Our 3 Year Anniversary!

I still remember it like it was yesterday. I woke up, after a mere 2 hours of sleep, at my friend, Clare's house, where all of my girl friends and I were staying. Three of my best friends, Kelly, Nicole, and Jaclyn, arrived in the middle of the night, and I was so excited about seeing them. They made the long trip up from North Carolina. Literally, they were in Sandusky for 24 hours. Best. Friends. Ever. We all talked and laughed for a bit, before it was time for the girls to head to the salon to get beautified. The day had begun! I tried to take in every moment, because I knew it would fly by. 

At the salon, we had mimosas and took way too many pictures. I think that was a favorite part of my day, getting ready with my girlfriends. Everyone looked beautiful, and I was so ready to get dressed! After we left the salon, we headed to Lyman Harbor, where the wedding and reception was to be held. We had a room all to ourselves to take our time and get ready in. There was also a bar attached, which we visited several times. While listening to music, eating, putting on make-up, and finally getting dressed, we all laughed the entire time. I loved this group of girls. Justin's mom, grandma, and my mom eventually came in, and we knew it was almost time. 

Justin and I wanted to see each other before the ceremony, just us two. After I was dressed and ready, our photographer led him out by the water, and made him turn around with his eyes closed. Her assistant, then led me out to him and on the count of 3, he turned around. They captured this moment perfectly. I'm pretty sure that was the happiest 10 seconds of my life. Justin's face was priceless. We just laughed, hugged, kissed, and cried, soaking up every second. We took a few more pictures, then our bridal party joined us so we wouldn't have to take that many pics after the ceremony. We were all ready to party!

After we took pictures, the girls went back into the room we got ready in. The ceremony was about to begin. At that moment, my dad walked in. I think this is when I cried the most. Like every other girl, I'm definitely my daddy's little girl. He'll always be the first guy in my life. I gave him his gift; a pair of personalized Converse sneakers for him to wear as we walked down the aisle. For as long as I can remember, my dad has rocked black Converses. And I wanted my wedding day to be no different. He quickly traded his stiff, rented dress shoes for his new Converses. Millie got this on camera too, and these are some of my favorites!

We headed outside, and waited in line, as the ceremony began. First the grandmothers, then our moms, then the bridal party. Then, it was our turn. Normally I do well with all eyes on me, but during this moment, I didn't feel any eyes except Justin's. His face, even though he had already seen me, was lit up with joy. When we got the the alter, I'm pretty sure I almost passed out. Our 15-minute ceremony seemed to last an eternity! Finally, I heard those words "you may kiss your bride," and I knew we were in the clear! I was finally Mrs. Slater, and I couldn't be happier!

 

Justin, I am so, so lucky to have you in my life. You are the most supportive husband and father any girl could hope for, and for that, I am forever grateful. You keep me on my toes, and always keep me laughing, just like you did the night we first met. Thank you for always being you, and accepting the person I am. I am honored and blessed to be your wife, and look forward to many, many more years of happiness! Happy Anniversary!

Here's a little video from our fairy tale wedding:

Wedding Festivities: Part 3

*Waring: Picture overload on this post, sorry!*

I'm talking all wedding, all week in honor of our Anniversary! Today, I'll be sharing pictures from my bachelorette party, my bridal luncheon, and a few from the rehearsal. 

It was difficult trying to decide where to do my bachelorette party. I had more friends in NC, but I wanted my Ohio friends to be able to attend also. I tried to think about everyone, and decided that going to Topsail Island in NC and staying at my MOH's beach house would be best. I drove myself, along with two of my friends from Ohio that were able to go, and we met everyone there. It was a fun and relaxing weekend with some of my best gal pals and my mom. That's all I wanted, and that's exactly what it was. Nothing fancy, nothing big. It was perfect. 

Our wedding was held in Sandusky, so we had family and friends from all over arriving throughout the week. Our wedding weekend technically began Thursday night. One of of favorite bars right down the street from our house had burger night every Thursday. We decided to invite anyone and everyone to join us for beer and burgers that night before the wedding chaos began. Almost the entire bridal party made it, as well as lot's of friends and family. It was such a fun night, and I'm glad we all got to have some fun before the big day!

Friday morning, all of the girls met at our house to ride together to the Bridal Luncheon at Mon Ami Winery. The guys all headed to Kelley's Island for the afternoon. We later all met at Water Street downtown to mingle, before all heading to the rehearsal together. It was such a gorgeous day, and it seemed to fly by, almost as fast as the wedding day itself! I am so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and family members. It was the perfect way to end my last day as a single lady!

After the rehearsal, we all headed to Justin's uncle's house, right on the water, where our rehearsal dinner was held. Again, it was the perfect evening. All of our close family members were there, as well as many of our dear friends, whom were invited to join in the festivities, since they were all mostly from out of town. After the dinner, the girls all went one way, and the guys all went another. The next time we would all be together would be at the wedding!