Step by Step: We Get Hitched!

Walking down the aisle was so incredibly surreal, but I was very, very happy that the aisle wasn't long - I was ready to get to Mr. S!


Our wedding party was ready and waiting for my arrival...



And Daddy Stiletto delivered me safe and sound to Mr. S.



It all was a bit of a blur...I focused on looking at the outline of the ceremony that Pastor Scott was holding to help keep the tears at bay!


I love this little sneaky shot of the bridesmaids.


And, wait - are those my pomanders?! I'm so glad that I did these and nothing more, keepin' it simple. (FYI - I have 10 of these pomanders for sale on classifieds, message me if you're interested, otherwise I'm trashing them!).


We were so excited to exchange our bling!


And while everyone looked on...


...we headed on up to light our unity candle (which was a last minute DIY of pinning damask fabric to a white pillar camera, easy and cheap!).


As we got up there, I started to wonder why I ever thought it would be a good idea to handle fire while full of nerves in a long flowing dress. Eek! Fortunately, no fires were set and after lighting the candle Mr. S and I had a moment to giggle and talk, just the two of us.


Finally, we were almost there!


Time for THE kiss. Remember my post about church tongue? Well, how do you think we did?!


Not too shabby! Simple and sweet.



This was it! To Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" we were officially Mr. and Mrs. Stiletto!


I finally got to look and see who was in the church. There were so many people that I knew were going to be there, but it was such an exciting surprise seeing them there!


Mr. S whisked me away into hiding until our guests exited the church...


...so that we could have a "grand exit" from the church with all of our guests around. While we opted not to do a toss or bubbles or any of the other fun options, just having everyone out there clapping was fine by us!




I love this shot - feels so glamorous!


Our limo arrived and it was time to load up and head out for pictures around Oak Park!


*Please note: All photos from Laurie Peacock Photography

We had just an amazing ceremony. Many of our guests commented on how nice it was and while it was a little more modern (we spent a lot of time choosing music and readings that were special to us), the messages were still very spiritual and meaningful.

Next up - Wedding party pictures as we stroll around Oak Park!

Previously in our wedding recaps:
Step by Step: Girls Get Ready
Step by Step: Guys Get Ready
Step by Step: First Look
Step by Step: Gettin' Ready to Walk

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Step by Step: Gettin' Ready to Walk

I love the calm in the church just a couple of hours before the ceremony was to begin. For a wedding of 100 people, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect church to be married in. Some of our guests even commented that it felt like a little country church...that is, until an ambulance came blaring by in the middle of the ceremony. Ahh, urban life!


Daddy Stiletto made sure Mr. S's flower was pinned on just right...


...while Momma Stiletto kept me cool and calm as we waited in a different part of the church. This was after the first look, but I was still all in knots!


The guys putzed around while they waited for the high sign that they should line up...


...while the ladies kept me company as I asked "Is it time yet?!" many times over.


When Mr. S was on his wait to the front of the sanctuary, I met up with Daddy Stiletto to get lined up behind the rest of the wedding party.

Behind the scenes story: notice my arms in the shot? Yeah....I was very concerned that I was going to sweat like crazy during the ceremony (not only out of nerves, but the sanctuary didn't have air conditioning!), so I was keepin' my arms out. But no worries, I was cool as a cucumber!


An encouraging smile from Sister Stiletto...


...and just to not have a completely big head about how great I'd like to think I looked on the day, I give you my ugly face:


Two of our fabulous ushers rolled out the white carpet, err, paper-like runner. That blasted runner (you'll see why in a second).



The bridal party made their way down the aisle.





And Mr. S was ready and waiting for my grand entrance!


Here goes nothin'!! (seeeee the runner?! Arrr.)


*Please note: All photos from Laurie Peacock Photography

I have to say while I was ready and rarin' to go down the aisle, it absolutely goes by in a whirlwind. An amazing and meaningful whirlwind, but a whirlwind nonetheless!

Next up - the Stiletto ceremony and officially tying the knot!

Previously in our wedding recaps:
Step by Step: Girls Get Ready
Step by Step: Guys Get Ready
Step by Step: First Look

Read more...

Step by Step: First Look

We had debated doing a "first look" quite a bit. Mr. S was all about it, I was a little more hesitant. I even posted about it this summer. I finally decided that if it was something that he felt was really important for us to do, I would throw caution to the wind and go for it.

Our timeline was tight on the wedding day, so I left the hotel in the limo with the bridal party around 2:30, arriving at the church around 2:40. The ceremony started at 3:00 on the dot, so it was a quick look! I waited in the limo after the bridal party went into the church and waited for the "all clear" that Mr. S was all set and waiting for me in our designated spot - a little garden on the side of the church.

Mr. S waited patiently with his back turned in one part of the garden.


I was ready and waiting behind him, all anxious and excited. Having a second photographer for this was great - she was standing facing Mr. S and our main photographer (the fabulous Laurie Peacock) was facing me...you can even see Laurie right behind Steve. Love it!


As it should be, Mr. S came to me! (ok, I was going to go to him, but part of the garden was a bit muddy, and I wasn't ready to trash my dress quite yet!)


I like to think he's liking what he's lookin' at.


Especially as he goes in for a smooch.


I gave him the cheek, though. Why? I'm assuming I didn't want to smudge my freshly-done makeup.


And then it was just time to chit chat, share stories from the morning. Mr. S is most definitely my best friend, and it was nice to FINALLY show him my dress! Whew...that was secret I had kept for almost a year.


Aww, a last hand squeeze before we separate - almost time for the ceremony to start!


Oh, and maybe a funny face.


Or two. Mr. S is apparently great with the faces!


*Please note: All photos from Laurie Peacock Photography

I had originally thought that our first look should definitely be in the church as I walked down the aisle. It would be meaningful, emotional and magical. But I truly believe that having those few moments together before the ceremony really was perfect. It eased some anxiety, let us reconnect before saying "I do" and helped us deal with many emotions. I can only imagine what kind of a crying mess I would have been in the church if I hadn't seen Mr. S beforehand.

Next Up - Everyone gets lined up and ready for the ceremony to finally begin!

Previously in our wedding recaps:
Step by Step: Girls Get Ready
Step by Step: Guys Get Ready

Read more...

Just Buzzing to Say Hello!

Mr. Stiletto and I enjoyed the most fabulous wedding day EVER! I can't wait to share more with you once we get the professional pictures back...I'm already dying to do recaps!

In the meantime, I'll leave you with the lovely sneak peak posted by our photographer, Laurie Peacock:

Source: Laurie Peacock

Wait?! You wanted to see my beautiful mug as well? Since we were lucky enough to have great friends and Bees in attendance, TONS of pictures were uploaded to Facebook right after the wedding!

The lovely Miss Snapdragon provided this fabulous picture of Mr. S and I leaving the church:


Can't wait to catch up on all of my Bee reading when Mr. S and I return from Aruba!

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