Finally it was time to make the walk down the aisle. My Dad continuously reminded me throughout the entire engagement period that this is what he was looking forward to the most.
I wish I could say that I was graceful walking down the aisle (after all us Catholic girls have lots of experience with things such as first holy communion and confirmation). However, I walked at mach speed until about half way down the aisle when my dad had to remind me to slow down. It looks quite humorous on video :0)
Closer picture of the walk
My photographer asked me when I was getting ready if I thought I would cry. I laughed and said absolutely not. I'm not really the crying type. Obviously I was wrong. Like I said before, the feelings of love and support when those doors opened were like nothing I had ever experienced before. Luckily I wasn't the only one...apparently my dad, Ryan, and the priest all had tears in their eyes. (this picture was taken by a friend)
Pretty french buckets lining the aisle
My dad giving me away
Opening prayer
Looking out at everyone who came to celebrate our marriage. It was quite overwhelming (in a good way). I also may have been focusing on how hungry I was at this point, which might explain the straight face...
Old testament reading by my wonderful friend Meredith :0)
New testament reading by Ryan's friend Jim, who also graciously stepped up to be a groomsman when one of our other groomsmen was deployed to Iraq
Gospel reading. The Monsignor that presided over our wedding also confirmed me in 8th grade. He is amazing and we were so happy that he was able to marry us :0)
Laughing at the funny parts of the homily...yes it included a part about one side of the church being the Hokie Nation and the other side being a bunch of Wahoos...and something about us being there for each other in good times and bad and even during football season.
Close up of the pretty monogram charm and my death grip on Ryan's hand. About halfway through the mass I started having thoughts about those clips from America's Funniest Home Videos where the bride passes out during the ceremony. Then I became absolutely terrified that that was going to happen. I think this is what sleep deprivation and skipping lunch does to a bride...
Hehehe... my Dad thought the football joke was funny too :0)
Ryan's parents during the homily. Probably during one of the more touching/serious parts.
Finally it was time to exchange vows! Whoot whoot! This is probably the only shot of me actually looking at Ryan because I knew if I looked at him for too long I'd break down into tears (of happiness of course!)
My beautiful bridesmaids looked on :0)
A blessing
And sealed with a kiss!
Lighting the unity candle
Presenting flowers to Mary. My aunt, who has her doctorate in liturgical music, sang Ave Maria. It was absolutely beautiful.
One final line up! Our bridal party did an amazing job of remembering all of the times they had to stand up, line up, and sit down.
One more kiss as the new Mr. & Mrs.
Finally getting to walk down the aisle together. I did a much better job walking out then I did walking in :0P
We're Maaaarrrriiiiiieeeeddd!
Here is the outline of our ceremony. It was a full Catholic Mass, which was really important to both of us, as Ryan had converted while we were dating (he actually started the process about a week before we met, and I was able to go to most of the RCIA classes with him). The classes always gave us a lot to talk and think about, which I think helped make our relationship so strong.
Recaps
All photos unless noted are courtesy of Kate Leigh
