I was very lucky to find the makeup artist and hair stylist that I did who both had the same vision for me as I did. I told them what I wanted and they delivered. My M.A.C. makeup was in place for hours (10 to be exact!) and my hair stayed curled all night, only dropping a bit towards the end. I was so pleased. And the fake lashes topped off my look.

I didn't feel like a model. I didn't feel like a celebrity. I didn't feel like a princess.

I felt like me. The most beautiful me.

After the limo ride, we arrived at Piedmont Park. Because it had been raining all day long, the girls had to hold my dress up the entire time we were there so my train wouldn't get dirty. Poor things, it was actually a bit heavy after a while!

We hung out for a little bit at the top of the stairs and then headed down to the dock.

Unusually, the ducks and birds were walking around on the dock. The cutest were 3 little ducklings following their mama. Aww.

Where we were all standing was where the ceremony was supposed to take place if it hadn't rained. See how beautiful and natural the backdrop is? At least the girls and my family were able to take some pictures here. I love how the blue of the bridesmaids dresses pop against the greenery.

And then, as if in a blink of an eye, it was time to leave, go back to the hotel (pee) and get MARRIED.

While getting ready, the rain had lightened, but I had to make a decision about where the ceremony was going to be. My brother went to the hotel lobby's computer to check the hourly forecast one last time. 6 p.m. called for rain. The wedding would now be officially inside at the hotel. I had given my planner either phone numbers or instructions for each person on our guest list to get in touch with them in the event of this happening. She got on it a-sap and we went on without missing a beat.

At about 3 p.m. it stopped raining, though, so we decided to make use of the limo and the park (that we already paid for!) to take some pictures. My parents, brother, sister-in-law, 4 bridesmaids, photographer and myself piled into the limo.

The finishing touch for my wedding ensemble was my garter set. Then, we'd be out the door to ride in our awaiting limo.

My sister-in-law helped me with putting them on.

Many thanks again to Peterene from Etsy for creating this gorgeous set for me as my 'something blue.'