Beach Bliss: We Get Ready

Since tomorrow is my 2 year wedding anniversary, I thought I'd take a detour from baby blogging and bring it back to where it all started. I founded this here blog after my husband and I got married so I never really got a chance to recap that amazing day. Bear with me as I relive my wedding? :)

On May 2, 2010, I woke up bright and early at the beach house I was staying at with my bridesmaids and wondered out onto the beach by myself. It was nice to have a moment of solitude after the craziness of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. At this point, everything was done. All the DIY projects were finished, the coordinator had her to do list, the officiant was prepared and all I had to do was be the bride. My job as wedding planner was officially over.

I returned back to the house and found several people had begun to stir, the coffee was made and my girlfriends were preparing to head back outside to soak up the sun. Once our bathing suits were on, we couldn't resist sitting on the beach, watching the surf and yelling to passers-by that today was my wedding day. I got a lot of cheers and congrats and before I knew it, it was time to get ready.

My bridesmaids and I jumped in the car and headed over to the hair salon. Luckily, the owner was gracious enough to open her shop on a Sunday for us (when she would normally be closed) and was doing us a huge favor because my previous hair stylist bailed on me 2 weeks before the wedding. They were amazing and accommodating and let us rock out and drink wine. An amazing way for me transform into a bride.

My sister and matron of honor, Heather, and my cousin Nicole. 

Katie, my maid of honor and my cousin Kristin.

My pretty momma.

Meanwhile, the boys were already at the ceremony site, the Roanoke Island Aquarium in Manteo, and were beginning to get handsome.

The groom-to-be

My daddy, getting ready to walk me down the aisle.

(From left to right) Donnie, Tim, my groom Kevin, and his brother, Gary

After the boys finished getting dressed, my husband slipped away for a moment to gather his thoughts and read his wedding vows. This is by far one of my favorite pictures of the day. Our photographer snuck up on him and caught him on camera.

Once the girls and I had our hair done and make-up on, we drove a few miles up the road to the aquarium where we got dressed and ready to party. 

It took all five bridesmaids to get me in my gown because it was too big for me. They laced me up within an inch of my life!

After the gown was on, my perfect pink shoes were next and finally, the camo garter my husband had custom made. I figured since the entire wedding was pink, I'd give in and let him have the garter he wanted. ;)

Then I took one last look in the mirror, touched up my make-up and it was time...

Next thing I knew, I was arm in arm with my dad and I was walking towards my husband...

(to be continued)