Wedding Status: Complete success!

Photo courtesy of my cousin Karen. 

It's been a long journey, with all of the running around I've done, and the planning. I'm not trying to but I had my hand in everything. I made a lot of things, and if I had to buy it, I figured out where to put it. (Note to future brides, this is stressful! Accept help from people you trust).

Me being the controlling gal that I am, I'd given my brother a booklet of half a dozen print-outs of exactly how I wanted everything set up. Him and his girlfriend and I believe my dad as well, got everything all set up. They did a fantastic job!! It was amazing to see my vision come to life like that! It was just how I imagined it, and I am so grateful! <3

I was understandably stressed out that morning, but once my bridesmaids arrived at the house, I didn't really have time to think about anything else but what lay ahead for the big day (for the most part)! There was a lot of deep breathing, groaning, and other stressed noises...We got our hair did, and our makeup on, and then the photographer showed up.

( I want to take a minute to thank Ali for doing the photography for us! He is a great guy, and a heck of a lot of fun. Super creative, and his passion for photography really shows through! He put us all at ease, which is fantastic. Unless you're getting paid, I don't know many people that really enjoy having so many photos taken of them. He made it painless, though. If you're looking for a photographer, please check out his website:  http://fotobyali.ca/ )

We headed out to the field across the street to get some pictures done, and my first sign of good luck popped up. For those that don't really know...ladybugs tend to follow me, real or not. I see them every day. I'm not a fan when they land on me, it freaks me out a bit. I'm not a fan of bugs, really. But, I do have a ladybug tattoo on my shoulder, because they are significant in my life. During the photoshoot in the field, a ladybug landed on my shoulder. Sadly, if flew off before Ali could shoot it, but it was there. Amazing! We went back inside for a bit to sit and wait for the limo.

The limo rolled up, it was bigger than expected...but, it was just right once we got in. Plenty of room to stretch out, and just get comfy. My mom rode with us, and it was her first time in a limo! I'm glad I was able to share that with her!! It may have been my sisters first time, too, now that I think about it.

There was much more deep breathing and odd noises from the bride as we approached the venue. I got to say hello to a few familiar faces on my way in, and we were led to the waiting room. Time flew, and before I knew it, I was walking down that aisle with my dad right beside me. I want to tear up again just thinking about it. It meant so much to me to have him there and to give me away.

Now, let me tell you about the ceremony, my goodness! We met with our officiant, Vince, a week or two before so he could get to know us, who we were, and what we were all about. Him and Scott ended up talking about Dungeons and Dragons a lot, World of Warcraft. He, apparently, is a huge nerd himself. We told him what we played, and enjoyed. He took this information into his ceremony speech. I NEVER expected to laugh so hard at my own wedding ceremony. With references to parties, and classes, and Leeroy Jenkins, it was the most amazing thing I had ever heard. I realize that family may not have understood the multitude of gaming and geek related references through the night, but that is who we are, and it couldn't have been more fitting and perfect for us.

We signed the paperwork and became Mr. and Mrs. Coutu, then fled the scene. After a big of a joyous cry, we headed outside into the BEAUTIFUL weather for more photos! Again, plenty of fun and laughter. I really cannot wait to see all the amazing shots that were taken.

We came back into the reception, shared some drink and really amazing food (that roast beef was freaking devine!), and more laughter. There were some incredibly touching speeches (I had to try so hard to hold myself together, and only moderately succeeded).  We managed to visit every table and see friends, and family that I have not seen in probably 10+ years. I will be making more of an effort to see everyone more often once we're settled.

We had some guests come from quite a ways away! I'm so incredibly touched, and so grateful that we were able to bring so many people together. What an amazing day filled with love, hugs, (so much!) laughter, a few tears.

I'm looking forward to going through the bounty that we received to relive some of that love through cards and notes next weekend as well. I'm certain there will be even more tears. I won't have makeup to worry about ruining that day, luckily.

To close, I feel so very loved, and touched. Yesterday went so much better than I could have anticipated. I laughed so very much my sides were a little sore by the end of the night. Thank you to everyone that was there, that helped me prepare, that helped with the setup and tear-down of the decor, and get me through the day without much of a hitch. It really was the best day of my life thus far. (And trust me, I've had some seriously amazing days; various up-close animal interactions, touching/feeding/hand signalling an orca, being in the water with a harbor porpoise, meeting Scott, the proposal, moving in with Scott).
Thank you to everyone for being a part of my life, and this special day!

-Jen Savage-Coutu