Ok, enough jokes...
One afternoon, while hanging out at Andrew's parents' house, Lindsey totally caught me off guard when she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. I was in shock!!! Literally, I think I just sat there and didn't say anything for a good 30 seconds. Finally, I was able to conjure a smile and accept her request. You are probably reading this and thinking I didn't really want to participate...that is absolutely not the case at all!! You see, at that time I was still fairly new to the family and her invitation was such a compliment and display of acceptance that I was literally overcome with emotion and was at a loss for words. I'm actually surprised that I didn't start crying tears of joy. You see, I am in love with Andrew's family and I so badly wanted them to love me as well. At that moment, I think I realized that they considered me one of their own. I was speechless and so grateful.
As the wedding approached, Lindsey asked if I would go bridesmaid dress shopping with her! You see, there were two other bridesmaids and they both live out of town so I was a lucky lady and got to spend a couple of lovely days shopping around Nashville with Julie and Lindsey! We found some great dresses and, more importantly, bonded a lot during that time.
The rehearsal dinner was held in the clubhouse of Andrew's condo building. It was the perfect setting. Everything was very relaxed and we had plenty of time to mingle and get to know one another. Since Jake's family lives in Connecticut, most of us were meeting for the first time. We ate barbecue, drank beer and wine and afterward, we headed just down the street to the honky tonks. Lindsey and I didn't stay out too late as we wanted to be fresh and ready for the big day.
Andrew and I at Wild Horse Saloon. Check out the line dancing behind us.
Lindsey and I stayed at a hotel and woke up bright and early on the Wedding day! I think the time I got to spend with Lindsey, before everyone else got to the hotel and the day actually started, was one of my favorite parts of the whole experience. I count it as a blessing that we were able to hang out and grab some breakfast together, just the two of us. We actually had a very relaxing start to the day and I think that helped set a very positive tone for a time that had the potential to be quite stressful. Of course, as soon as all the other ladies got there, we popped the champagne and it was time to get things underway.
Lindsey and Jara (Jake's sister) before we broke into the bubbly.
All the ladies getting the party started!
This is the only picture I have of Julie and I. I really hate that it is blurry because it would have been a fantastic picture. We still look pretty good though, if you ask me.
Junior bridesmaid, Caitlin, joined us later in the morning. Here she is modeling Lindsey's cowboy boots. What a stunner!
With our hair and make-up done, we headed off to CJ's in downtown Franklin, TN. CJ's is a historic home turned into a wedding venue and it was gorgeous. The ladies had the whole upstairs to get dressed and wait for pictures. Please look at how beautiful our rooms were:
Those flowers are the bridesmaid bouquets. And that mirror hung, from the wall, with ribbon...oh that mirror. I'll take one please!
This is Lindsey's bouquet and our bridesmaid dresses in the background. Everything was just stunning.
Of course, it wasn't just our rooms that were stunning, the wedding venue was just as gorgeous.
This suitcase belonged to Lindsey's grandfather. What a great way to ensure he was involved in her special day!
Check out the hilarious cake topper.
Oh and the guestbooks were cornhole boards. How creative! Something to cherish for a long time, especially during those family cornhole tournaments which Andrew and I dominate. Maybe these will bring them more luck. ;)
Lindsey, right before it was time for the dress!!!!
My favorite picture from the day! Can you tell we like each other?!?!?!
Finally, it was time. We headed down to the ceremony and it was raining. It had been raining all day and so, what was supposed to be in the garden was moved to the back patio and they got married on the dance floor. It seems only appropriate. Both Jake and Lindsey have amazing personalities full of spunk and laughter. I mean even during the wedding, as Jake spoke his vows, the rain poured so hard that Lindsey cracked a joke, "I can't hear you" and everyone laughed. It was perfect. So perfect that you have to know that someone else planned for that rain. We prayed and prayed that it wouldn't rain but God had a different plan and the result was a very intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends that really brought out the wonderful love that Jake and Lindsey have for one another. I've been to many weddings in my life and most of them, I cannot remember a word that was uttered. As for Jake and Lindsey, I remember their jokes and I remember how the minister incorporated the rain and attributed it to blessings pouring down from above. God took a day that, by it's nature, was destined to be important and made it unforgettable. See, God knows what He is doing.
Then of course, we danced the night away and had a blast!
I'll leave you with one last picture... Andrew and I caught the bouquet and the garter. Dun Dun Dun!!!!!
P.S. I neglected to get a single picture of Jake or Buzz!!! Terrible photographer, I am! I promise they were there and very much a part of everything. Especially Jake! ;)
Much love,
Rachel
