Ever Ours: The Details

The dress. Sigh. I loved his dress. I loved the Alencon lace, the way it highlighted my waist and decolletage, the little train. It was a bit heavy for an Arizona summer wedding, but I didn’t want to sacrifice my dreams for a little heat. I have since had this dress preserved, and I hope that my daughter one day considers using some of the lace as a part of her wedding ensemble.

I have a secret. My perfect garter purchased from Etsy. Yeah, I didn’t wear it. It was too hot and itchy. It came off after pictures. And we skipped the garter toss. Which I totally regret.

My sister Kristen’s updo. I just told the stylist to make the girls’ hair a little bit looser and highlight the Black Baccara rose. The roses were actually a last-minute addition, and I think they make the look. My bridesmaids were so beautiful.

My shrug. I knew from the moment I got engaged (before that, actually) that I wanted an Alencon lace gown with cap sleeves. But when you go wedding gown shopping, almost every dress is strapless. If I had found a dress with cap sleeves already on, I probably would have bought it, but this shrug, which I had custom made off Etsy, helped me create the look I wanted.

My goofy niece Maddy playing around in our Bridal Suite. It was probably too early for her to get there when she did. Note to brides: flower girls and junior bridesmaids do not have the patience to hang out with grown-ups all day. We might have champagne to amuse us, but they need something more. Plan for them to arrive when the bride is starting to get her gown on.

My sexy best friend Lauren and gorgeous stepsister Lisa lounging in our Bridal Suite while everyone else (including me) got our hair done. The alcohol was flowing, but unfortunately I chose not to partake. Big mistake! I didn’t want to get blotchy, but now I wish I had a couple of nerve-soothing bevs.

My makeup artist Maureen is amazeballs. She has been doing my makeup for 9 years. Before you start thinking I’m some famous celebrity who needs their own makeup artist, I’ll explain–she did my makeup for Senior Prom, my sister Kristen’s Debutante Ball, Bryan’s homecoming from Iraq, and now my wedding. So really, she is my go-to girl for any special occasion. She listens so well, takes her time, is a perfectionist, and does some killer things for eyes.

Here she is again. I love the black and white shots–so timeless.

I loved my shoes. I wanted a shot of color for under my dress, and I loved the fact that they carried the rose theme down to my toes.

I like this detail shot of my dress because you can really see the pattern of the Alencon lace, and the beautiful ribbon sash that really cinched in my waist.

My next recaps: Bryan’s getting ready shots, and me getting in my dress.