I gave my bridesmaids their gifts early on the wedding morning because I knew I would be crying and I didn?t want to be all mushy once I started getting ready. (That plan sort of failed anyway, though. :)) I gave them sea star necklaces and beaded shoes that my mom, MIL, and MOH CakeBaby had helped me make. We had some champagne and started getting ready. All of the girls were amazing, and I am so thankful for all they helped me with.

Krit, BM C, CakeBaby, me, BM H, BM Lizzy, and Fin! Sunscreen and champagne?the essentials. Personal Photo, before the photographer had arrived!
I do wish that I started getting ready a bit earlier. I thought that getting started at 11:30 in the morning would give us all PLENTY of time, but there seemed to be some strange time warp that made the entire afternoon go by faster than any other day of my life.
This picture kinda shows how crazy things were for a minute. My sister, Krit, was doing my hair, bridesmaid C was keeping me hydrated, and my good friend M was painting my nails all at the same time. Ridiculous, I know—I?m sorry. Ah, thank you, gals!
The following photos are courtesy of Amber Bridges Studios.

Bartender Cory pulled through again by providing an ice bucket for the champagne and prying the cork out that was wedged in the bottle. Woo!

Grandma and MIL S. hangin’ with the girls!
We ended up deciding against a professional hairdresser and makeup artist, first because my sister helped me with a few hair trials, and I...