Saturday, July 23, 2011 marks the happiest day of my life.
Photo by www.mariearummel.com
You hear newlyweds gush about how their wedding day was exactly this, and yes, I knew that I was going to be happy. But what I didn’t realize was just how insanely perfect the day would be and how I’m still grinning ear to ear because of it. So here’s what I consider my “brief” recap, complete with my personal snapshots. I’ll share the professional photos once they’re done!
The morning started with all of the bridal party and moms gushing over what the day would soon become, hair, and make-up, all in a suite that my mom had generously reserved and decorated. Calm, cool and relaxed, we enjoyed the morning sipping mimosas and getting gussied up.
With hair and make-up starting at 10 a.m. and people mocking my 13-page event schedule, I thought there would be plenty of time until the bigger moment would come. But as one would guess, 1:30 was there before you knew it and it was time to get in my dress. With my hair and make-up finished, my teeth brushed, and any other miniscule duties that I could do finished, my bridesmaids began to help me slip into the Vera Wang gown.
At that moment, it hit me. My heart began to anxiously flutter, my skin became blotchy and my stomach lost its cool. I wasn’t nervous to marry Chicken Face, but instead, the same anxiety I get before meeting a new client or when you go on a job interview consumed me. At that exact moment I realized that it was real – a year and a half later it was actually happening.
The zipper flawlessly went up and in a moment, I had been transformed from a sweaty 20-something runner chic, to a woman who was ready to marry her best friend.
The next few hours flew by. The girls and I jumped in a limo to take us to the museum, where I was hidden in a room so Chicken Face or any of the guests couldn’t see me. The photographer snapped photos, we drank more champagne, and most importantly, I saw my dad for the first time.
When I saw him, any strength that I had mustered to hold it together flew right out the window. In that moment, we both realized that I was all grown up and my dad would be walking me down the aisle. I still don’t have the right words for this moment…
Soon, the coordinator grabbed the bridal party, as we were ready to start. They left to walk down the aisle as my dad and I stayed behind and hidden. The nerves started to build again and within minutes, it was our turn.
We stood in the penthouse area of the museum rooftop and for the first time, I was able to look out and see all of our friends and family there to support Chicken Face and I, and at the end of the aisle was a very special man.
Cue music.
Cue father.
Go time.
We walked, smiled and may have even shed a tear, but as my father kissed me goodbye and I grabbed Chicken Face’s hand, all of those nerves that had been building disappeared. It was just us. Just like it always has been. I immediately felt calm, safe and excited all at once.
Chicken Face and I wanted to ensure that the ceremony was as personal as possible (especially given the 95 degree temperature, we didn’t want to bore people to tears), so we opted to write our own vows in little moleskin journals so we could keep them forever. As Chicken Face read his vows, I struggled holding back the tears…they were simply the best part of the ceremony. Then, it was my turn to recite mine and I hoped that they would mean as much to him and his did to me.
After the personal vows, our minister read the three (err…five) things we each submitted as to the top reasons why we love each other. Another personal touch that brought on the water works as well. Twenty-five minutes in the heat felt like 60 seconds on the beach, as it was perfect in every way imaginable.
We said our “I Do’s” and were soon pronounced husband and wife. We kissed, we smiled and it was the best moment of my life.
From the beginning, I was sure to heed the advice I had received multiple times: the day will go so fast, make sure you live in and enjoy every moment…and I did just that.
From the photos, to the reception, the cake, toasts, first dance, father daughter dance, bouquet toss, garter toss, candy bar, the dinner, the toast, and everything in between, we made sure to look around and embrace everyone, every moment and each other. Everything about it was absolutely perfect and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
Chicken Face and I wanted to say a big thank you to our families and friends who came to love and support us, and to all of you for your amazingly sweet words! I read every single comment and tweet to him and he would smile right along side me.
Also, a big thank you to Alicia Bybee, from Ethan Douglas Salon who did my hair and teased it like no other! Our photographer, Mariea Rummel, who is not only an amazing photographer but an all-around great person. And my good friend from high school and our videographer, Brian Rowe. I can’t WAIT to see the final products from both of them and I’d highly recommend you guys reach out to them if you’re interested! Here’s the sneak peek he made…
All in all, everything was absolutely perfect and I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Love.
