Saturday started out overcast and gray with a projected forecast of rain throughout the day. We didn’t have time to think about the weather though – we had a wedding and a reception to prepare. My sister left the house by 8:00 to do some last minute things to get ready and the rest of us finished our to-do items as well. By 11:30 am we were showered and ready and waiting at the house for the bride.
She arrived with her hair freshly coiffed by the hair stylist.
Then it was my turn. We had not previously practiced make-up and my sister doesn’t actually wear much make-up so I was a little nervous about doing it wrong.
Thankfully everything turned out well and she looked gorgeous as always. It helps that she is beautiful with or without makeup.
It was time to head to the temple. We wanted to allow plenty of time just in case there was traffic (one never knows with the DC area) so we left around 12:30. We made it with time to spare so we walked around and took a few pictures first.
The wedding was scheduled to take place at 2:00, but it was a little after two before everyone was seated in the chapel. I walked out quickly to help find a restroom for someone when I saw my sister as she was about to walk in. She came over to me, got up close, and with eyes as large as saucers said, “I’m nervous.” Then her eyes started watering as she did her best not to cry. I tried to calm her nerves by assuring her that it was normal to feel that way - I reminded her how nervous I had been and how I made it through so I knew that she could do it. My mom walked over and said the same thing to her and assured her that she would be fine. After a minute or two, my sister’s humor returned and she started making jokes. That’s when I realized that all was well and she would be fine. But it was one of my favorite memories of the day – my little sister needed me in that moment and I’m so glad I was able to be there.
The ceremony was beautiful as were the bride and groom. Tears were shed by many people. It was a good thing the CPA had a handkerchief with him because I was one of the biggest criers of them all. After the ceremony, we spent several minutes redoing the makeup that had been smudged by the tears. And then she was ready to be presented with her new husband.
By this time, the weather had changed and the sun we had earlier had disappeared. In fact, it looked like we were going to have rain at any moment.
Thankfully, the rain didn’t come and the photographer was able to get plenty of pictures. She started with group photos of the friends so that they could leave first.
Then came the pictures with the family – such as the picture of the bride with her dad.
And of course the bride and her mother…
and the siblings.
There were more pictures with the groom’s parents
and family
and then the photographer escaped with the bride and groom to take some portraits.
The rest of us headed to the reception site as there was still a lot of work to be done to get ready for the evening ahead.
(to be continued)
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