Wedding Day Countdown Revisited: Top 10 Moments (Part Two)

Here, the conclusion of my top 10 recap, in which I’m revealing each anticipated moment the way I first imagined it, and then the way it turned out in real life!

#6 -- Exchanging a kiss and leading the recessional, after we’re at last pronounced husband and wife

I felt so much joy in these brief moments, even though our priest made a couple last-minute mistakes and I had to lead the recessional without my bouquet.

#7 -- Our first dance, the result of many lessons, lots of hard work, and our truly working together as a team

Without a doubt, this was one of my favorite moments! Though my heavy and long gown did throw us off just slightly, we made it through our entire routine to resounding cheers and applause from our guests. It was so much fun!

#8 -- Watching the amazing slideshows my bridesmaids have lovingly created through hours of dedication

I may have had tears in my eyes while walking down the aisle, but I was fully crying by the time my bridesmaid Pooneh’s slideshow was finished. Her perfect fusion of pictures and songs meant the world to me.

#9 -- Dancing the night away with friends and loved ones I haven’t seen in ages

Fun, fun, fun! We really made the most of our dance time!

#10 -- Sneaking off with Stephen for a private walk where we’ll reflect upon all that the day has meant and how our lives have forever changed

While we didn’t have a chance to take a walk entirely by ourselves, we did spend a few minutes alone in the bride’s room at the reception site during cocktail hour. We’d originally planned to join our guests, but after the frantic pace of taking photos out in the hot sun, and the emotional nature of the ceremony, we both needed just a few minutes to unwind. Plus, during our sunset photo shoot, our photographers took a step back, giving us our “moment.”

Do you or did you hope to steal a private moment with your husband during the reception?

(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography)

Wedding Day Countdown Revisited: Top 10 Moments (Part One)

Back when I still had 100 days to go until my walk down the aisle, I shared the 10 special wedding day moments I was most looking forward to. How did they shape up now that all is said and done? Read on!

#1 -- Finally stepping into the gown of my dreams, with my mom and sister right there beside me to share the moment

Looking back, things got a little rushed as the time suddenly started to slip away more and more quickly that afternoon, but the anticipation and build-up alone made this such an exciting moment.

#2 -- Glancing in the mirror and seeing myself as a “bride” for the first time.

Honestly, I don’t even remember my first glance in the mirror, though I’m sure I must have looked! After slipping into the dress, I was way too excited and eager to join my bridesmaids, who had all gathered in the next room. The girls made it even more fun by cheering and clapping as I made my entrance!

#3 -- Our private “first look,” shared only with each other, our photographer, and our videographer

I loved our “first look,” though it didn’t feel as private as I’d hoped, since I really couldn’t shut out the presence of the photographer and videographer. Plus, I could sense our wedding party watching us through the tinted windows of the room where they stood waiting! Still, it was a beautiful moment that helped both Stephen and I feel much more relaxed.

#4 -- Joining the rest of the wedding party to take pre-ceremony photos and video footage at the beautiful Gardens of the World

This site was truly incredible, and though we were only there about half an hour, some of my favorite pictures from the day came out of this shoot. The entire wedding party had a blast thanks to Alex, our fun and hilarious photographer.

#5 -- Walking down the aisle to the processional tune from The Sound of Music, with my mom and dad at my side

This was the most surreal moment of the day for me, and one of the few moments when I actually had tears in my eyes. And guess what? I don’t remember hearing the song at all! I recall hearing music playing in the background, but for all I know, the pianist could have been pounding out “Yankee Doodle” or something equally silly. This is one experience I can’t wait to watch back on video!

Married ladies, did your most-anticipated moments work out the way you’d planned? Engaged girls, which big day experiences are you most looking forward to?

(Photo Credits: Damien Smith Photography & Alex Neumann Photography)

Bicoastal Newlyweds

It’s official, friends! We’re married, and are off this morning to start our weeklong honeymoon cruise around the Hawaiian Islands.

I am so touched by all of the beautiful wedding wishes you’ve sent my way throughout the past week, and it means so much to have your support during such a happy time in our lives. I can’t wait to share the story of our incredible wedding day with you all as soon as we get back!

