Theres just so much to write about on the wedding day that Im going to split it into pieces (I also want to drag out this sucker as long as I can).
The issue of who was up first for the wedding day had been hotly contested by Angela and me for weeks before the wedding. This was no trivial matter: we both wanted to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the pictures, but one of us had to take the 4:30 AM shift. Because Angela and both I wanted to go in the second limo (I wanted the first look shot; Angela was afraid that shed spent the extra few minutes paranoid that I wouldnt show up), we eventually compromised on me waking up earlier but taking the second limo. In retrospect, this was a really stupid plan. I was freaked out about timing, but I also had loads of time to just sit around with my hair sticking to me and my makeup fading. And I could have gotten my first look pic even if I was in the first limo. Live and learn, I guess.
Anywho, I finally decided to get out of bed after my long, sleepless night, at 4:00 AM. I had enough time to eat my Rice Krispies, wash my face, change into my bra (with flower power PJ pants) and breathe deeply, before Lili and Lorena knocked on the door. Lili did my makeup while Lorena did my sisters hair. My sister was not originally going to get her hair and makeup done, but Angelas mom backed out at the last second and April forgot all her makeup back home, so we figured it made sense for her to get the professional treatment. Im really glad, too; they did a great job on her.
In the history of me doing stupid, regrettable things, not saying anything about the makeup was pretty dumb. Lili asked me about thirty times if I liked it, and if I wanted anything to change, and I said no. But I thought my eyes looked too dark and the makeup wasnt as flattering as it could be. As I mentioned before, I dont generally wear makeup, so anything on my face at all was bound to feel a little strange. I wanted to look glam for the wedding, though, and I trusted Lilis expertise. I was also paranoid about timingwe needed to leave enough time for Angela to have her hair and makeup done, and still be on her 7:30 limo. And I assumed that Angelas hair would take a long time, because it usually does (our regular salon has a note in her file that she requires extra time). In the end, the timing would have worked fine, but I couldnt know that in advance. Anyway, everyone elseexcept Angelareally liked how I looked. And Im sure the pictures will be fine.
After my makeup was finished, my sister and I switched. I gave Lorena pictures of what I wanted, and explained the general feel. She did one curl, and I said no, I didnt want real curls, just waves. She assured me that the hair would relax into waves. After she was done, though, my hair was still as curly as I didnt want it to be.
Bridezillas This isnt what I want face:
Now I was really starting to panic about the timing. It was after 6was there going to be enough time for Angela to have her hair and makeup done and get on the right limo? Oy. Lorena fixed it, sort of, and put on my veil and tiara.
To be honest, it still wasnt what I wanted, and it didnt look the pictures I gave her. I wanted soft, romantic waves, and instead I got trussed up curls. But you could barely see my hair through the veil, and I was too freaked out about timing to have her redo it once again. If I had the day to do over, I think I would have gone on the first limo, and assumed that I had up until 7 to get my hair and makeup perfect. Lili and Lorena were really nice, and Im glad we used Beaute Speciale; I blame myself for not being more insistent about what I wanted.
Enough griping. My sister escorted me downstairs (my mother was nervous about me walking around the All Star in nothing but a bra, albeit a full-length one, on top), while Angela and my mom started their respective hair and makeup sessions. I hung out in my parents room for the next hour. I finalized my toast, misting up just a little at some of the lines. I chatted with my brother (he is one of the few people, besides Angela, who helps to calm me down when Im anxious). I called my bridesmaids (no answer the first time, sending me into a panic, but I eventually caught up with on of the guys, who knew the girls were up and primping themselves).
Meanwhile, Angelas hair and makeup didnt take nearly as long as mine, and she was absolutely fine to get on her 7:30 limo. My mom helped her get ready (her dress had a zipperit wasnt exactly hard to put it on).
Sexy leg shot:
At about 7:30, my bridesmaids popped into my parents room and proceeded to tell me all the sordid details of how they spent the previous night. Didnt I state specifically in the special people instructions that they were all to be in bed by 10 PM? Instead they were out cavorting and canoodling into the wee hours of the morning. As they kept (and keep) reminding me, they were still on time Sunday morning, but I do find it highly amusing that they chose my wedding morning to enlighten me of all the sordid details. Suffice it to say, the romantic mood of the weekend had interesting spillover benefits, the likes of which were sort of appropriate for a lesbian wedding. After my incredulous laughter subsisted, they helped me into my massive gown and put on my garter.
Mature, elegant face, befitting the bride:
After some oohs and aahs, we headed out to wait for the limo. When we first got to ASM, Angela and I knew instantly that it would be annoying/uncomfortable to have to trek from our room in the Mighty Ducks you-didnt-pay-ten-bucks-for-the-upgrade far wing of ASM to the front lobby. Thankfully, Jennifer arranged for the limo to meet us in the side parking lot.
We got to the assigned spot a few minutes early, which could only mean one thing: the limo was late. It wasnt a big deal in terms of the overall timing, but it was already pretty hot outside. The poor boys in their tuxes were roasting:
My sister and mother were better off, in their short dresses, although the extra time gave my mom the opportunity to take off her bra (you could see it through the dress). Not so good at pre-planning her outfit
I was beyond hot in my massive dress:
When the limo finally pulled up, I was very happy to do my patented bridal scoot inside and start guzzling water.
