One step away from being a barista...: The happiest day of my life!

I love telling this story! So. Much.

On September 14th, 2013, I woke up with my maiden name for the last time. My bridesmaids and I woke up to a boat going through the canal - we had a suite with a balcony facing the aerial lift bridge. It was pretty awesome! The sun was shining and all my favorite girls were with me. It was so surreal that I could hardly believe it was happening until it was over.

That morning we went down to grab breakfast from the hotel's continental breakfast. Two bridesmaids in front of me and two behind me to patrol and make sure the groom was no where to be seen...so he couldn't see me!

I had been waiting for this day since the Hubby and I met when we were sixteen-years-old. I know that it sounds a little ridiculous but, I think we both knew at an early stage in our relationship that we wanted to be together forever. Even though I was so excited, I still wanted to savor every second of that morning. My four best friends were making sure everything was going right and helping me get ready.

Normally, a bride is supposed to be freaking out and taking control of everything but, that didn't happen to me. I think it was because I knew that I had one of the best support systems. I had my bridesmaids who I know would do anything for me. I had some of the best moms helping out and making sure we had things we needed, LIKE LUNCH! I'm sure we would have forgotten to eat before the ceremony and I would have passed out during our six minute ceremony. I knew that my aunt would be at the ceremony waiting for me and that my in-laws were going to be so happy to have me as a daughter. Heck, they already treated me like one!

I remember arriving at the ceremony location and for a couple of minutes I felt the butterflies and had some nerves but, they passed when my aunt came back to meet me. I knew how happy my family was to see me get married and the Hubby's family and all of our friends.

The ceremony, in Lief Erickson Park, was short, sweet, and to the point. There was a short reading, a knot tying ceremony, we exchanged our written vows, and then the rings and we kissed. It was perfect for us. We tend not to be the center of attention and prefer things to be low-key. My sister-in-law officiated the ceremony. We didn't want someone we didn't know to do it because it wasn't personal enough for us. We asked her and she gladly accepted. It was truly one of the best gifts we got for our wedding.

After the ceremony, it was time to party. Well, there were countless pictures to be taken and we had a great photographer. Rachel Lee Photography did an exceptional job. She and her second shooter were the whole package.

The Hubby and his groomsmen.

Me and my bridesmaids!

The reception was at Clyde Iron Works in the west end of Duluth, MN. It is an old industrial building that has been remodeled into and event and restaurant center. It was a perfect venue for us. By itself it had enough character - minimal decoration was needed!

The staff at Clyde Iron was wonderful and very accommodating. Some of our guests have special dietary needs and they were happy to cater to them and our DJ had a technical issue he needed to fix so the staff at Clyde set up the microphone and speakers so we could do our speeches at dinner. Our DJ was fabulous and really knows how to throw a party! Jesse and I danced to "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds - it's such a pretty song.