Much love and a fabulous weekend to you all! Until next time, here’s where I’ll be cooling my newly married heels…

(Photo Credit: Google Images)

Incredible Day!

Where do I start? We had a fabulous wedding day! I wish I'd had more time to blog, but the day flew by! I loved every minute, though, and here are some iPhone photos we managed to snap. Much better shots to follow soon, including of me in my gown! (The iPhone shots won't cut it! LOL!) 

Hair & Makeup Time!

My awesome stylist is getting started with my hair! 

Wedding Day Reflections

Today is my wedding day.

Five years ago, I left my home, friends, and the only life I’d ever known to move across the country to chase a dream in Washington, D.C. I had a fabulous job and new acquaintances, but I was lonely.

Four years ago, my friend Bridget came to town and introduced me to her college buddy who had also just moved to D.C. His name was Stephen, and I gave him a tour of the Capitol one Friday afternoon. We went to dinner and talked for hours. It wasn’t long before I called him mine.

Fourteen months ago, Stephen pledged to love me for the rest of his life when he asked me to marry him on a beautiful April evening, with the fresh beauty of springtime alive all around us. Overwhelmed and overjoyed, I offered the same pledge in return.

One year ago, I chose to transform my health and my life by running, eating healthily, and focusing on how strong my body can be when I challenge myself, believe in myself, and never give up. All the while, Stephen was there, right beside me, helping me move forward when I just wanted to quit. In these moments, we were truly at our best as a team.

Nine months ago, I began to share my love of weddings and my passion for writing by blogging about my journey. The support, encouragement, friendship and opportunities I’ve gained through this experience have been nothing short of amazing. I am grateful for every minute, and love the new direction my life has taken as a result.

Two months ago, at an outdoor wine festival one lovely Saturday afternoon, I forgot to slather sunscreen onto my fair skin. Ever selfless and compassionate, Stephen shielded me from the sun throughout the day, which ended in a terrible sunburn that left him in pain throughout the week that lay ahead. But he never complained, because he did it for me.

Today, at long last, I’ll make a promise to this gentle, sincere and loving man, my dearest friend, who I know will stand by my side forever.

And tomorrow, our best days will lie ahead of us.

Stephen, you fill my heart with joy and inspiration. Sharing my life with you is a wonderful gift that I will always give thanks for. I dreamed about you and wrote stories about you long before I ever met you. I love you, and I just can’t wait to marry you.

Live From Our Rehearsal Dinner!

Less than 24 hours until I am a Mrs.! :)

Wedding Week Countdown: It’s Showtime!

Well, I’ve been saying it and thinking it throughout the week, but this is the real deal! I’m about to trade “bicoastal bride” for “bicoastal newlywed” in just one short day. Wow!

The tuxes are ready to go, my gown is pressed and hanging, and in just a few hours, we’ll be heading out to our rehearsal at the church, followed by dinner at Buca di Beppo. We’ll be loading up all the trinkets and DIY projects we’ve put so much time and effort into, and we’ll soon be making our practice walk down the aisle.

I feel excited yet relaxed, eager to get my nails done and greet all of our guests who are arriving into town today. The weather is beautiful, everything is done and ready to go, and from this point on, I plan to just take it all in, enjoy the moment, and roll with the punches should anything go wrong. This day is ours, and nothing that happens will change that or bring us down.

For wedding day updates tomorrow, feel free to check out the Bicoastal Bride page on Facebook, and follow @Bicoastal_Bride on Twitter. Maybe I’ll even manage to sneak in a little blogging here and there with the help of my trusty iPhone!

Until then...

(Photo Credit: Kellie Warren)

Wedding Week Countdown: Sweet ‘Somethings’

On my wedding day, I’ll be a classic bride with my…

Something Old

The gorgeous heirloom diamond in my engagement ring, which belonged to Stephen’s late grandmother, Jan.

Something New

My Alfred Angelo wedding gown!

Something Borrowed

My sister’s cute ivory clutch.

Something Blue

The tiny bow on the inside of my garter, which is a wedding day surprise for the groom!

What are your special “somethings”?

Wedding Week Countdown: Perfecting Our Photo Shot List

At long last, it’s time for our final two meetings before the big day!

