Just Keep Loving: I Become a Bride!

After finishing up at the salon, we still had about an hour and a half until Matt and I's first look. We stopped for lunch at the local Saladworks, and made our way over to Landis Valley Museum with (what seems like) plenty of time to spare. As soon as we arrived, I could feels the nerves starting to set in. Most of our vendors had arrived, the chairs were set up on the lawn, and I could see our florist setting up our flowers around the venue space. My groom was on his way, with his groomsmen in tow.

Whoa. This was really, seriously happening. TODAY. In a few hours. Cue the panic.

Somehow I managed to eat half of my salad before deciding that I absolutely had to get into my dress thisveryminute or else I would be late to my own first look. What seemed like so much time had seemingly vanished, and suddenly we were 15 minutes behind schedule. Before I knew it, I had put my dress on, my girls were helping me with my finishing touches, and it was almost time to see my groom!

The room where I had put my dress on was very fluorescent, which I knew would not make for good photos of "the finishing touches". I had asked Kristina to pick out a nice, shaded spot for me to finish getting ready, and she did not disappoint! I just had to walk around the side of the Country Store to find this spot, which turned out to be such a great spot for these photos.

All images by Kristina Ross Photography

While I wanted to throw on my shoes and haphazardly put my earrings in, I knew I needed to slowwww down and really take every aspect of this day in. I had heard it so many times before - "Take in every single moment of your wedding day, because it will go so fast!". 'm so glad I took their advice, because it turned out to be such a special moment. I was slowly transforming into a bride, and it was so sweet to see everyone's reactions. As soon as my veil was pinned in, I looked over to see my girl's wiping their eyes, which of course turned me into a puddle of mush. Knowing I was only a few minutes from seeing my groom for the first time put the biggest smile on my face, and I couldn't wait for him to see me as his bride.

We decided to exchange small gifts before seeing each other. I had mentioned to Mr. C several months back that I would love a gold monogram necklace with my new married initials. He must have been listening, because I opened the box to find the most beautiful, dainty necklace. Thanks husband-to-be! See ya in five minutes!

Up next, our super-emotional-ugly-crying-face first look!