Dasani product placement:
And we were off to the Grand Floridian!
On the ride over, I learned more about the craziness of the night before (my poor father had to hear it all!). We also had an interesting conversation that set up one of the themes of the day: Angelas eating habits/our perfection as a couple.
I know my wife. I know that when she wakes up early in the morning (7 AM or before), it doesnt matter what she eats, she will be starving by 9 or 10. I also know that she is crabby if shes hungry (like most people), and she will not be willing to do what she has to do unless she gets fed. So I had asked my sister to get Angela something to eat in addition to whatever small thing Angela had pre-bought for that morning. April got her a croissant and a chocolate-chocolate-chip muffin. In the limo on the way over, the girls decided they were hungry (because they had not read where I had specifically instructed them to eat that morning), so they opted to dip into Angelas food supply. I warned them. I told them shed want her food. They all said, No, no, no. Its her wedding day. She wont be hungry. So they finished off her croissant. I managed to save her the muffin at least. Readers, remember this conversation
We get to the Grand Floridian, and thats when my sister decided that she didnt really want to be in the wedding. Shed been okay up to that point, yelling at me but also being decently helpful running errands. But when we got to GF and she realized that she was going to spend the next two hours doing an extended photo op, she stopped wanting to be supportive. She tried to go off and smoke, which made me pretty upset. Angelas allergic to cigarettes, which my sister knows, because its an issue every time April comes to visit or we go to visit her. And April reeking of smoke, making my bride sneeze her way through our vows, was not how I wanted to spend my wedding ceremony. Besides which, we were expected in the Grand Floridian for photos. Right away. Not in five minutes. April said something to the effect of, I wish I wasnt in your wedding. I might have concurred. My mother was like, Let it go. Let her go smoke, which was not going to happen. Considering my mothers peanut allergy required us to have no nuts on our entire menu, you would think shed be a little more understanding of Angelas problem. My bridesmaids were a little shocked at Aprils rudeness, but I really didnt want to let anything bother me on my wedding day, so I brushed it off and we went inside.
And thats when I began to feel more like a princess. I loved having little kids waving at me, tons of people pointing and smiling and congratulating me.
The flowers had been delivered, and I was thrilled: Laura did a perfect job, even better than I could have imagined.
Our handsome boys with their bouts:
Angela with her flowers (my bouquet was identical):
First, my Auntie Pessie (my maternal grandmothers older sister) put my great-grandmothers diamond necklace on me. Im named after my great-grandmother (Sonia), and wearing her only real piece of jewelry, the same necklace my mother wore at her own wedding, was really important to me. Auntie Pessie has no kids, but shes always been like a grandmother to me. We both teared up a little (take that, excessive eye makeup!). I cant wait to see Mistys pics; Im going to buy one of those side by side frames so I can put the picture of Auntie Pessie putting the necklace on my mom next to her putting it on me.
All this time, Angela had been waiting impatiently behind Curtain #1 so that I could get my first look shot. Remember that whole conversation about food in the limo? Yup, Angela was starving. And her ADD had kicked in with full force, so the whole time she waited, she had kind of forgotten that she was supposed to have the big wow face on when she saw me. Instead, the big reveal resulted in a look that said, Hi honey, whats for breakfast? I definitely had the wow face. She looked gorgeous, and I thought her hair was beyond perfect. We get a few shots of us exchanging our something news (God, I love Tiffany), and then Angela attacked her muffin with a fury unseen by anyone who doesnt normally dine with her. The only other person Ive ever met with her appetite is my little brother; family legend tells of the day when they both ate their own large pizzas and then came home only to eat all the fruit salad Id made for a party. And yet, shes so thin. And so enviable
Misty took a ton of pictures of me, outside and on the GF staircase, while Angela ate. She got one great shot of me whispering to Angela what had transpired on our wedding eve (again, I cant wait to see it, because it involves Angela gaping at memuch more appropriate first look shot than the real one). And then, before we knew it, it was time to head over to the Wedding Pavilion to sign the Ketubah and get hitched!
Coming up next: Wedding Day, Part Deux: Wheres the flower girl?
Great TR.. Congratulations on your wedding it looked very nice. Sorry about the ******* that tried to ruin it.
I'm so sorry to hear about the insensitivity of others before your big day. Congrats and here's wishing you a wonderful marriage! Can't wait to hear the rest of your stories!
I am so sorry about that jerk, but am thrilled to know he did not rally the masses to a state of idiotic agreement. Complacency is nearly as bad, but I'm glad other guests made supportive noises afterwards.
That guy at your rehearsal dinner was unbelievable! 
I'm glad your dad was able to make you feel better! 
Can't wait to read more...
How exciting! An awesome installment, Sunny, but we need MORE!!! And lots more pix! 
I am SOOOO greedy, aren't I? By the way, I think your hair and makeup were absolutely gorgeous! You looked like a movie star princess!
