Somehow, I managed to get a good nights sleep the night before the wedding. I woke up to a sunny morning thick with humidity; Jill and I went for a quick walk down to the beach. I was a mix of excited, nervous, and flabbergasted that the day was finally here. The thunderstormy forecast was stressing me out still, but otherwise I was feeling good.

Oh! I forgot to add that there was an active brushfire in Gloucester the week of our wedding. This haze is a mix of humidity and smoke. Picture: me driving to the rental house, Pri Baby barely containing my voluptuous dress, watching a literal Black Hawk helicopter carting a giant tote of water to the fire line mere miles from our venue. FFS

We got back to the rental house as the rest of the girls started to wake up/arrive. Hair and makeup rolled in around 7:30; we had a target time of 2/2:30 to be ready to rock. (Beauty takes TIME people).

Our photographer Katie came after lunch to get some getting ready shots. My Fairy Godmother made us robes!

I loved the way my hair and makeup turned out!! I felt very ~pretty~ but still like myself. We headed to the venue ahead of schedule, but got stuck at the bridge thanks to an ill-timed boat. Luckily, this same BS had happened on the way to the rehearsal, so we took deep breaths and blasted Lizzo.

*I’M FINE THIS IS FINE EVERYTHING IS FINE*

A few minutes and 1 ulcer later I was getting ready in an ABSOLUTE SWEATBOX (which you 100% cannot tell in these pictures… get yourself a great photographer!!)

*My dressmaker and bestie buttoning me in <3*

So yes, my fears were confirmed: it was hot. BUT, it wasn’t as bad as the night before. And everything looked MAGICAL!

The weather forecast was clearing by the minute, so the outdoor ceremony was on. I had two minor heat-induced stress moments involving shoes and buttons, but my lovely bridesmaids and attendants problem solved with their non-bridal-brains and sent me on my merry way.

Chris and I decided to do a “first look” to have more time during our actual wedding to spend with our guests. I’M SO GLAD WE DID.

Finally seeing Chris on our wedding day, in the flesh, was a huge relief. 3.5 years of engagement, 1 global crisis, moving back home separately, buying our first house… finally, finally, the day had come!