Mo+Boy Tie the Knot: Pre-ceremony

[Welcome basket, filled with fan programs and ribbon wands]

[We had ten mason jar arrangements by the talented Rae Florae]

After our first look and a quick glance at everything in the tent, I went back in hiding to the bridal trailer, aka, dumping ground for all my crap and place where I could silently freak out. I typically read about people wanting to come and see the bride before the ceremony and the bridesmaids having to shoo them away, but I actually didn't have that problem at all and had a good amount of time all by myself. Luckily my two girlfriends and sisters kept me company up until the venue coordinator came by and told me "it's 5 until the hour, but not that many people are here. What do you want to do?" (Remember this post about being late?)

I didn't have to say anything, my sister answered for me: "10 minutes, or we're starting whether or not people are here." With 10 minutes to go, my friends went to go sit down, and my sisters went to make sure all the programs were passed out and that people were making their way to the ceremony area. In my head, I thought there were maybe a couple people sitting down, but there was actually a lot of hustle and bustle outside with a good amount of people.

[My godmother and her sister, shading themselves with umbrellas.]

[My cousin (she's holding the basket) made these incredible ribbons wands for people to twirl during the ceremony. There is an origami rose at the top of the dowel and she made each and every one!]

[Punch and pink lemonade were available before and after the ceremony. The amazing team at Crown Point Catering made the punch bright red and the lemonade pink to match our colors.]

[The boy was chatting it up with his boy posse from school.]

[The guitarist strummed softly in the background.]

[Our fan programs were being read (thank goodness). Side note: This DIY project was the most time consuming. I sent my design files to greenerprinter.com and had them printed on 5 x 7 kraft board. I then had to tape the two sides to a popsicle stick, and because I like to torture myself, tied a bow around each one.]

Meanwhile, back at the trailer...I stood in front of the mirror amidst all the empty boxes that used to hold stuff for the wedding.

For a brief moment I felt really insecure.

I have too much bling on, why did I decide to wear so much jewelry? My earrings are really big, I wonder if they look too obnoxious. This doesn't look like what I envisioned, maybe my dress should have been more flowing? What if I'm all dressed up like this and there are two people sitting out there?

I heard a voice outside. "They're ready! Time to line-up!"

Well, too late to worry about anything now.

I picked up my train and walked out to join my family in line.

[Photos by Jessamyn Harris and Sheri Tennison Berg forJessamyn Harris Photography]