Goin' to the Chapel

It is both a pleasure and an honor to say that Mrs. Wald's wedding was a huge success! As you probably know, the bff over at LEMonade got married last weekend in KC, and I served as her maid of honor. For the past year and a half, I've been privy to a few of her wedding planning details and have been a part of a few different projects. But what I saw when I walked into the Hobbs Building just blew me away.

This girl has been working her bum off, squeezing in meetings with vendors over the phone, traveling to KC from San Carlos for dress fittings, and yet still she managed to throw a wedding that came off with the air of effortless glam. Every detail was addressed. From the fabtastic welcome boxes in the hotel rooms (that contained very cute "Do Not Disturb" doorhangers aptly alerting passersby that we'd been dancing the night away at the M-W wedding -- so true!) to the cards on the bar with after-party locations and cab information. As a graphic designer, I truly appreciated the flawless execution, the consistent presence of her theme.

4 out of 5 BMs -- present!

I got to go with the bride and groom after the ceremony while they were taking pictures with the photog (to be the dress train stylist and bouquet holder) and I already know what amazing proofs they're looking forward to. Since I got to see a few of the shots "in the raw" I know their photog really captured the happiness and excitement of their day. Not to mention that the bride was drop-dead gorgeous, the epitome of a modern bride.

All the hard work and decisions the bride made were flawless. The above-pictured cake -- delicious, and beautiful. Her mother made quite a few of the tablecloths that were featured on the highlighted tables, like the cake table and the outdoor cocktail tables. I can't say enough about how wonderful everything looked, and that this mother/daughter team really raises the bar on DIY quality. It truly is an inspiration to a bride-to-be that all of Lauren's dedication and organization really shined through. Guests felt special to be in attendance.

It must be mentioned that all pictures were taken by my amazing photog-fiance J. I was pleasantly surpised to find the "detail shots" he took.

The weekend went off without a hitch. We had so much fun the night before at the rehearsal dinner...and even more afterwards when it was just us gals. Lauren had the biggest reveal of all when she handed out our monogrammed totes, filled with goodies like eyemasks, slippers, our day-of jewelry, stationary and pen. She knows us all so well, and it was a very heart-felt thank you from our girl.



We, Lauren and I, are obviously the emotional ones of the group, which made it hard for us to communicate with each other without tearing up. This made for a fun game which I call, "Bride is not accepting compliments at this time." The first round was played in the limo on the way to the pre-wedding photo shoot. The reality of what was coming really hit her (and me) hard and any direct eye contact or compliment threatened to send her eye makeup heading for her hemline. So we'd look away, change the subject, move on, all the while looking up...so the tears would retreat. Later when the excitement took over, it was fine, and everyone could feel free to compliment "bride" (as we called her). It was the only organized way to keep our wussy emotions in check. Thanks to the other BMs for playing along. We were well aware that the only danger was ourselves. :)

The day of the actual wedding was fast-paced, but always under control. Hands down, the most hilarious moment (which will no doubt become a tradition, so get ready Joanna!) was when just a few minutes before the ceremony started and we were all feeling the jitters, some clever bridesmaid (I think it was either Jamie or Emily -- seriously genius) started the line, "Innn West Philadelphia, born and raised..." and all of a sudden, like it was scripted in a movie, we all joined in and basically rapped the theme song to Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Why, you ask? I think it was because it was fresh in our minds from the Napa trip, in which the song had a brief cameo there as well. But singing it together at an increasing volume, just 5 minutes before her wedding started, helped to ease the nerves of all ladies involved. When it was over, I looked around to flushed cheeks, smiles and laughter and thought, "Brilliant."

Lauren and Brian shared their vows (yes, I was weepy, and was informed by a groomsman afterwards that I was "too emotional") that made me choke up and the beauty of their words. Since I was standing so close to them, I was able to see the way Brian looked at her the moment she became his wife, and anybody in the audience could see how ecstatic he was. From his "I'm not a ring guy, this is new to me!" nervous banter after holding out the wrong hand for his ring, to her quiet, sincerely honest "I will," it was a ceremony that truly captured their love. Their style. Their desire to share such a special day with all of us. And I can say to you, it was an honor to be a part of it. I guess you could say I was maid-of honored.

Lauren and Brian, congratulations.