bam - Pro! Long post :)

Here are some highlights I received from our AMAZING photographer this morning (thank you Nicole Bristow!) In addition, here's an overview of our wedding and our budget.

The day started out beautifully. I woke up and felt so at peace with everything and we went out to breakfast with Ethan's parents. The waitress was fantastic, you could tell she enjoyed her job. We got to the venue and I went to the Bridal suite to get ready while Ethan stayed downstairs and helped set up some before he went off to the Groom's room to get ready.

We did a first look, which I definitely recommend! It was perfect seeing him for the first time just the two (four I guess if you count our photographers!) of us, and our DOC actually captured it on video through a window so that was fun too. Our pre-ceremony photos went well overall, we got family shots and bridal party shots, although I didn't get a chance to get a photo with my girls in our robes so that was kind of sad but oh well. The flower girls were also being a little fussy so we didn't get a picture with all the flower girls and bridesmaids but again, they're 4, 3, 2, & 1 so I expected them to get fussy eventually.

The ceremony itself was perfect! The flower girls didn't want to walk alone, so Ethan held one, Tammy (MIL) held another and the other two walked behind them. It was so cute! Our vows were wonderful, I cried like I knew I would. Ethan's dad was a groomsman and I caught his eye and he was crying too, it was beautiful. I am so thankful that we did our own vows. We got lots of compliments on our officiant and ceremony, it only lasted maybe 25 minutes. We exited to Le Freak by CHIC and put on sunglasses then strutted back up the aisle to leave. Everyone loved it.

The reception had a couple of minor hiccups but nothing I would change! Our cake was supposed to have yellow & pink flowers on it but apparently one of the flowers was too heavy so they called and asked if they could change the colors. The lady in charge of bringing our cake was a long time friend and restaurant owner so I told her whatever she decided I trusted her judgement. The cake turned out even prettier than we originally thought, and we got lots of compliments on it (thank you Wall-Mart!) The pizza was supposed to come at 6:15 for us to eat at 6:45 but it didn't come until 6:45, no big deal, it came while we played our Shoe Game. During toasts, one of the champagne glasses got broken and I had to scoop up the 3 year old flower girl because she was running around barefoot but it got cleaned up within two minutes. We ended up not doing the Dollar Dance, which I was thankful for. Everything went so well and if you just relax and breathe throughout the day it will be great!

I'm only going to input important things in the budget, I'm not including gifts to people, cups & napkins, etc.

Budget: $9000

Actual: $8155.46

Venue: Rustic Grace Estate $1950

Tablecloth Rental: $339.37

Dress/Petticoat/Veil: David's Bridal $708.98

Alterations: $211.08

Shoes: Boot Barn $147.21

Invitations: Sister made $74.69

Flowers: Trader Joes DIY $113.41

Photographer: @CatherineNicolePhotography on Instagram, Nicole Bristow $1675

Cakes: Walmart $181.98

Pizza: Italian Villa $1216.68

Table Decorations: DIY $75

Groomsmen Ties: Mens Wearhouse $84.27

Officiant: Scott Ross (Family Friend) $150

Music: Spotify Premium $0

Walking Down the AisleTHE KISSMr & Mrs BrittainA PeekI CriedThe Brides CakeFirst DanceWho Spends More $Cake SmashingMr & Mrs BrittainThe First Dance

DetailsThe Rings (in the box made by my FIL)3/4 of our Flower GirlsWaitingMom & IMy ManThe bridal partyFamilyYou + MeYou Spin Me 'RoundFirst LookKiss!