We’ll talk with both our photographer and videographer this afternoon, reviewing the timeline and making final arrangements. Sure, we worked out all the vital details months ago, but there’s no way I’m letting our wedding day arrive without giving them both lists of the key moments we want captured on film.

A shot list is helpful to the photographer because it explains exactly what the bride and groom want captured. It’s equally helpful to the couple, as it ensures all of the most important memories are preserved.

Here, a glimpse at some of the highlights on our photo list.

Portraits

• Bride
• Groom
• Bride and groom
• Bride, with bridesmaids’ bouquets circling her face
• Groom with best man
• Groom with groomsmen
• Bride with maid of honor/sister
• Bride with bridesmaids
• Entire wedding party
• Bride with parents
• Bride with mother and sister
• Bride with mother, father and sister
• Groom with parents
• Groom with mother, father and sisters
• Groom with sisters
• Bride and groom with both families
• Bride and groom with groom’s family
• Bride and groom with bride’s family
• Bride and groom with both sets of parents
• Bride with grandparents
• Groom with grandparents
• Bride and groom with grandparents
• Bride and groom with both sets of siblings

Pre-Ceremony

• Bride, attendants and mothers getting ready
• Groom, attendants and fathers getting ready
• “First look” and portrait shots at Gardens of the World
• Ceremony site setup, with guests arriving and being seated

Ceremony

• Groom walking down aisle with parents
• Groom awaiting bride at front of church
• Best man walking down aisle
• Bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down aisle
• Maid of honor walking down aisle
• Wedding party awaiting bride at front of church
• Bride walking down aisle with parents, front view
• Bride walking down aisle with parents, back view of train
• Parents and grandparents watching the ceremony
• Exchange of rings and vows
• Readers speaking at podium
• Wedding kiss
• Bride and groom leading recessional
• Bride and groom’s hands displaying rings

Reception

• Bride and groom riding in golf cart
• Guests enjoying cocktail hour
• Dining room, set for dinner
• Entrance table setup and décor
• Cake and cake table décor
• Cake toppers
• Grand entrance of parents, wedding party, and bride and groom
• Bride and groom’s first dance
• Group pictures of guests at each table
• Bride and groom visiting guest tables
• Toasts being given, with bride and groom listening
• Slideshow, with bride and groom watching
• Guests dancing
• Bride and groom toasting their guests
• Bride and groom cutting cake
• Anniversary dance and slideshow
• Bouquet toss
• Garter removal and toss
• Group photo of our hardworking vendors

Are you giving your photographer or videographer a shot list? What are the top photos you just can’t live without?

Wedding Week Countdown: With This Ring…

Stephen, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Heather, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

In just four days, Stephen and I will stand before our family members and friends as we speak these simple yet powerful words to one another. It all feels so close, and yet still so surreal.

I can’t wait.

(Photo Credit: Stephen Walrath)

Wedding Week Countdown: Up, Up & Away!

First, a big congratulations to Hannah from A Very Gator Wedding who’s tying the knot this weekend! I hope you have a fabulous day, filled with all the fun wedding ideas you’ve shared with us! :)

As for me, this is it! Stephen and I are off to the airport, wedding gown and honeymoon luggage in hand, with less than a week to go until our big day!

Now, you’d think that given all of the bags we’re toting along – including everything for the week before the wedding, the wedding itself, and the honeymoon – we’d be prepared to pay a hefty number of luggage-check fees before we board the plane. But we’re not worried at all. Not in the least.

Why? Well, as a wonderful pre-wedding surprise, Stephen’s dad snagged us first-class tickets, meaning that not only can we enjoy an especially comfortable, relaxing flight, but also that we’re able to take a pass on the airlines' infamous nickel-and-diming on everything from checked luggage to food and drinks.

This is probably the first time in my life I’ve actually been looking forward to a cross-country flight, and is even more of a reminder of what a generous, thoughtful family I’m about to join. Have a great weekend, everyone, and I’ll catch up with you in Cali!

(Photo Credit: Google Images)

Wedding Week Countdown: Blame It On The Weatherman?

Well, friends, after over a year of planning, scheming and dreaming, I can hardly believe that this is really the final countdown!

Stephen and I are spending the day packing and tying up loose ends before flying out to California tomorrow to start our final week of preparations. And exactly one week from today, we’ll finally tie the knot!

