(( My Best Friend's Wedding )) Part 4: THE BIG DAY!!!!!

It's hard to believe that we're already counting UP from the wedding of the year! Already reaching 10 days - and almost home from the honeymoon - I'm sure the newlyweds are still on cloud nine. ;) I'm excited to finally share this momentous day with everyone. So here, we go!

First and foremost, I must thank my fellow bridesmaid for quite a handful of photos I'll be sharing today!! - Katie B, thank you for letting me steal them!

Let's begin on last Thursday, the night before the big day! The rehearsal/ceremony was held at St. Mary's church, and dinner was at the delectable Porcini, Italian restaurant.

...oh, and the dessert? Omgee.

Moving forward to the morning of the big day!!!!!! 

The bridesmaids slept over at the mother-of-the-bride's home, and woke up with THIS.

Like I said before, there's always an overflow of food at this house. No complaints here!!

After stuffing our faces, it was time to get Beautimous...

And then our beautiful bride began to step into her dress. Let me just say, with a room full of women there was not a dry eye in that room at this moment. It was all coming together, and beginning to set in!!! She was just stunning!!

Moments later, the ladies gathered onto the bus and headed to the church!! Here are a few detail shots, and the bridesmaids before the ceremony began...

As there is this thing called wedding etiquette, prohibiting a bridesmaid to snap photos during the ceremony, I am unable to share the sweet moments of that time. However - thanks to Katie! Ha - I'm happy to share a post ceremony shot of the bridal party. ;)  

 Following the ceremony, we joined the NEWLYWEDS back on the bus and headed to the reception!

Really? Is that not the cutest? :)

Once arriving, you first set eyes on the beautiful cake - equally as delicious. After everyone got settled in their seats, and finished dinner, the following formalities took place... 

Possibly one of the best moments of the evening, was the first dance between the bride and groom - not only because of the significant moment in itself, but their song was performed live by the bride's brother-in-law. It was fantastic!!

Next were the dances of the bride/father, and groom/mother... while not having photos of either, I shall make up for it with a priceless video - "the Harlem crashes groom/mother dance". 

Yes, that was our beautiful mommy-to-be, Katie U beginning the harlem flash mob with her adorable baby bump!!! ;) Entertainment at its finest!

Unfortunately for myself the party ended quite early. I hated to miss out on any more of the exciting surprises to come in the night, but I had to put a sleepy girl to bed - already waaayyy past her bed time. The next photos are brought to you by Endless Summer Band. The entertainment of the night was kind enough to share some photos on their site.

Well folks, that's it - the end of this series. I can't believe it's already come and gone. I'm so happy for Jess & Blake, I can't say it enough. The best thing in life is to have a partner to share it with. I wish them a lifetime of happiness, and to cherish everyday together as husband and wife. 

Cheers to the newlyweds; to my best friend!!!!!!

(( My Best Friend's Wedding )) Part 3: Bachelorette Party

It's time to share the second most anticipated event; Part 3 of My Best Friend's Wedding, the bachelorette party!! Now being that there's a code to such a weekend, I will be rather reserved with sharing explicit details. Don't be discouraged. There's still pictures to share. ;)

This weekend's events took place in good ole' Nashville, TN. With six passengers in tow, we had two decorative cars ready to hit the road!

Cleverly enough, my friend captured the city alongside our snazzy decor! ;)

Details are necessary, given it seems like your typical "country-style" atmosphere, yet the restaurants were very eclectic. Our first stop was for lunch, at The Southern - recommended by a friend/local.

Live music, EVERYWHERE. I was in heaven. 

And the food... well, just take a look!

All, but two of us got their classic burger. It was deeeeeeeeeelish.

 Next we got unpacked, changed, and decorated (the best we could) for gifts and games! 

  How adorable was her sash?? Compliments to her sister/MOH. 

Good job, Megan!!

After a good laugh... really, it was priceless - sorry I can't share the details ... 

...we headed on down to the infamous strip of entertainment! I was blown away! I'd personally have to say Vegas has nothing on this type of atmosphere. The live music coming from all angles was like nothing I'd ever saw before!! It was pretty incredible. 

Bridesmaids (minus two)... Erika, Noelle, bride, myself, Hannah, Megan! 

Nashville is definitely a city I'll be revisiting in my near future. It's even been decided as another bachelorette party location for someone else - you know who you are! ;) As a recently converted country gal myself, I have to say that it was truly beyond my expectations. Next time, we'll have to experience the shopping! Gathered that tidbit from a little birdie - aka Ms. Katie, over at Bluedaisy in the Bluegrass.

Last but not least, I had to share this little detail. Although it isn't a good conclusion to the festivities, it was the perfect conclusion to the weekend as a whole. Erika and I stayed behind the next morning and had ourselves a nice Panera breakfast on the patio.

 Mmmmm. I could do mornings like this everyday!! 

Well my friends, this leaves us with just one more event to conclude this series...

THE WEDDING!!

Wow, I cannot believe it's the following weekend. I'm happy for my best friend, and hope these last months have been just as exciting for her as it's been for the rest of us! We've enjoyed sharing the moments leading up to her big day, and can't wait for it to finally arrive. :) Jess, we love you!!!

11 more days!!!

(( My Best Friend's Wedding )) Part 2: Bridal Showers

Today begins Part 2, of My Best Friend's Wedding extravaganza; and I'm excited to share these past bridal shower events. Yes, she is so special we've had to celebrate it more than once!! :)

Bridal Shower #1

First lets begin with the cake! Oh em gee! Not only are the wedding colors of Tiffany&Co blue, but the cake and bows - the bride's favorite - were spectacular.

Is that not gorgeous? 

I must admit, one of my favorite things when attending an event at this house, is the overflowing amount of food! Better believe there are left overs, and that this girl is almost always leaving with two or three containers. Thanks, Vickie!!!

Following the feast, Jess began opening her gifts! I borrowed this photo from her sister - thanks, Megan - because I knew it was one of her favorites.

 

...and as you may notice, I volunteered to make the bow bouquet. Not an ideal task for a perfectionist, but I made it work! Ha.

NOW for the introduction of ALL the bridesmaids:

From left to right: Katie B, Erika, Katie U, Noelle, the bride, myself, Hannah, Megan

Bridal Shower #2

This lovely event was taken place in Louisville, Ky at an old historical residence, hosted by the groom's mother and her four friends. It was gorgeous. I'm a real sucker for history, as well, so the tour of this renovated old cottage was remarkable.

Hello, the blushing bride...

 ...also the name of the beverage she's withholding, Blushing Bride recipe: 1 oz Peach Schnapps, 4 oz Champs, 1 oz Grenadine Syrup

Walking into the building, you notice a sweet little arrangement on the piano of the couple's wedding invitation. Really, that's too cute.

Next, we made our way into the dining area. The place settings were cleverly stylish; gold chevron place mat, a napkin tied with raffia, along with some marigolds. Lunch was a beautifully colored arrangement, and dessert was... well, look at it! Delectable . 

Now onto the entertainment! This was full of laughs and tears... tears from laughing, to be exact. The hosts decided on a game of "What The Bride thinks The Groom Said". It's not a new game, but it never gets old! These ladies, however, had the clever idea to record the groom ON VIDEO while answering said questions - face expressions, confusion, laughs, all in one! It was hysterical!

Like I said, lots of laughs... :)

After another game, and gift opening, it was time to depart from yet another entertaining event. Before leaving, of course we had to capture one last photo. 

These next few weeks are going to fly by, and before we know it the wedding will be here! It's quite unfathomable, I must admit. My best friend is about to be married. Wow!