Weekend Recaps: #PorterPutAWrinnOnIt

“There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.” ~ George Sand

When I found out one of my best friends had gotten engaged to the love of her life, I was over the moon ecstatic. When I say the two of them are perfect for each other, it isn’t just the typical cliches, they really are perfect for each other! The love that these two have shines and it encompasses everyone around them.

What was more, my friend asked me to be IN her wedding. An incredible honor that I happily (and okay, ugly crying) accepted.

After a year of engagement parties, dress shopping, bachelorettes, bridal parties, and just spending time not only with the stunning bride-to-be, the weekend for #PorterPutAWrinnOnIt had finally arrived and I was so ecstatic.

Friday: Jetsetting once more 

After an insanely hectic week, I took the train out of Penn to meet my Gemini twin in Albany. She was also in the wedding and had been my partner in crime through out our fun-filled shenanigans. Two hours later we arrived in the true New England styled town of Brattleboro, Vermont. The trip was smooth and we had plenty of time to relax before the rehearsal catching up and reuniting with some of our best friends.

The Rehearsal

Having gotten glammed up for some Rehersal Dinner realness, we drove to the church where another reunion took place with the blushing bride and dapper groom. Seriously, the bride is a true fashionista and her rehearsal dinner dress was not only a work of art, but looked stunning on her!

After what was a short and albite hysterical and chill rehearsal dinner (the priest was very relaxed in the best way!) We made our way to the Marina, which is a restaurant right on the water and had gorgeous views of the sunset. Over drinks, food and amazing company it was such an incredible night with the absolute BEST people. Words can not describe how thankful I am to have these people in my life!

One of the best moments of the night, was when Krystal gave us our stunning (I know, I know, I keep using this word!) bridal gift because it was made with such love and craftsmanship from one of our incredibly talented friends. Just knowing where it came from meant a lot, and is the perfect example of why I love these friends so much. We not only support each other, we have each others backs.

We had a small after party and then went to bed.

Saturday: The BIG Day

Saturday dawned early as we had to get our hair and makeup done at eight. I admit I was a little nervous as I still have PTSD from one horrific wedding where I looked so horrid,  that hopefully those pictures have been burned! (alas fat chance.)

I was worried for not though. My Gemini Twin and I grabbed some coffee first and then proceeded to the salon where my make-up and hair came out perfectly! It was what I had envisioned without really envisioning it. Seriously, I just knew what I did NOT want, and the hair stylist followed that to a T.

Playing Dress Up 

The Bridesmaids met at Krystal’s parents house where we hung out, drank some mimosas and ahh and oohed over the beautiful bride, and the mother of the bride.

I know without a doubt where Krystal gets her exquisite fashion from, because the custom mother of the bride gown was AH-MAY-ZING! The beading, the details, and even the little note from Krystal sewn on the inside, was so beautiful. Their has never been a more beautiful mother of the bride!

// Picture courtesy of the bride’s Instagram //

It was then time for us to get ready and get our model poses on. Thankfully one of the bridesmen is an amazing photographer (and artist and just over all talented!) and I had him sneak some pics of me with my phone.

Glamour headshots……

Three blushing bridesmaids and blessed with these two amazing friends.

Really working it….

My stunning best friend…How gorgeous is she?

The Bride

There has never been a prettier bride. Her dress was pure Krystal, from the laced up bodice with jewel detailing, to the ruffled mermaid tail, she was absolutely stunning! Some brides transform themselves the day of the wedding. Not Krystal. She stayed true to her style and who she is and she absolutely glowed. She also was so incredibly calm cool and collected! A testament to not just how ready she was for this day, but how perfect she and Josh are for each other.

I was nervous and all I had to do was walk (NOT trip!) and stand still looking purty.

Thankfully I didn’t trip walking down the aisle, and as we all waited for Krystal and her Dad to walk to the alter, the look on Josh’s face was one of absolute love. Their also might have been some shock, since she had told him she was wearing a huge Marie Antoinette-esque gown which she did NOT do.

The Ceremony

They were all smiles and laughs as they stood there waiting for the moment to say I do. They didn’t have to wait long, and their was not a dry eye as we watched them cement their love for each other in the eyes of God and the world.

The ceremony seemed to go by so quickly. Weddings always are, but the ceremony can be so somber that was NOT the case here. They were both so calm cool and collected  it really made it such a joyful event.

And we snagged some selfies…

The Reception

Before the reception, we took pictures in the park, and of course in true Krystal and Kate fashion had to take a Boomerang with the bride.

And some selfies…..

And another impromptu photoshoot…

Striking a pose….

I of course had to get one with my Gemini twin…FYI I was wearing five inch heels…

And a selfie…

Purple is Krystal’s favorite color, and was the color scheme they chose. It was simple, with Lilac petals surrounding candles in lanterns atop wooden holders, giving the table and venue a chic ethereal feel.

My bouquet…..

The bride and Groom know how to throw a party, and after the touching First Dance, Father/Daughter, Mother/Son dances and speeches, did we party!

With incredible friends, a photo booth and the best dance partners on the planet, it was a blast!

And of course we took pics!

Some not so serious ones…..

Semi serious ones….

.

Serious smiling ones….

And of course Selfies!!!

Sunday

Tired, but with an incredibly happy heart, I woke up early and went to the gym. Shockingly as I looked at my phone afterwards  I saw that the blushing bride was also up! That girl is a rock star!

Surprisingly, I and the bride were not the only early risers. I met a couple of my friends for breakfast. Then it was time to check out and head back to Krystal’s parents who were hosting a brunch.

After the brunch, it was time to say good-bye for real, but alas not forever!

My Gemini twin and I drove back to Albany where I hopped the train and headed back to the city, tired but with all the feels in the world! What a weekend!

Huge HUGE congratulations to Josh and Krystal! It has been such a pleasure to watch their love story unfold and an honor to be a part of the next step in their saga.

How was your weekend?