Wedding - Ceremony

Trying not to cry.....

That's my dad's hand giving me away :)

The dark clouds were starting to show up....it rained more than it has in AZ in many many years that night.

Trying to light the memorial candle in honor of C's parents...took a few tries

After he put the ring on my finger :)

Sealing the deal!!

He wanted more kisses hahahah

Husband and Wife!!!

And they lived happily ever after!

Wedding Day - First Look

I finally have some more wedding photos for you! 

We chose to do a first look for our wedding, which I am happy with.  At first I was adamant on the first time he saw me on our wedding day being the moment I walked down that aisle.  I didn't want it any other way.  But over time after hearing input from friends and our photographer, I changed my view.  

First, our portraits with the group and family were able to be done before the ceremony which saved us a TON of time after the ceremony.  C and I took our shots together after the ceremony and we were still probably gone an hour.  Had we needed to take group and family shots, it would have likely taken another hour.  

Also, one of my bridesmaids E pointed out how amazing it would be to be able to actually give him a hug and a kiss after that special moment.  We wouldn't have to wait through the entire ceremony for that.  It was a great feeling to actually be able to talk about our feelings and express our love in a private conversation beforehand.

Finally?  Hello makeup reapplication!  I was able to go inside and fix everything up after the tears :)

Honestly this didn't change how I felt going down the aisle either.  There are photos of both of us with the oddest faces because we are just trying to breath and hold it all together.  Walking down the aisle for real was still VERY special, regardless of the fact that he had already seen how I look!  It was still exciting too, because though he had seen me, no else had!

Ok, that's my two cents on First Looks. Now on to the photos!

He was showing off his outfit :)

I got deodorant all over him...I was trying to get it off!

As I really wanted the First Look to be a private moment between C and I, I asked everyone in the Bridal cottage (which was where we did the photos) to please give us our privacy.  I just really didn't want everyone staring at us!  The girls gave us our privacy....for a few minutes.  Then they all peeked!  I thought these pics were cute. I love the smile on my mommas face!

Next up, the ceremony!

Coming Soon....

A new teammate to the Dukes Family!

Phew, I can finally let you guys know why the heck I have been slacking so much on the blog.  I have literally been soooooo exhausted!

This Thanksgiving I really have so much to be thankful for. A wonderful family, an amazing husband, an awesome new home and now I get to become a momma!

C and I are super excited and can't wait to have a little one join our family next May.  I'll update you all with more details soon, but that's our big news!

Wedding Day - Gettin' Pretty

Ok guys, I know I have been way slacking in this, but I FINALLY have all of our wedding pictures!! 

This week I thought I'd show you how our day started!  I got all of my bridesmaids (and my momma) the same matching, comfy dress for us to wear while getting ready.  I got them at H & M for the low price of $10 and I think they looked adorable!  I love how all of the pictures are so cohesive. I thought the dresses would be perfect for them to use another time too which made them a double bonus gift.

We spent the morning getting ready at the only hotel in Florence,AZ which was about a mile from the venue.  There is seriously nothing else in Florence. Not even a Walgreens. Or Starbucks.  Oh man.

The makeup artist was supposed to take an hour per girl, but he was pretty much a rock star and finished everyone really quickly. So we just hung around all afternoon being bored. Really though, the morning of my wedding, I was soooo stinkin bored!  I mean, I'm grateful that we definitely weren't rushed, but man, there was nothing to do.  Except watch football, which I totally did!  After this we headed over to the venue around 3pm, I'll show you those pics next week!

Without further ado....here are some pics of us girls getting ready on my wedding day!!!

(The only shot you'll ever probably see of me with no makeup, my hair a wavy mess AND no bangs - the trifecta!)

Goofing off with my extensions (used for fullness, not length)

Momma!

Lunch.....I barely ate it!

All of the girls and their pearls

My fab four :)

Being goofy....

3....2.....1....

Liftoff!

Malibu and Pineapple of course :)

Getting C's gift ready

Putting Momma's pearls on

The bride who found football :)

Next up, the Bridal Cottage at the venue!