Scooby-Doo as much as I do:

61. He's just as excited about planning our wedding as I am.

62. He does what he can to help people.

63. He brags about me.

64. When my car gets real dirty, he'll wash it for me.

65. He encourages me to pursue my interests.

66. He trusts me to buy his clothes.

67. I feel safe with him, even when he's ridiculously drunk.

68. He sautees mushrooms for me.

69. Like me, he's just a kid trapped in a grown-ups body.

70. He's quite the smart-ass.

71. His nickname of choice: Cap'n Fishnets

72. An incredible piece of music can move him to tears.

73. He doesn't complain when I turn into the Recycling Police.

74. He calls me Bean.

75. He is slowly but surely teaching me patience.

76. He'll take silly photobooth pictures with me (blogger couldn't handle the odd size) =0/

77. His big ass hands make my big hands look small.

78. He lets me use him as my "man purse" when we go out.

79. He leaves the seat down, and I never even had to ask.

80. His "game face" when he plays video games:

81. He really doesn't care what other people think.

82. The man can cook.

83. With him, I look forward to growing old.

84. He understands that as much as I love the country, I'm a city girl.

85. He'll play in the rain with me.

86. He lets me touch him with my cold hands and feet so I can get warm.

87. The way he teases me.

88. We live a drama free life.

89. Despite that he likes the house to be cave like, he won't complain when I open up all the curtains and blinds to let the light in.

90. He gets me the most awesome-est gifts.

91. He loves to say "I'm huge in Japan".

92. He's all tatted up.

93. He's a peanut butter junkie like I'm a chocoholic (yin & yang, baby).

94. We can be at a party where we hardly see each other and then we'll have a blast swapping stories.

95. He's great with kids.

96. He understands that mornings suck and silence is best.

97. We never part without a kiss (or kisses) and an I love you.

98. He talks in his sleep.

99. He can put up with me in a way very few people have, and that was mostly family.

100. The way he looks at me:

We're SO Excited.....

About our new vacuum!

We both highly anticipated getting the package containing our new vaccum. We have two four legged babies, and the amount of dog hair and dirt was driving us crazy (mostly me). After a couple of uses, we're totally in love with this thing!

Yeah I know, we're dorks. Domesticated dorks.

Four Months!

We are exactly four months away from our wedding! FOUR MONTHS!!! While I am incredibly anxious to become "Mrs. Wendell Hess", I'm freaking out over how much still needs to be done in such a short amount of time. I swear it was only yesterday that we had eight months to go, and now we're at four.....FOUR!

Time is our biggest obstacle. With the many DIY projects for our wedding time is of the essence. We've been doing so much running around that most spare moments we have we are simply trying to catch our breath. We are currently a pair of freak outs. Wendell is freaking out over money and school while I freak out over decor, our ceremony/vows and our house never being as clean as I'd like it to be.

The main thing that keeps us going is the fact that no matter what happens, doesn't happen, or simply goes horribly wrong, at the end of our wedding day we will still be husband and wife. Well, as long as neither one of us has a heart attack from now until then!