Marissa's Wedding

Back in September one of my childhood best friends, Marissa, got married and asked me to be a bridesmaid! She asked me a little after I found out I was pregnant with Jaid. I have to admit I was a little nervous but really excited. I'd never been a bridesmaid before let alone in a non LDS wedding.

I was nervous about finding a modest bridesmaid dress to match, being only 3 months post baby, and taking my crazy twin boys to a fancy wedding. Thankfully two of the three fears were solved. First, Marissa is amazing and was nothing close to a bridezilla. She made the dress shopping so easy and simple by just asking for black satin. It just shows her maturity when she didn't really care about the specifics of our dresses and especially mine. She just wanted me to be there. She's awesome. Second fear solved by Brooke and Shad graciously accepting our request to watch the boys for the weekend so we didn't have to take them down. Third fear, well I was still 3 months post baby. Enough said. Definitely not in my best shape but owell.

Cody, Jaid, and I flew down to Phoenix 2 days before the wedding and met everyone at a BBQ. It was so fun to see everybody. There were some high school friends that I hadn't seen since graduation. Of course Jaid stole the thunder and everyone was in love with her, especially Carolyn. I don't think I held her that much. Carolyn would steal her the second she could.

The day before the wedding all the bridesmaids went to get their toes and nails done, ate lunch at Jack, had the run through of the wedding at the venue, and then the rehearsal dinner later that night. During all of this Cody just hung out with Jaid. They got to have lots of special bonding time together. Although they did join us for the rehearsal dinner.

Beautiful bride with Carolyn and Callie (friends from home) and Julie and Kim.

The cute couple at the rehearsal dinner at Buca di Beppo

The Gooding Clan. Love this family and their new additions.

Have to talk about the rehearsal dinner. It was so much fun. Chase is Italian and so we named the wedding my big fat Italian wedding. It was so loud in the dining room. Drinks were flying and there was so much food to eat. Some of Chase's family flew in from New York or New Jersey, I can't remember, but they were hilarious. Their accent and personalities were just like you see out of the movies. They were awesome!

Saturday morning was the big day!!! We woke up early and Cody dropped me off at a hotel where Marissa had a suite and all the bridesmaids and Riss got ready for the wedding. We were all in this room for 6 hours getting our hair and make up done. It was fun.

With the amazing hair stylist. She was awesome. 

Front: Chehalis girls watching Riss get made up. The best was when I was hand pumping under a towel. Oh to be a mom!

It was so fun to get all made up. I haven't done that since my wedding 6.5 years ago. It was also so fun to be with some of my favorite girls from my childhood. It amazes me that we can be away from each other for so long but we can pick back up instantly. I also love them for loving me for who I am. We have a lot of differences in our lives but we all love each other unconditionally. Great friends!!!

After we were all done we got shuttled to the venue, Vila Siena. It was beautiful. The ceremony was beautiful and Marissa was glowing. It was so fun to be there to support her. I wouldn't have missed it.

 See proof that Cody was there and what a hottie he is! Jaid was the only baby/kid at the wedding. It's a good thing she is an angel and slept the whole time. She was amazing.

 

 Once we got to the venue we got into our dresses and then got Riss ready. Then it was waiting time and keeping Riss calm.

It was a little nerve racking walking down the isle although it was nice to be walking with Jason, Riss' brother. It was so sweet to see Chase's expression when he saw Riss for the first time and to watch Riss walk down the isle. Great moment. 

 

Chehalis Girls

After the cocktail hour it was time for the dinner and the reception. So one thing that I didn't know was that the wedding party would get their names called and we would dance into the reception. HA - Awkward. It was fine. Jason and I just practiced our moves which consisted of the fist pump and some hip action. We were awesome. I love Jason's face!!

Once everyone finished eating and the open bar opened up the party got started. It seriously was a party! Nothing like I've experienced before but it was awesome. Unfortanetly we didn't stay until the end. The music was really loud for Jaid and she had had enough, and my feet had as well. 

What a fun weekend we had celebrating a special time for such a special person in my life. Love you Riss and the Gooding family.

Special thanks for Brooke & Shad for watching the boys and sorry you had to experience having twins. Another big thanks to Lindsey and Hunter for your hospitality and letting us crash at your house and to the Goodings for making us feel so loved and part of your family. We love you guys.

Click HERE to watch the wedding video. Enjoy!