AHHHHHHH I am in love with this post but not as much as I am in love with that day. Like you said it was just so perfect and I am still so happy and honored to be a part of a day that you will never forget. You were SO STUNNING and everything just was simply perfect, especially the way you two looked at each other and for the lack of a better term, you could just feel the love <3 CONGRATS again!!!!!
I love the wedding hair you decided to go for! You look so beautiful and happy! So happppeeee for you
Page! This is amazing! Congrats! (I’ll stop using exclamation points now…) You look so beautiful and (more importantly) so happy! So glad you had an awesome day where things went smoothly and you had a great time. Love it.
I love everything about this. The part of the video with your parents brought tears to my eyes. You made such a beautiful bride, and what a gorgeous wedding you had! Best wishes for a life of laughter and love!
It looks like it was totally perfect! You both look so incredibly HAPPY and I’m thrilled for you!!
Congrats! Looks like a wonderfully special day!
You looked GORGEOUS! Chicken Face is one lucky guy! I am so happy to hear you had a wonderful day
Omg! I’m getting married in march and my dad hasn’t seen and will not see my dress till that day, I’m almost more nervous for him to see me then my fiancé! That made me shed a tear watching your dad! Wow! Awesome video !
WOWWWWW Page I am soooo happy for you!!! this post was beautiful! LOVED that video – I cried too! can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures! you looked stunning!
xoxox
I’m so glad you had such a great day! Congratulations!! Your video is going to be amazing, that sneak peak had me in tears!
OMG, this is so amazingly awesome!!!! Looks like it was such a special day
And you, my friend, make an absolutely stunning bride! 
Stunning! Better than Boston? Just kidding. you look so happy!
I’ve watched that video 4 times now. I will note the reasons for my obsession: 1) your beauty. what the FRICK!? get out of here, not cool. 2) your dress. I don’t want to know how much it cost, but holy heck it was worth it. Never seen anything like it. 3) your dad. no words. My dad never shows emotion, I’m really jealous. 4) when you dance. Dayyum, girl can MOVE in that dress! I love it.
I’m very happy for you. The day was clearly perfect, and chickenface is so fortunate to have you
Beautiful. Choked me up a little there, not gonna lie.
Congrats.
Awwww, this made me smile. The photos are so genuine and real — it’s just so clear that you truly enjoyed your day and are so happy. That’s how it should be.
Wonderful. Wonderful. And wonderful. Congrats to the happy couple. Cheers.
Gorgeous!!! And I love love love the video!
My dearest sweet Page,
I love you so very much and think of your wedding so often. I cry because I am so happy for the both of you. I cry because I miss you so very much. I cry because God gave me such awonderful daughter and friend. You give me so much pride and pleasure. I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter. Thank you Page in more was then you’ll ever know.
I love you Page. “As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.”
Page!! You look amazing!!! And moat importantly, happy!!!! Congratulations!! The pictures are so pretty and the video!!! Your hair, gown, smile, everything was perfect!!!!
I couldn’t be more happy for you Mrs chicken face & I can’t wait for my turn. I’m so glad I read this because I just got 100 times more excited!!!!! Love love love
Congratulations! You looked beautiful! I’m glad you enjoyed every moment – it is amazing how fast the day goes. I also had the hardest time seeing my dad – part of being a daddy’s girl!
You look SO beautiful and over the moon happy! I hope you both have the world’s most wonderful happily ever after. Congrats you gorgeous newlywed!!
Congratulations! So glad you had the perfect day that you wanted! You look beautiful and you both look so happy in all the photos. And I really like the one with Lola!
Soooo I JUST watched your video. I cried. And that was only the sneak peak?! I’m pretty sure you are going to have an amazing final product. So beautiful.
You looked stunning and so happy you had such an amazing wedding. Love love loved your hair.
What a gorgeous wedding Page, but more importantly, a gorgeous bride, both inside and out!! Love you and thanks for letting me be a part of your big day as it was spectacular!!
Congrats you two! Absolutely beautiful, thanks for sharing!
You were a gorgeous bride. LOVE love love your dress. Thanks for making me cry!
Congratulations, you two! You look perfect!
