Wedding Recap, Part 3: The Wedding Day

On the morning of September 15th, my iPod alarm went off around 8:00. I was meeting up with Ms. Michele (Becca's mom) and Lindsay around 11:00 to head to Savannah. I got ready slowly, and didn't do much besides run my fingers through my hair and throw some clothes on. I ate at least two brownies (possibly more, but hey, no judging around here!)

Mimi (my grandma) picked me up around 10:15 to drive me into town to meet Ms. Michele and Lindsay. I was going over everything in my head. Bobby pins, check. Makeup bag, check. Hair elastics, momentary panic, oh yeah, check. That went on all the way there. Then I realized that I probably needed to shave my legs. I had done it the day before, but realized that doing it again wouldn't hurt. But then I happened to remember that I had taken my razor to Heather's when I spent the night and had left that bag at Becca's house on Friday. Whew. Razor, check!

Ms. Michele, Lindsay, and I had an uneventful ride to Savannah. When we got there, we were welcomed at Becca's house with crazy laughter and some squeals, and it was really fun. Becca's clean kitchen table eventually turned into this:

a mess of food, pins, curling irons, plants, hair elastics and more!

the chalk board on Becca's kitchen wall! :)

We all went about our morning business. Lindsay started on Becca's hair, Ms. Michele and Meagan took the cake to the American Legion (the place where the reception was held) and I shaved my legs, and didn't even cut myself. :) When Ms. Michele and Meagan got back, they set up the food in the kitchen. Becca had in mind what she wanted done to her hair, and showed Linds a picture, so they were trying to copy it. She lied and said she liked the first one, but she really didn't, so Lindsay and Meagan started over. It was beautiful. Ms. Michele and I steamed the dress:

And then after everyone's hair was done, everyone had eaten, and we were all straight, it was time for Becca to put on her dress! I may have gotten a little emotional at this point. :)

my absolute favorite pic of Becca. I love her smiling face in the mirror

 For Becca's something old, she wore the dogwood pin in her hair that you see in the above picture. That meant a lot to me, because that's a pin that my great-grandmother gave to Becca shortly before she died. Grandmama was really special to all of us, and so it meant so much that Becca included that. For the new, of course, the dress; she borrowed the necklace that Meagan wore at her own wedding, and wore a blue ring. So she was covered!

Lindsay and Becca

Lindsay and Becca may not look alike, but they were both beautiful that day.

After everyone was dressed, us girls headed to the park to take some pictures. That was fun. We laughed and smiled and just enjoyed each others company. The photographer, Gracie, was amazing and so much fun to work with!

When we were done with our pictures, we headed to the church. We sat upstairs and talked, relaxed, drank water, and used the bathroom. (I think I used the bathroom like eight times before the ceremony started, just to be on the safe side!) I ran downstairs at one point, and saw Thomas in his suit.

Thomas had never seen Becca's dress, and Becca had never seen Thomas' suit. I hadn't seen the suit either, and when I did, I was pretty much blown-away. He looked amazing. I got one last hug from my brother before heading back upstairs.

When it was close to time for the ceremony to start, Becca, Lindsay, Meagan, me, Courtney (my sister turned flower girl) and Becca's parents all gathered together to pray. It was a special time, and meant a lot to everyone there. Then it was time.

I quickly grabbed Becca in a huge hug and told her that I loved her. She smiled so big, and it was good. I think we just stood there for about 30 seconds just looking at each other. :) For me, it was letting her know that I love her and that I was glad she was marrying Thomas; and for her, I think it was her letting me know that she loves me and that nothing was going to change just because they got married. 

Pastor Bill, Michael, Thomas, Dad and Jamie (with Josh behind Thomas)

The guys looked great! As I started to walk up the aisle, I thought about what exactly was happening right now. Thomas was a grown man, getting married. But somehow, it didn't make me cry like I thought it would. Instead I smiled. When I reached the front, Thomas and I made quick eye contact, just enough of it to not make me cry, and then I went and sat on the piano bench.

