Our Rainy-Day Wedding: When Stuff Gets Wack Pre-Ceremony

Before I get to the ceremony, I need to rewind a little bit.  At some point while we were taking photos, the venue coordinator, Rick, took me aside to discuss what we were going to do about the ceremony.  If you remember, our original plan was to get married outdoors, in the garden.  When Rick pulled me aside, the rain was holding off, but the sky looked cloudy and forecasts were predicting rain for the evening.  Rick let me know in no uncertain terms (but very diplomatically) that it would be way too risky to try for the garden wedding.  Although I was a bit disappointed, I knew it was the right decision.  So I told him to go ahead and have everyone set up in the Artisan ballroom (really more of a barn with a large wall of windows facing into the garden).

Pre-Ceremony Hair Check

After photos were done and all of the guests were seated in the barn, the rain started to come down a bit harder.  It was still just a sprinkle, but not quite as delicate as before.  The bridesmaids and I were in the mansion, waiting for our cue to head towards the back of the barn for our entrance.  The staff brought us umbrellas, and we headed outside towards the barn.  But some wires got crossed, and the staff escorting us weren't quite certain which door we were supposed to go in.  I was starting to freak out just a bit!  Finally, it was sorted, and my bridesmaids and I were standing under umbrellas behind the barn, waiting to be told it was our time to walk down the aisle.

I know the moment right before you walk down the aisle towards your almost-spouse is supposed to be meaningful and full of reflection, but at this point all I could think about was trying not to get wet!

My bridesmaids left me, one by one, and when the door opened, I heard our guitarist . . . playing the wrong song!  He was playing "Here Comes the Sun," the song that was supposed to start when I stood at the head of the aisle!  It was the song that reminded me of my dad, and it was supposed to symbolize him walking me down the aisle, since he couldn't physically be there.  I blabbered something of that effect to the woman holding my umbrella (like she could do anything about it) but then quickly realized I needed to get it together--it was almost time for my entrance!

Meanwhile, all of these beautiful people were making their way down the aisle.

Here's the song that the guitarist was playing.  (Apparently he just cut it off too soon and went on to "my" song too early.)  Please play it while you watch to get a feel for our rainy-day ceremony.

The Dude's Grandparents

The Dude's Parents (They look so proud!)

My Mom and My Little Brothers

Then it was the Dude's turn.  He walked out with our officiant, Spike.

The bridal party made their way down, in pairs.

Groomsman Andrew and Bridesmaid Kelli

Groomsman Cody and Bridesmaid Dani

Best Man Curtis and Maid of Honor Deniz

Then it was time for the flower girls.  I love how their dresses turned out!  The big pockets are so cute, and I love that they weren't super frilly or formal.

Flower Girls Grace and Christina

I couldn't resist throwing this shot in.   Doesn't flower girl Grace look mischievous here?  (I think she was just ready for the party to start!)  They both did such a good job!  I highly recommend having older flower girls if you've got 'em in the family.

With everyone lined up, the Dude stood at the end of the aisle waiting for me to enter.

But would I get it together in time?

All photos by the Nichols.

Previously, on Our Rainy-Day Wedding:

• The Rehearsal
• Bridal Party Gifts
• Getting Ready
• First Look
• The Dude (Still) Looks Pretty Hot in a Suit
• Da Bride
• Just Us Part I
• Just Us Part II
• The Super-Fly Bridal Party