I now pronounce you...

**Shameless photographer plugs are 'bout to be all up in this post because I am in love with our photographer.  amybarryphotography.com. 

See, I told you.

Finally, the day was here!  All day Friday it rained and I was praying that it would stay dry for at least the ceremony and pictures.  I didn't care after that - it could flood if it wanted to, I just needed two and a half hours of dry weather.  God had mercy on me and my lack of a back-up plan and it didn't rain the entire day.  I was so thankful - it was, however, freezing cold!  I know I grew up in Kansas but its been a long time and I have become a wimp.  It was about 56 degrees and I was feeling it.  All morning Drew and I were fussing about turning the heat on because I was cold and turning it off because he was hot.  I was walking around in a sweatshirt, flannel pajama pants and socks till it was time to get dressed while he was walking around barefoot in shorts and nothing else.  Geez.

Drew made breakfast that morning and we ate, nervously joking with each other.  I don't know about him but I definitely felt a sense of relief.  We didn't have to fight about how this was going down anymore, because it was happening.  There was no more discussion about theory, thoughts, or feelings.  All that was left was reality - at 1pm, we were going to be married.  Period.  At that point, I had no more feelings of regret, sadness or pain.  Everything really did fall away and in that moment, there was nothing else but he and I.  Our families were present in our hearts but physically speaking, it was just us.  We had even taken the dog to boarding so for once it was quiet in the house.

However, it wasn't a somber feeling.  Instead, there was an energy in the air - something life-changing was about to happen and I had no desire to turn back.  I knew I wanted to marry him and now that it was actually going to happen, I felt exhilirated.  We finished breakfast and began separating our things so he could get ready in the other bathroom and bedroom - no seeing the bride!

I had washed my hair the night before - thank God for curly hair!  I pulled a couple pieces back, secured them with two bobby pins, smoothed the fuzzies with conditioner and water and plopped the headpiece in!  No sitting at the salon for hours and hours, getting my hair sprayed into an untouchable helmet.  It was nice - although I do have to say that it was that easy because I have a great haircut to start with.  I love Henry!  I need to call him, it's getting to be time again...

ANYWAY, I wanted to do somewhat dramatic makeup because I knew the pictures would wash out a lot (and I was right - it's okay though.)  I was even going to put some lashes on, but in the end I just did a couple coats of mascara and called it good.

The dress was a little more difficult than I thought it would be - I had to try a couple of times to get the halter fastened and then try to find the hook and eye on the back of the dress.  I so didn't want to call Drew to have him help and after a couple of attempts and a quick pep talk I did it.  We both called our parents and his mom cried which was so sad.  I really wanted everyone there.  I couldn't get in touch with my parents and for a second I was upset.  I can't believe I won't get to talk to them before I get married!  But then my mom called back; they were out running around and she missed the call.  They wished us well and then it was time to leave!

Since we were driving together, I wanted a moment where we first saw each other, all dressed and ready.  I had him stand by the front door and I made my entrance.  He was appropriately speechless.  :-)  We made our way to the car and we were off!  Drew was really excited - can you tell?

As we were getting close, the officiant called to let us know that she had arrived. *eek!*  Then our photographer, Amy Barry, of amybarryphotography.com called us to let us know she had arrived. *eek!*  Everyone was in place and we were about five minutes away!

There were lots of weddings that day but thank God we found a parking spot pretty quickly.  We had the ceremony in the Rose Garden and then went over to take pictures in the Japanese Garden.  As soon as we had found a spot, we faced each other, joined hands and the officiant got started!

Andrew and Desiree, you are in this beautiful place at this most special moment in time to declare to one another your intentions and promises for your life together.....

I stayed focused only enough to speak when it was my turn, but otherwise it was a blur of trying to keep from fainting, crying, smiling like an idiot, and wanting to bury myself in his arms.  Somehow we got through without crying, we said what we were supposed to say, we put the rings on, and we were married!!!!!!!

After the ceremony, the officiant signed the marriage license and split to do three more weddings that day!  Then it was just us and Amy Barry of amybarryphotography.com.

For the next couple of hours, we took pictures all over the Japanese Gardens and they came out so beautifully!  I am so fabulously impressed with Amy Barry of amybarryphotography.com!

So you have to promise me that you'll go to her website and visit her blog at amybarryphotography.com/blog and tell her how awesome she is because she totally is - and I love her.  Not as much as my husband *eek!*  but I do.  She is so nice and sweet and she takes kick-ass pictures.  Look!

I wanted to look into his eyes for the whole thing but I just couldn't.  I alternated between choking up and cheesing like a retard so every now and then I had to look away to compose myself, especially when I was saying my vows.  I wanted to get them right and look at him as I was promising to be there for him forever and ever.

When I heard "you may kiss your bride"  I didn't hesitate.  I kissed my groom!!

We did it!  We made it!  We're married!  And it. was. WONDERFUL!!!!!

For the next couple of hours we took pictures all over the Japanese Garden, courtesy of Amy Barry of amybarryphotography.com.

Hands down, by far my favorite.  This one's getting blown up HUGE!!

As if I wouldn't get a shot of my fabulous shoes with my peso in them!

Amy Barry did a phenomenal job, she was a joy to work with and it all turned out beautifully.  I love Amy Barry!!  I'm totally going to have her take pictures of my belly when I'm big and fat because I know she'll be able to make it look pretty!  And then, I'll have her take pictures of the baby when he or she gets here - maybe I'll even ask her to be at the birth!  I'm thinking I just want Amy Barry to move in and photo document the rest of my life. 

Okay, well maybe not all that (the moving in part I mean.  That might be weird - and her husband might miss her.)  But she did a wonderful job and I'm so super grateful to her!

Once we finished at the gardens, we went back to the hotel to change and rest before our dinner reservation at six.  We stayed at The Joule hotel, of which I got zero pictures because we were both exhausted and all we wanted was a nap.  But trust me, it's everything you see in the pictures!  The bed was pure Heaven!

After a quick nap, we changed clothes and headed over to our first dinner as husband and wife!