Meagan, Lindsay and Courtney followed me and then it was time for Becca!

Thomas had asked me a few months before the wedding if I would play the piano when Becca walked up the aisle. I readily agreed. He gave me the song on a disc, and I figured it out by ear, and slowed it down a bit. It was "Meadowlarks" by Fleet Foxes, and absolutely beautiful. Perfect for a bride to walk up the aisle. 

Thomas as Becca walked in

 I couldn't see Becca, but from what I understand, when the doors opened and she saw Thomas, she started laughing. She was, without a doubt, the happiest bride I have ever seen. She hurried her way down the aisle to my brother.

Mr. David, Becca's dad, gave her away, and then Pastor Bill gave an amazing message. I tried to concentrate on everything he was saying, and did a fairly good job.

I was really proud of myself, I had shed minimal tears. Just as I was feeling pleased with myself, it was time for them to say their vows. Uh oh.

saying vows

They (the vows) were super meaningful and incredible. They actually borrowed them from Ethan's and Meagan's wedding. All I know is, as soon as Thomas started saying them to Becca, I lost it. Major tears. Good thing I had a handkerchief in my pocket. When I was finished with it, I passed it to Meagan. Then Becca said her vows. They were really good.

I absolutely love this picture

After that, they exchanged the rings, they prayed, and then the kiss:

the kiss!

I don't have a picture of it, but after their kiss, there was a huge hug. The sweetest thing ever. :) I really cried when they started hugging, well, cried and yelled at the same time. :)

Classic faces after the kiss! :)

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mole!!!!!

 Then they were officially Thomas and Becca Mole!!

happy newlyweds :)

We all walked out to "Ragged Wood" by Fleet Foxes. It was such a fun song, and I may or may not have listened to it every day since then. :) Reliving the wedding has been easy, due to stop-motion videos, a video that a friend of ours made of the wedding, and the music that I have. :)

The original Normans: Scott, Lindsay Bay, Becca Mole, Ms. Michele and Mr. David

  We took pictures in the sanctuary immediately following the ceremony.

Becca hugging John

everyone getting in order

no one paying attention

The Bays, the Normans and the Moles :)

After we were done with the pictures of the family, the bridal party headed back to the little park to take pictures. I'll share some of them tomorrow and tell you all about the reception! =)

Wedding Recap, Part 2: The Rehearsal Dinner

I was quiet on the ride to the church. I managed some smiles and a couple of laughs and tried to feel as excited and happy as Becca looked, but inside I was experiencing butterflies. They were sure to turn into alligators before too long.

We arrived and talked to my parents for awhile. Then I saw Josh in the hallway. That was nice. He asked me how I was and I said, "Great!" He saw right through me (he's just like a big brother) and said, "Really?" in a very skeptical tone. =) But, I was determined to just be "cool" and said, "yeah, I'm fine." (Liar that I am!)

I really love this picture of Becca

Michael and Zeke

my 7 younger siblings!

We rehearsed and rehearsed again. I was told to walk slower, 'enjoy the moment', they kept telling me. I just wanted to sit down with Thomas and talk and not worry about weddings. But I kept a nice smile on my face. =) Thankfully people were constantly laughing and cracking jokes, so it wasn't too hard.

Becca and Thomas =)

Becca and her dad

After all the rehearsing was done, we headed to the fellowship hall to eat. Papa made frog-more stew or low-country boil or whatever you want to call it and it smelled really good. I took Zeke from whoever had him at the moment and just held him. He made me feel better. 

Starting at the head of the table: Jamie, me and Zeke, Mom, Thomas, Becca, Meagan and Josh. Jessie was on the other side of Josh, but you can't really see her! =)

Everyone!

