Getting Hitched, Part III...Da, Dum Da, Daaa...

After our champagne toast, the girls and I were ready to transfer from the cottage to the main farm house which would serve as our staging area before the ceremony. We used my car to transfer ourselves - even though we didn't have far to go, I didn't want to take any chances that might result in the bride and groom seeing each other before the big moment. Plus, I wanted a picture with my Prius - I love my car!

Olivia took some pictures of me and the girls and some of me and my parents before the ceremony started - I don't look too nervous do I? In fact, I wasn't, I was cool as a cucumber at this point. It wasn't until right before my dad and I walked down the aisle that I really started freaking out.

The boys were already out at the ceremony site at this point and our guests were arriving. The groomsmen were in charge of seating people and handing out programs. Our programs were a labor of love - and frustration! They were beautiful, but they really took forever to make! My mom helped out a lot and in the end all the cutting, printing and stitching was totally worth it. I'll be blogging about these and other wedding projects later.

James and our awesome officiant, Max, prepared themselves. It's fair to say James was waaay more nervous that I was. So cute! Our musician, Brian, played improvised music on his custom harpsichord. It was awesome! He even wrote a song just for us and our wedding.

As the moment drew nearer, we transferred ourselves into the farm house. After one last toast and a quick pick of the nose (it's a Chadwick thing), we were ready to get started.

Beautiful Bride.

First, Summit was escorted down the aisle by our friend, Uli. She did much better than expected! Good dog!

Next, the moms were seated. James' mom, Renee, was escorted by his best man, Krzysztof (Kris). My mom, Lori, was escorted by my brother, Curt.

Bridesmaid Kendall was next, followed by bridesmaids Suzanne, Kelly and Maid of Honor, Caitlin.

James' niece, Ava, was the flower girl. My mom made her dress - so cute! My nephew, Andrew, was the ring bearer and was escorted down the aisle by his dad, Curt.

Then it was time. My dad took my arm and with big smiles we headed down the aisle toward my soon to be husband.

I held it together until the very end...still, there were no ugly tears!

What's next? You guessed it! Getting Hitched, Part IV: The Ceremony

How did we get here again?

Getting Hitched Part II: Operation "Pretty"
Getting Hitched Part I: Practice Makes Perfect