Courtney and I met our Senior year in High School in a Teen Teaching program, we became instant best friends and spent practically every waking minute together after that. Our class was about 500 kids and somehow we had just never crossed paths, and it sounds super corny but when we met it was like "oh, there you are!". Out of the last 13 years we have only lived in the same town that one year, but I still consider her one of my dearest friends. We have consistantly emailed each other about every few months to check in and see how the other is doing, and when I come into town we get together and it is like no time has passed. I was honored that she would ask me to be her bridesmaid and so very thrilled that she had found a boy that would make her happy. I have never been part of a "formal" wedding and this wedding went all out, I cant even tell you how amazing it was. The groom is from Sweden (and if you know Courtney the fact she was willing to travel to meet up with him means she REALLY liked him) and they met in Austin when she dumped coffee on him at a local Starbucks. He flew 25 relatives in for the festivities and we started on Thursday and went all the way until Sunday! My parents were so helpful in watching the girls so I could participate. The actual photos wont be available for awhile, so here is what I was able to capture on my iPhone...
The bridesmaid gift. How awesome is that??? Seriously love them. They let each of us pick the type we wanted and had them shipped to us. We were then allowed to wear them the entire wedding, my feet never felt so good! I gave her an illusion pearl necklace when she was in my wedding. I still feel bad.
We had our hair did and makeup on. You know how some husbands will tell you their wives are the most beautiful when they just wake up? Well, that wouldnt be Jamie. Lest you think think ill of him, he tells me I am beautiful all the time - but his favorite is a put together Heather. I felt it was a bit wasted that I was the most dressed up I have been in years and he wasnt anywhere in sight (he is in busy season and has been working crazy hours), so I sent him a few updates during the day.
I think the last time I had my hair done was at prom with Courtney. The lady was magic and somehow managed to hide my post baby wispys that are still coming in. The hair did. not. move.
We did the whole walk down the aisle and everything - Courtney looked just gorgeous and I cried through a good chunk of the ceremony. She had actually asked me the night before to give a toast at the rehearsal dinner that I basically sobbed through - I really should have invested in waterproof mascara.
We then headed to the party! She was married in her childhood church and then bussed everyone out to this ranch/barn type site for dinner and dancing. My parents were able to bring the girls for the dinner and then head home after the cake cutting. Hadley was in awe the whole time - she actually didnt even recognize me when I first walked out! I thought she would want to be with me but she honestly had no idea who the lady waving was, I promise I do my hair and make up on a regular basis!! She warmed right up when she realized who I was and kept talking about my pretty "ella" dress, since the only thing she could relate my fancy dress to was her Cinderella costume.
I just think this picture is funny - she loves to put her hands in my mouth but in this shot it looks like she is pushing me away.
She loved having all the people around and flirted with all the guests, my parents made friends with all sorts of people that came up to meet the smiley baby.
Hadley loved the dancing and we snuck in a few minutes before they headed home. Courtney really wanted children to attend and I loved having them.
Finally, a picture of the gorgeous bride! She looks amazing and planned every last detail. After the sit down dinner and cake they started off with dancing and the couple took a class to learn how to Texas two step for the first dance, it was so sweet.
We basically proceeded to dance the night away - the band was amazing. They had 4 different vocalist that each had a different range and covered a broad spectrum of music, they were just awesome.
This is what happens when you keep me out past my bedtime. Those are blowpops from the candy table stuck in our hair. Mary Beth was one of the other bridesmaids and one of my new favorite people. When she saw we were going to be bridesmaids she facebooked me and started emailing me, it was so great since I really didnt know any of the other girls. We ended up having a blast together!
The take home party favor. When Courtney said she was going to have a candy bar and fill jars for the guests I pictured a small mason jar - these are gigantic and possibly the best party favor ever!! The groom had people smuggle in bags of candy from Sweden while Courtney and I ordered her favorite candy from the US. I have good memories of her and I eating sour patch kids and hot tamales on our way to a service project when we rationalized although we had given up sugar for Lent, it was outside the city and didnt count.
The day was just beautiful and we had so much fun, but more importantly it was so wonderful to see my friend marry a man that makes her so very happy. Congrats Hjaltman Family!!