After everyone had eaten and eaten and eaten, we got down to business. There was a slideshow that Thomas had masterfully created and it was amazing. It showed pictures of Thomas growing up, to "I Am Still Running" by Jon Foreman; then pictures of Becca growing up, to "The Past and Pending" by The Shins. Then there were pictures of them together, to "Part One" by Band of Horses. The slideshow was perfect. I loved it. 

After that, Michael stood up and said that Josh, me, Meagan and himself were going to give speeches and that after we were done, if anyone wanted to say anything about Thomas or Becca, they were welcome to. So Josh stood up and gave his amazing speech.

Josh

Becca's face during Josh's speech

His speech was really good and so nice. He and Thomas have been best friends for quite a while, and it made me happy that Thomas has such a good friend. =) 

Then...Josh was done and it was my turn. I was feeling nervous and when I get nervous, I usually do one of three things: say "um" a lot, use my hands excessively while talking, or cry. That night, I did all three. 

See the hand in action??

I started out by telling a story about the first time Becca ever came to our house. It was funny and got everyone laughing, which was kind of my point, and then I figured I had to get serious. So I did. Big mistake. 

I thanked Thomas and Becca for the great example they had set over their relationship. They really showed us what a relationship looks like when it's all played out. I said that when I get into a relationship I want my guy to love me as much as Thomas loves Becca. And I said that I wanted to respect and worship my guy just like Becca does Thomas. I thanked her for being that girl for him. 

I love this picture so much! =)

Then...I said that I felt like I should say some stuff to Thomas. I said that Josh may have said that Thomas was his best friend but that was not true, because Thomas is my best friend. 

I thanked Thomas for just a few things. For memories that we share. For the times we went squirrel hunting, for all the music he's given me...just for being my best friend. I cried, but it was okay. I really hate crying in front of people, but for that moment, I was talking to Thomas and it didn't matter what other people were thinking. 

I finally finished and then this happened. Possibly my favorite picture from the whole weekend:

me and my best friend =)

After giving Becca a hug, I sat down. Josh said I did a good job, and in the middle of wiping away the tears, I think I said thanks. Oh well. Meagan was up next!

Sweet Meagan

She cried too, which made me feel somewhat better about myself. Her speech was really sweet, and she said some really amazing things about Becca, all of which were true. I loved her speech and it made me cry!

After Meagan finished, Michael stood up. Now, Michael had just gotten back from Alabama, literally seconds before the rehearsal started, and had to have had at least 6 Mountain Dews that day. Basically bouncing off the walls. =) 

He said his goal had been to make Becca laugh and Thomas cry, since everyone else had done the opposite, but since he was so sleepy, he changed his mind. Instead he made us laugh. =)

3 of Thomas' former roommates: Grant in the green, Fred in the bright plaid, and Ricky in the Bob Dylan shirt =)

Michael

His speech was really good. He talked to both Thomas and Becca, and gave them both really good advice. I can't remember exactly what he said...but it was meaningful. =) He is a really good speaker and I love hearing him talk. 

After his speech he played a song that Thomas wrote and recorded. I was so glad he did, and yet, it made me cry. But everything was making me cry...so that isn't surprising. Everyone applauded Thomas' song, and then Michael said that he was done and that if anyone else wanted to speak, they were welcome to.Papa stood up and talked, and then Grant, who is in a picture up above. They both said nice things, and it was good. 

After that Grant closed up in prayer, and things got picked up and the groom was taken away with his friends to go bowling and do whatever guys do on the night before a wedding. =) I know they prayed for him before they let him go to bed.

We dropped Becca and Meagan off at Becca's house, and then headed home. 

When we got home, everyone pretty much went straight to bed. I wasn't sleepy though. So I sat up and read some and wrote in my journal. I picked up my cell phone at one point and it said: 12:36, September 15th. I momentarily freaked out. IT WAS THE WEDDING DAY!!!!!

more tomorrow...

Wedding Recap, Part 1: Thursday (ironing, Heather and Zeke) and Friday (day with the girls)

It's time to start our little wedding recap! Excited?? Okay, well let's get started!

