Wedding Day, 20 Dec: preparations

Early afternoon on Saturday we gathered together in the Blacknall church parlor (and women's bathroom) to dress and get ready for the wedding ceremony. Though there were 4 bridesmaids and 1 bride, there were also about 8-10 other women (and 2 children: Lillian and Phillip) in the parlour helping to get ready! It was a bit of a madhouse at times. "Where's Mom?" and "I'm hungry...is there any food around?" and "Oh man this ribbon is hard to put on." and "Rachel, you look beautiful!" were frequent comments. From my side, it was a strange feeling to see my sister preparing for her wedding day in the same room of the same church as I and Katie had both done 7 1/2 years before.

Below is Mindy, Rachel's friend from Appalachian State U days, who was an amazing lifesaver on the "day of" - among other things, she did Rachel's make-up.



Rachel with Theo Roddy, who made the bouquets and Rachel's headpiece. SO lovely.

Ellie (and Monica reaching in from behind) helped Katie fix her hair.

Okay, Rachel, are you almost ready?!