Of course, one thing I’ll be closely tracking throughout the coming week is the weather report. Now, with our wedding taking place in Southern California, I’m not wildly concerned about rain or bad weather interfering.

On the other hand, you never know. After all, my mom told me that last year on June 3, a freak rainstorm swept through. And with wildfires all too common in our area, heat and high winds are a major risk factor, too.

Well, The Weather Channel’s Wedding Planner feature has put my mind at ease, at least for now. The average temperature for June 4 in Thousand Oaks is 76 degrees, with a bit of a morning cloud cover, plenty of afternoon sunshine, and an 8 p.m. sunset. The last two years held up to this promise, with 2009 bringing a 71-degree day, and 2008 topping out at 67 degrees.

This year’s predication? It should be a comfortable 68 degrees, with mostly sunny skies and low winds. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that nothing changes, but for now, I’d better switch my focus right back to getting everything ready to go!

Engaged ladies, do you have wedding day weather concerns? Married girls, did untimely weather surprises threaten to put a damper on your day?

(Graphic Credit: Google Images)

Our Washington Post Wedding Announcement!

OK, I’ll admit it’s not in the real Washington Post. But it is in the Washington Post Express, the paper’s free daily!

Each morning, I love reading the Express while riding the train to work, so I was really excited to submit our wedding info a few weeks back, hoping they’d run it before the big day. And now, they have!

While any wedding announcement is tons of fun, the Express announcements definitely aren’t your standard fare. They’re written as Q & A bios, where the bride and groom both share perspectives about their relationship and wedding plans.

We had a good time answering the questions, and an even better time reading the interview in the paper last Monday! Check it out, and let me know what you think!

Will you be submitting a wedding announcement to your local paper, or have you done any fun wedding-related interviews during your engagement?

Engaged For a Year & Going to the Chapel in Two Months!

I can hardly believe that a year ago today, after being thwarted by hordes of tourists at the D.C. Tidal Basin, Stephen proposed to me over cake and champagne from our favorite bakery.

How vividly I remember the excitement of that night -- calling our families and friends, daydreaming about all the planning that had yet to begin, and reflecting upon everything that had brought us to this place in our lives. Of course, time has slipped by so quickly, and now, in less than two months, we’ll become husband and wife during the amazing celebration we’ve spent the past year pouring so much love, energy and passion into.

In honor of the anniversary of our engagement, here are more shots my sister snapped last spring at Gardens of the World, plus a couple from the low-key party that followed. I know it’s cliché, but I really feel like we just took these pictures a few months ago!

How long is or was your engagement? How did you celebrate after the proposal?

(Photo Credits: Kellie Warren)

Heading to the Altar in 100 Days!

Yes, we’re finally entering the home stretch. Let the double-digit countdown begin!

At this time 100 days from now, Stephen and I will be surrounded by our family members and friends, celebrating and enjoying the beginning of our lives together as husband and wife.

After being engaged for nearly a year, I can hardly believe that in just three months, all of the fun and hard work that’s gone into planning our wedding will be transformed into a truly amazing celebration. In honor of being only 100 days out, here are 10 special wedding day moments I absolutely can’t wait to experience!

#1 -- Finally stepping into the gown of my dreams, with my mom and sister right there beside me to share the moment

#2 -- Glancing in the mirror and seeing myself as a “bride” for the fist time

#3 -- Our private “first look,” shared only with each other, our photographer, and our videographer

#4 -- Joining the rest of the wedding party to take pre-ceremony photos and video footage at the beautiful Gardens of the World

#5 -- Walking down the aisle to the processional tune from The Sound of Music, with my mom and dad at my side

#6 -- Exchanging a kiss and leading the recessional, after we’re at last pronounced husband and wife

#7 -- Our first dance, the result of many lessons, lots of hard work, and our truly working together as a team

#8 -- Watching the amazing slideshows my bridesmaids have lovingly created through hours of dedication

#9 -- Dancing the night away with friends and loved ones I haven’t seen in ages

#10 -- Sneaking off with Stephen for a private walk where we’ll reflect upon all that the day has meant and how our lives have forever changed

Which special moments do you find yourself daydreaming about the most, and which experiences are you most looking forward to? How long until your big day?

(Graphic Credit: Google Images)

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