Uncle Sam and Baby Zeke :)

Thursday, September 13th, was Sam's 11th birthday. Heather and Zeke came over and hung out with us for most of the day. Sweet mama and baby were so fun to be with as always.

Michael was in Alabama at a church conference, so I was planning to spend the night with Heather that night and then hang out with Becca and the other bridesmaids on Friday. 

But...on Thursday I had some stuff I had to do. So here's what Thursday looked like in pictures:

packing my bags

ironing. had to iron all the guy's shirts and ties

brownies. need I say anything else?

Sam's birthday cake :)

After we ate birthday cake and everyone was happy, Heather and I headed back to the apartment. Poor Zeke was not too happy about being in the car, and may or may not have cried the whole way home. But once we got to the apartment he was happy as a lark. Heather fed him and he got to "talk" to his daddy on the phone, and then went to sleep. 

Heather and I stayed up late talking, and laughing and just enjoying each other's company. It was so nice to be able to hangout with her for a while. Definitely doing that again soon!

Friday morning came! Hung out with this cute guy!

seriously? is he not adorable?? :)

After coffee and breakfast, Heather took me into Savannah and dropped me off at Becca's house. Thomas was there, along with Meagan (Becca's former roommate) and Lindsay (Becca's sister). Oh yeah, and Becca. =) They were all lounging, laughing at Thomas' jokes, and showering. In that order. After everyone had lounged, laughed and showered, Becca began preparing to ice her wedding cake. Thomas left to do his own thing and we moved to the dining room, where this happened:

yummy cake

the icing was amazingly good

Becca and Meagan ran to CVS really quickly, and Lindsay and I sat around and chatted.  After they got back, and everyone was ready, we headed to eat lunch. We went to the Green Truck Pub, and boy, was it ever delicious!! 

Lindsay, Meag and Becca walking towards Green Truck

Becca's dad, her brother, Scott, and Carson, Lindsay's husband were in Savannah doing some wedding deliveries, so they stopped by while we were enduring our 45 minute wait and talked to us for a while. Carson took this picture of us girls.

Becca, Lindsay, Meagan and me

After what seemed like an everlasting wait, we went inside and ordered. The food...yeah...it was amazing!! =) Their french fries were delicious. I'll definitely be visiting there again soon! 

We ate until we were stuffed, and then ate some more (cough, cough, Meagan and Jen). Then we loaded into the car and headed to paint pottery! It was so much fun! 

We walked in and stood around indecisively trying to pick out our pieces. Then we stood around some more. Finally, I picked a leaf dish, Becca picked a plate, Meag picked a little vase and Lindsay picked a cool (and practical) spoon rest! =) Then we picked out our colours. This is what I started out with:

Painting pottery was a good way to spend time together, because we didn't really feel pressured to talk, but when we did it wasn't awkward because we were working at the same time. It was fun and I enjoyed it a lot. Becca was a little out of it though; at one point, Lindsay and Meagan were discussing the time and Becca said, "oh yeah, we have some wedding thing to go to tonight, don't we?" Um, yeah, Becca, as in your rehearsal dinner!! =)

The girls hard at work

Becca and Meagan

Once all our pieces were finished,  we headed to the church to "help set  up tables" and get the fellowship hall ready for the rehearsal dinner. When we got there, Thomas was laying on the couch in the fellowship hall and everything was already set up and ready. He and Becca sat on the couch and talked while I took their picture. 

Since there wasn't much we could do there, we went back to Becca's house to prepare for the rehearsal dinner. 

That's when I started getting nervous, excited and a little sad. All day I had managed to not think about it, but then it all of a sudden hit me, "oh my gosh, we are getting ready for the rehearsal dinner. Thomas is getting married!!!" Yeah. But I got myself all ready and around 6ish, we headed back to the church. But you'll hear all about that tomorrow.