One perfect day

The day before my wedding I was a hot mess. I had so much anxiety in the evening I was running up and down the aisles at Winco trying to calm my racing heart. To say I didn't sleep much that night would be an understatement, but when I finally got out of bed Friday morning I was as calm as could be. Nervous but not anxious. Julie and Jamee did a fantastic job on my hair and makeup and I was almost ready on time. 😉 Bryan was a bit anxious when he came in and I was still eating breakfast, but we still made it to the temple 20 minutes early.
Everything went smoothly once we arrived. Both our dads were there and ready to sign the paperwork. Mom helped me get ready and then I went out to meet Bryan. We went up to the Celestial room and sat there together for a long time. Then we went and met with our sealer. As expected he was very old, but as not expected he was very long winded. We sat with him for about 10 minutes listening to what he had to tell us and were excited when he led us into the sealing room filled with our family and friends. Unfortunately, he then proceeded to repeat everything he had just told us to our room of people. We were definitely ready to get on with it. 😂😂
Sometimes I think I'm going to have to fake a reaction for pictures. I thought that when I got engaged and when we did pictures and I thought that leaving the temple I'd need to give an extra boost to my smile just so people would be sure to know how happy I was, but wouldn't you know it, when you're really happy your face can communicate that all on it's own without any extra help. 😄

It was a little warm outside the temple and there was complaining from the peanut gallery for sure, but I enjoyed myself. Sure we were squinting, but unfortunately that's the only place at the temple that has leveled steps to accommodate a wedding party as large as ours, so I tried not to be irritated by the comments being made and just enjoy myself.
Katie recruited some of my friends to go help her at the church with the final preparations for the luncheon. She opened up the doors to try and help the smell from the newly refinished gym floor at the church and she did a great job of easing that burden from my load. I have really awesome friends.

 The reception was the thing that dreams are made of. I could not have asked for a more perfect party celebrating our wedding. John and Jill went above and beyond, making their backyard a summer reception dreamland.

Our families did so much work getting everything all set up. The ice cream machines were heavy and somewhat of a pain to get up and going, but having the ice cream was just what I hoped it would be. I was told the cookies and mini cupcakes were delish, but I only got to sample one, thanks to my cute little "nephew" Hyram, who kept coming up to me "aunt Cathy, can I do this? aunt Cathy, do you see this? aunt Cathy did you know this? aunt Cathy, do you want this little cupcake?" So. Freaking. Adorable. 😍
As per the usual, aunt Tammy delivered a cake that was exactly what I asked for. She and her family did so much to help. I just love them and I'm so grateful for the relationship we have built over my lifetime.

Really Bryan's family and my family made everything possible in the execution of my plans. I really have hit the jackpot in the in-law department. I love this text Jill sent the day before our wedding that one of her kids said "dude, we're getting a new aunt tomorrow!!!!" All the heart eyes.😍 I seriously love those kids.
I was so surprised and felt so loved by all the people who came to the reception. Sometimes I feel like I really don't have that many friends, but it's a lie I tell myself. I have SO many dear, dear people in my life. Friends who drove hundreds of miles, a friend who flew from Texas, old roommates, teacher friends, old bishops, mission companions and my mission president, high school friends, one of my second graders and two of my fifth graders, seriously every time I looked up my mouth dropped and I did a little happy dance to see who had come to celebrate with us. It was honestly the best day ever.