I'll Never Desert You: Getting Ready & Exchanging Gifts

Hello again readers! The official Camel wedding recaps have begun! I hope you guys are ready for wedding photography overload, all thanks to Christopher Helm Photography. Let's get this party started! 

We'll get to this special moment in due time!

After a very emotional rehearsal dinner, all of my bridesmaids spent the night at my apartment. The idea was to have an old school pre-wedding sleepover. I've known most of my bridesmaids since elementary or middle school, so of course we have a long history of sleepovers, usually involving viewings of The Last Unicorn or Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail. Mr. C stayed at a hotel in downtown Athens with his best man. There were still a few little wedding tasks to tie up (literally) such as tying thank you tags to each individually wrapped macaron favor. This could not be done ahead of time because the macarons had only just been picked up that afternoon from the bakery in Atlanta. The seven of us made short work of the thank you tags and soon we were off to bed. 

I went to bed a bit later than I had planned. Surprisingly I didn't have much trouble falling asleep, but honestly I was exhausted from all the emotions and tears I experienced earlier in the evening. At around 8:00 am my stepsister (bridesmaid J) shook me awake. "You're getting married today!!" I was groggy but I knew there was a lot to get done (and a lot of girls to get ready) before we could leave the house. We had a 9:30 reservation at a local restaurant for a bridesmaid brunch, courtesy of my sweet grandmother. Once there we were served hot slices of cheese and spinach quiche with freshly baked biscuits, butter, jam, and fresh fruit. It was absolutely divine and such a calm, leisurely way to start the big day. My bridesmaids, mom, two aunts, and grandmother were all in attendance and we sat outside under the shade of some trees, catching up between sips of coffee and orange juice. Honestly, this was one of my favorite parts of the day! Then it was off to the salon. 

Getting my hair done by the amazing Olive at City Salon and Spa.

We had six bridesmaids, three groomsladies, and two mothers getting their hair done at the salon. This took at least a good three hours with three different stylists working nonstop. Then there was me, of course, and I was also getting my makeup done. This all took place at the fabulous City Salon and Spa in Athens, Georgia. We had a great time though and came prepared with champagne and orange juice for mimosas and my amazing matron of honor K and bridesmaid J ran out to grab Panera Bread sandwiches and salads for the entire bridal party.  

Some bridesmaids and groomsladies waiting for their turn at the salon chair.

Mr. C's three beautiful sisters (from left) with my good friend the lovely bridesmaid S on the right.

After hair, makeup, and a quick in-salon lunch we were off to the venue, Cloverleaf Farm. The weather was absolutely perfect. It's been raining nonstop this summer in Georgia, which is great since previously we had been experiencing a drought, but it certainly made me nervous leading up to the wedding day! By the middle of May we had already received more than our monthly average of rainfall and it didn't seem to be stopping any time soon. But as luck would have it, we had a gorgeously sunny day with low humidity. Humidity is another thing you need to worry about in the South as it can make even moderate temperatures miserable (and destroy your hairstyle).  

Arriving at the venue with bridesmaid J, feeling like a rock star.

I called one of Mr. C's groomsmen ahead of time to ensure that he was not wandering around the venue when we arrived. Then the girls were all whisked upstairs to the beautiful bridal suite to get ready. While my bridesmaids were rushing about to get dressed, I was delivered a present from Mr. C's youngest sister. You see, Mr. C and I decided to follow the trend of gifting each other wedding day presents. I couldn't wait to see what he had picked out for me, as he had been giving me little hints leading up to the big day. I could tell that he was proud and excited for me to open my gift! 

Mr. C's youngest sister and niece look on as I read the card.

First of course there was the heartfelt card where he told me he couldn't wait for me to become his wife. Then I opened the present. When I tore open the white paper I found a Little Prince music box. This was perfect as we chose a reading from the Little Prince for our ceremony. Apparently he had it imported from France! When I opened the lid, I found a teal box wrapped in white ribbon: a sight that many a lady longs to see. Who could mistake a box from Tiffany & Co.? 

And inside the Tiffany's box was an elegant pearl necklace. It has a decorative silver pendant that evokes the art deco style of the 1920's. This is very apt as it is from Tiffany's Ziegfeld collection commemorating Baz Luhrman's film The Great Gatsby. Mr. C and I both love the book (but we have not seen the film), so once again he found the perfect, symbolic gift! I wasn't planning on wearing a necklace for the wedding, but this gift was just too perfect not to wear. I swear, Mr. C is one amazing guy. 

Now that I had opened my gift, it was time for Mr. C to open his. I was really at a loss as to what to give my future husband. He doesn't wear suits often so cuff links were out. I had just recently bought him a really nice watch to wear, so a timepiece wouldn't work either. He would never use something like a money clip. Recently his beloved iPod had died and I realized how much he missed having it in his car to listen to music, so I bought him a new iPod, matte black with our initials and wedding date engraved on the back. It's so hard to get a man a sentimental gift! But I did find a really cute pop-up Little Prince card where I inscribed my wedding day message of love for him. 

After opening our presents, it was nearly time for our first look! But I wasn't even dressed yet. Next up, the girls and guys get dressed and ready for the big event.