Here Comes the Bride

Finding Hannah’s perfect wedding gown turned out to be rather easy.

Let’s just say it was Much easier then finding the bridesmaid dresses

and Much, Much easier then finding the perfect flower girl dresses

and Much, Much, Much easier then finding my dress!

Here are some of the dresses she tried along the way.

There was the ballet length dress:

 

For that 1950’s vintage Vibe

The shorter length made it cooler for the June wedding

we thought we were going to have.

The bodice was very pretty.

Then there was the heavy satin one that we were afraid would be too hot in June.

But it was very pretty

and had a similar pearl trim around the waist

that the winning gown had.

And we loved the sweetness of this style gown…a lot!

We thought it felt like a Summer ceremony and reception.

However, we decided she needed something more form fitting.

This one was pretty too. But again not form fitting.

We did not find the perfect gown instantly.

However…as unexpected as the date changed (from June 11, 2011 to December 19, 2010)

Hannah found her perfect Wedding Gown in August

(the date change occurred in September).

We were in Columbus for the dual Baby Shower

and both Mommy-to-Be’s wanted to see Hannah try on Bridal gowns just “for Fun”…

Before the Baby Shower started,

we hopped in the car and headed off to a Bridal store.

Well…wouldn’t you know…

Hannah fell in love with the last dress she tried on.

The sales lady wasn’t so sure about the gown I found for Hannah to try on.

In fact, she told Hannah “you won’t like it”.

However, she stood corrected once she saw Hannah in it.

It was perfect! We actually walked out with it!

It fit her so perfectly we were afraid to order a new one!

(I love little Evelyn’s hand around Hannah in this picture)

Evelyn kept telling Hannah how pretty she looked and wanted to pose with her in a flower girl dress.

Looking back…

God planned for Hannah and her “daughter” to share that moment together.

Some of the best things in life happen when we least expect it.

This day was no exception!

(photo Hanna Salonen Photography)

On the day of the wedding,

Sibel helped Hannah put on her wedding gown.

Sibel did Hannah’s alterations and offered to help us.

I am grateful she was there.

Believe it or not, Sibel’s own daughter was married just the day before!

Which made her offer even more generous.

Thank you, Sibel!

(photo Hanna Salonen Photography) 

Hannah’s gown was so fluffy…

we had to hire a limo bus to get her to the church…

Wrinkle-Free.

(photo Hanna Salonen Photography)

Question: How many people does it take to get One Fluffy Bride into a limo?

Answer: Five!

 

(photo Hanna Salonen Photography)

Jeremy and Hannah decided to see other before the ceremony.

As “great wedding pictures” were a High priority to Hannah and daylight is so limited in the Winter.

Jeremy stood alone at the altar

and Hannah walked down the aisle alone to meet him.

(Look how excited and happy she is! Melts my motherly heart)

No one else was in the sanctuary…

besides God and the photographer; Hanna Salonen.

(photo Hanna Salonen Photography)

They were able to fully enjoy pictures beforehand.

I love this picture in the church (and her gown!)

The church was beautifully decorated for Christmas.

(photo Hanna Salonen Photography)

I especially love this picture in front of the Playhouse.

Weeks before the wedding,

Hannah drove around Findlay looking for the best spots to take her wedding pictures.

The dramatic red doors of the Playhouse

and the Hancock Historical Museum

made exceptional backdrops for some drop dead photos.

When the Ceremony was over…

Hannah fully reclined her passenger seat and

we shoved her fluffy tulle train inside.

Hannah’s Wedding gown was the perfect choice!

I knew it the moment I saw her in it!

She took my breath away Then…

and even Now

as I look at all these photographs.

She was our Christmas Bride

and she wore the perfect gown :)