You were a gorgeous bride! What a beautifully written post. I am so happy it was everything you could have ever wanted. I LOVE the picture with your pup on your dress – so cute!!
Congrats and I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness!
You were SUCH a gorgeous bride!!! Congrats again. I loved your recap
Beautiful photos, and the venue looks spectacular. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!
congrats!!! everything looks amazing
Page, you and Chicken Face are gorgeous. Chris King just came by my desk and got to see some of the pix — he remembers you very fondly. You’re going to have a fabulous life together. Congratulations.
So gorgeous! I’m glad everything went well and your day was incredible!
Your dad made me tear up a little bit
Everything looked absolutely beautiful and I just wish I could have been there to share the day with you! You looked so happy and I’m so happy for you and Chicken Face!
I still remember when you got engaged and it seems like time has just flown by since then! 
<3 you
Page, you look absolutely stunning! So glad the new dress worked for you! And that video was amazing! Enjoy the honeymoon =)
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous Miss Page! You look so happy, this is awesome!
Congrats on everything! I hope you enjoyed the whole day.
That video was indeed awesome, my favorite part was “Game time! You ready? Up top!”
I love the picture of you taking a picture of the cake, lol
Sounds like it was an amazing day, glad that it was as awesome as you imagined it to be.
Congratulations to you both. What an incredibly perfect day. You looked stunning and just SO happy. Congrats again.
You looked GORGEOUS!! Congratulations!
how freakin’ gorgeous are you?!?!?!?!? geez louise. and the dress. I die. No wait, I’m dead.
So beautiful Page! I was smiling from ear to ear the entire time I was reading this post! congratulations to you and CF!! I wish you many years of happiness and health together!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your dress, its so gorgeous. You look amazing in all the pics the makeup and hair is perfect! So happy for you both!
Congrats!! You look so pretty!!! What an amazing dress!! Seriously you look like a model! I hope you two have a very happy life together
You. Are. Gorgeous.
Oh my gracious, this whole post just brought tears to my eyes. It is all just so beautiful. Congratulations, sweet girl! And that video clip – just precious.
Such an touching recap of an amazing day! You looked beautiful! Congratulations to the both of you! And Lola too!
WOW! you look GORGEOUS and so happy! beautiful recap – definitely brought a few tears to my eyes : ) i’m glad your day was everything you’d hoped for. congratulations mrs!
You two look absolutely amazing and I adore your dress. It’s perfect! What a great day! So many got married on July 23rd – my parents, my friends…
Thank you for sharing your most important day with us! I really enjoy your blog and am honored to know you think so highly of your audience. Best wishes for a happy future Mr. and Mrs. Chicken Face!
Congratulations!
You look absolutely stunning!!
I love your dress and the video is sooo sweet! It captures the moment and your emotions perfectly! Congrats!
Congrats on your wedding Page! Your dress and pictures were simply stunning
Cheers!
This post was so beautiful and so perfect. And I teared up watching the video of you and your dad. Congratulations again!!!
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I love your dress and I love the colors from your wedding. You look so beautiful. Congratulations!
OH MY GOSH! You look gorgeous! What a great day!
Oh what a perfect day! I’m so happy that it all came together better than you imagined in your dreams. Congratulations!!!!!!!
You are absolutely stunning!! The entire day just looks amazing and perfect. I (finally) got to go back and watch the video and it is so cute and touching. I teared up during the part when your dad saw you for the first time. Amazing.
I’m glad to hear you had such a wonderful day. Congratulations!!
I have no idea why it took me so long to read this but I have to tell you that video has me in tears right now. Literally (but I’m a huge sap) and I think you just convinced me to hire a videographer.
You look so beautiful. LOVE the hair. and the gown. everything. just gorgeous.
OMG!!! You are G O R G E O U S!! Your dress is Gorgeous!! The whole thing is Gorgeous! Love it and the video made me tear up. I can’t wait to see more pictures of your special day. Congratulations!
Congratulations! I’ve been out of town and am just now catching up with your blog. You look so pretty, and the new dress is absolutely stunning! Looks and sounds like it was an absolutely perfect day. Congrats again!
PS-I am totally in awe of the fact that you ran a half-marathon the day after your wedding. You are some kind of superwoman! Xoxo
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