I can’t believe the weekend’s festivities have already come to a close for us. Bo and I are sipping smoothies at the Orlando Airport right now, waiting on our 12:15 flight back to New York City. After 3 straight weeks of travel, we chose an early flight over the wedding brunch. While we so wish we could review the night’s events with the wedding party and friends but sometimes an afternoon at home, especially on a Sunday, wins.

Meghann has happily told all wedding guests that she has no issues with us sharing pictures via our social media outlets over the next few days. I love this idea as it allows she and Derek to enjoy this time while also sharing some first glimpse of the wedding day with those who were there physically and in spirit along with those who have read about her planning via her blog for the past year.

Before the Wedding

After the run and breakfast, the bridesmaids and mothers spent the morning relaxing together at Meghann’s house while we all had our hair and makeup done. I really enjoyed this time with everyone as it gave us some down time together in between the excitement of the rehearsal and the wedding. Over the course of four hours we each had our makeup done by a local Mary Kay consultant who had done Meghann’s makeup trials previously. She was really friendly and asked a lot of questions to ensure that she did our makeup in a way that we would each like.  In addition, the woman who did Meghann’s hair trials came and did up do’s for each of us. She happily obliged Pintrest inspired requests and took her time, ensuring that she used plenty of bobby pins and spray so our hair would withhold the hours of photographs, dancing, and humidity.  While Meghann didn’t require any of us to get our makeup or hair done we all chose to enjoy the luxury of having someone else do our hair and makeup. We were also able to don our bridesmaids gifts, personalized cotton waffle weave robes, during this time. I loved the robe as I do not have one and it is the perfect weight and length for everyday use!

We hung our dresses up so they could get some air and would be ready to go once our hair and makeup was done. This also allowed us time to make sure everyone had their boots, socks, necklaces, sweaters, and any other needed accessories. By coincidence, we all wore pearl earrings with our outfits which worked perfectly!

In case you’re interested, our bridesmaids outfit included cowboy boots of our choice, matching gray cardigans from American Eagle which were on sale during the holidays, and navy JCrew bridesmaids dresses which we found on sale earlier this year. The dresses were flattering on each of our figures due to the V-neck and loose, flowing cut.

Around 3pm we headed over to the wedding venue, Birdsong Barn, for Meghann and Derek’s first look followed by bridal party and family pictures. Due to the early sunset this time of year, they opted to do majority of the photographs before the wedding which also would allow for them to spend most of their time enjoying the wedding versus taking pictures. We were worried when the breeze picked up around 3pm, as the Weather Channel had predicted rain to begin at 3pm. Each minute that passed during pictures rain free was truly a blessing and Meghann wouldn’t let anyone talk about the weather until pictures were over!

Once the bridesmaid photos were done I was able to captures a few candid shots of the family and groomsmen shots.

 

Just as guests started to arrive, the photo session ended allowing us time to grab some water, food, and a quick rest in the bridal suite before the wedding.

Okay, maybe it allowed time for swig of rum too, courtesy of the guys.

Finally, it was time to walk down the aisle!

I’ll be back later with Part 2, the wedding ceremony and reception!