Wedding: The Ceremony, Part One

Now, for the best part: the ceremony! Here, Alex and his lovely mother Joyce are getting ready to walk down the aisle. Alex was all nerves, and told me afterwards that he didn't remember a thing about walking down the aisle. Not a thing! Alex was filled with both jitters and excitement. He kept saying, "It's a potent brew, it's a potent brew."
Meanwhile, my dad and I were one floor up. Suddenly, at the very last minute, just moments before walking down the aisle, I realized that I'd left my bouquet on a table upstairs. My dad -- in true 007 style -- raced up the stairs, two at a time, went into the bridal suite, found the bouquet, and ran back down....
...Then, completely calm and unfazed, he took my arm and gracefully led me down the aisle. It made me think of all the times my dad has helped me and been my hero during my childhood and adult life, and it made me tear up (again).
At this moment, my uncle, who officiated our ceremony, had just asked, "Who gives this woman to marry this man?" And my dad answered, "She comes of her own accord, with the full support of her mother and me." I loved how feminist and independent that sounded, while still honoring tradition and family. (It was my mom's idea.) Although it did, as you can see, make me laugh a little in the moment. And I love Alex's expression here!!!
Then I kissed my dad and took Alexei's hands.
One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was when we took a moment to thank our mothers for all that they've done for us and gave each of them a pink English rose. My mom started crying, which was so sweet...
...and Alex's mom looked so happy!

Next up: The readings...

(My dad's English morning suit from Baldwin. Rose petals from Flyboy Naturals)

(Photos by Max Wanger)