the wedding that started it all...

1.23.2011

The temple ceremony was beautiful. 
We knelt across from each other encircled about by our family and made promises that sealed us together for time and all eternity.

Apparently my big brother, Jason, bawled like a babe the entire time. I love him. He’s some 14 years older than me and I remember he used to wake me up and sneak me out to the trampoline to look at the stars to tell me about his most recent date and ask for my wise 3 or 4 year-old advice. 
I don’t know how many times that actually happened, but it meant so much to me that I feel like it was an every weekend occurrence. I always knew he loved me.  
I had the best childhood.

After the wedding was over, everyone that was in the temple made their way out, while my mom, Leisel, and I freshened my make-up and hair.

I was reunited with Marcus and we were greeted by a paparazzi of flashes and happy faces. 
What a special time to be surrounded by those who love you most! 


 I was glowing with happiness and the smiles could not be wiped off our faces. 
After taking some pictures, we had to rush back to the condo for a wardrobe change and to finish setting up for the wedding dinner. Marcus had to go get the flowers from his sisters house, so I jumped in the car with my sister and brother-in-law. 

The kids and I munched on sour worms and runts as we drove. 

It seemed like it was taking an awful lot longer to get back than it did to get to the temple…I started to run through all the things that I need to do in the slightly less than 2-hour time period.

1. Get to the condo (30 minutes away).
2. Change into my hippie dress and stitch on the bustle (15 minutes). 
3. Curl my hair and put it up (30 minutes).
4. Make sure the bridesmaid have their new outfits (10 minutes).
5. Get the flowers in place (15 minutes).
6. Lay out the place cards (10 minutes).
7. Find a way to print out my vows, since my copy had gotten lost in the drive to California (20ish minutes).

Basically, I had no excess time and this ride home was DEFINITELY taking longer than it should. 

Finally, the driver admits that he’s lost. Hahahahaha! What are the chances? 
I DID NOT have time to be lost, but there was nothing to do but laugh, because it was clear that the driver was frustrated and embarrassed, so I did my best to remain calm and make sure he didn’t feel too bad. 
After all, this was my party, and they couldn’t really start without me, so whatever, it would all work out.

The temple was being cleaned, but I was kind of diggin' the look! haha
Plus all the creatures in the forest came out to celebrate!


15 comments

Jenni Austria Germany said...

your maid of honor is gorgeous- i love the polka dots and cardigan! and speaking of gorgeous...you and your husband should just quit your jobs and be models. and lastly, that wedding day to-do list is stressing me out just thinking about it...how did you stay calm!?

Irene said...

how could you remain calm?? I'd've exploded! hahaha!
you have such a big family! mine too and mentally doing the guest list, it's already too long! ;)

lengli said...

Hi Ashley! I've been reading your blog for a couple weeks but I'm a first time commenter. It's been so much fun seeing all you went through with your wedding preparations and you did such a beautiful job with everything (especially LOVED your place settings!). Happy six-month anniversary to you and Marcus and many many more!

Lindsey Dixon said...

Everything looks so beautiful! There's no way I would have stayed calm with that to-do list. I would have been flying around!

Lindsey Soup

Kailee said...

I'm loving the wedding story series that you've been posting. SO cute :) And guess what?! I was actually in San Diego at that temple like a week and a half before you were! It looked like that when I was there too haha. Can't wait to hear the rest of the story...it's like a book! ;)
-kiki
anewoutfitaday.blogspot.com

Shay said...

I love those photos and I love this series so much- it can't be over, can it?!

Aiketa said...

I am so loving all these post about the wedding! And that last picture is amazing!

meme-and-he said...

such beautiful pictures!!! Looked like a wonderful day!

Brittney said...

beautiful! love it all...
-brittney
http://adayinlifetoo.blogspot.com

lauren said...

so gorgeous! and what a beautiful way to remember it all. i love it!

Ashley Bagley Nielson said...

thank you everyone, all of your comments definitely encouraged me throughout the blogging process!

Jenni--i'll be sure and tell my sister, i'm sure she'll be flattered :)
WELCOME lengli, love hearing from new followers.

Kiki--what were you doing in San Diego? isn't it just the best place ever?

Kuleigh said...

You look so beautiful! That dress is perfect. I'd like something vintage and modest but still flattering as well. Congrats!

Aiketa said...

I am so loving all these post about the wedding! And that last picture is amazing!

Kiki said...

I'm loving the wedding story series that you've been posting. SO cute :) And guess what?! I was actually in San Diego at that temple like a week and a half before you were! It looked like that when I was there too haha. Can't wait to hear the rest of the story...it's like a book! ;)
-kiki
anewoutfitaday.blogspot.com

Jenni Austria Germany said...

your maid of honor is gorgeous- i love the polka dots and cardigan! and speaking of gorgeous...you and your husband should just quit your jobs and be models. and lastly, that wedding day to-do list is stressing me out just thinking about it...how did you stay calm!?

© i believe in unicorns. Maira Gall.