About a month ago, Rob and I received our wedding album and high-res proofs from our fabulous photographers. Seeing the pictures again took me right back to the wedding and all the anticipation, excitement and sheer happiness that came with it. Sure, it wasn’t a perfect day (there were minor gaffes — candles not lighting, slideshow with no sound, etc) but it was our day and I loved every minute of it. I know it was 7 months ago but I hope you don’t mind indulging me… over the next few weeks (or months, knowing me), I’m going to put together a short series of posts highlighting some of my favorite pictures along with some of my memories.

All photos taken by Apertura unless otherwise noted.

First up: Getting Ready!

I booked a suite at the Fairmont Newport Beach so that all the bridesmaids and I could get ready together. The day started early for us — we had to be awake by 9am when my awesome hair/makeup artist Nicole was scheduled to arrive. I was not exactly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed but after a Jamba Juice smoothie for breakfast, I was ready for my makeover…

(Picture by my friend Robyn)

No makeup – the horror! I got these personalized spa wraps for my bridesmaids as part of their thank you present — of course I had to get one of my own.

(Picture by my friend Robyn)

Nicole working her magic on me. Poor Nicole was feeling really under the weather that day but she powered through… I absolutely loved the job she did on my hair and makeup.

I totally over-estimated the time it would take for hair and makeup because all the girls were finished by noon, which was way ahead of schedule. Funny story – around this time, my aunt and cousin (aka super Maid of Honor) ordered room service so we could all have some lunch before we had to head over to the ceremony site at 3pm. We ordered finger foods like popcorn shrimp and chicken nuggets that would be easy for us to eat and not mess up our makeup. Well, room service brought us buffalo wings instead. Yup. Probably the messiest thing they could have brought. We did eventually get the correct order.

Watching TV… and trying to keep calm. Can you tell? 🙂

In the meantime, what were Rob and the groomsmen up to? They all met at the Turnip Rose to get ready — they had their very own “Tommy Bahama Lounge” complete with bar and TV.

Getting their official wedding socks! Pink and brown argyle, of course.

Rob putting on his tux — it took him all of 10 minutes.

Back in the girls’ suite it’s time to get dressed! My MoH and aunt helping me retouch my makeup. It was so great to have them by my side that day.

THE DRESS! I’m pulling out the stuffing here so that I can get dressed! SQUEE.

The bridesmaids looking on as I step into my dress. Love their expressions.

Each of the girls helped me put on a piece of my bridal attire — Ruby put on my earrings, Carmen helped me step into my Manolos, etc. And the last piece was my veil, which my aunt pinned on. I held it together until this point but I lost it when I looked up at her, someone I’ve always considered to be like a second mom.

My turn to help the girls get dressed…

Quiet moment with my MoH while waiting for the elevator.

On the way to the wedding site!

Next Time: Ceremony Decor and First Look!