Sheena's Wedding

I'm back from my big trip to Chicago. I'm exhausted and disgustingly fat (11 pounds heavier to be exact), but I had a great time and I'm so glad that I got to be a part of Sheena's big day.

I flew in on Halloween night - took a train ride from the airport, and thankfully Sheena was able to pick me up at the train and take me to the AirBNB. Sheena looked amazing. So happy and healthy - just radiant. I remember thinking Nicole looked the exact same way when I saw her for the first time for her wedding weekend... I only hope I will look half as lovely as those two did.

My AirBNB turned out to be great. Some of the conveniences of a hotel would have been nice, but the price couldn't be beat, and it certainly had a lot more "style" than a hotel room would have had.

Living Room

Kitchen

My bedroom

The first morning started bright and early - Sheena picked me up at 7:00am and we went to a heated yoga class. The actual class wasn't that challenging, but I'm glad we went (even though that was about the only healthy thing I did for myself that weekend). Then it was back for a shower (hot yoga makes you very sweaty), and then off to Sheena's for Bridesmaid Brunch.

Sheena's bridesmaids were AWESOME. They were so warm and friendly and welcoming. Their attitudes definitely melted away a lot of the anxiety I was having. While having brunch, Sheena surprised us each with a card and a necklace - a locket with a special picture inside... so touching! We hung out for awhile and then it was time to get pretty.

Bridesmaids getting manicures

Sheena treated us to manicures and pedicures. Yes! It was much needed in my case, haha. After that we ran to one of the bridesmaid's apartments to get changed... then we were off to the rehearsal.

For the rehearsal, Sheena wore her grandmother's wedding dress (slightly altered). What a special thing to do, not to mention she looked great in the dress!

Sheena in her grandmother's dress

Here are more pics from the rehearsal...

Sheena helping me with my necklace...

...which was obviously the signal to ninja fight.

The rehearsal went smoothly, followed by the rehearsal dinner at a taphouse. Pizza and beer! Haven't had either of those in quite awhile! I was sad I couldn't stay out later, but I was just SO tired. Thankfully I got a ride back to my place, and fell in bed - another busy day was ahead of me!

We've made it to wedding day!!!!!!!!! Things kicked off at 10:00am with hair appointments. Sheena's theme was 1960's so there was some serious back combing involved to get lots of height.

My hair style

Sheena, all done up!

After hair we headed to Sheena's hotel room to keep getting ready - makeup, snacks, champagne, and getting dressed! Once the bridesmaids were ready, we were off to the venue to get Sheena in her dress.

Bridesmaids Ally, Jenn, and Kelly helping the bride

Once she was dressed it was time for pictures! I really appreciated getting pictures out of the way - that way we were all actually able to enjoy the party!

Sheena helping Jason with his boutonniere 

Here are more pictures of hanging out before the ceremony:

Bride and Groom w/Sheena's Parents

Bridesmaid Babs drinking champagne from a can

Bridesmaid Ashely w/flower girl Emily

Babs and Sheena

The ceremony was great. Their officiant was wonderful, the personal vows were so sweet, and just like that, they were married! Let the party begin!!! Cocktail hour had delicious hand-passed appetizers. I actually had a lot of fun catching up with people I went to school with - from 3rd grade through college and every stage in between - it was like a school reunion with only the people you actually liked, haha. Perfect! It's amazing what a good job Sheena has done staying in touch with people from so many different stages of life.

After cocktail hour we were back up in the ceremony space, which was transformed into a beautiful reception space.

Reception

Time for dinner, toasts, and dancing!

Jenn and Sheena - dinner time!

Sorry I don't have anymore pictures of the festivities. I was too busy dancing (and helping Sheena pee) to take pictures. ;-)

I finally left a little after midnight, thankfully able to share a cab with some friends. By the time I got packed and in bed, I was only able to get a few short hours of sleep before heading off to the airport. I didn't take my bridesmaid hair down before going to the airport.... they actually patted down my hair when I went through security!!! It's a good think I waited until I got back, because when I did take down my hair, it looked like this.......

Scary Hair

And on that note, I'll sign off! Sheena's wedding was perfect - she was so happy, looked so beautiful, and everyone had a great time. I'm sad it's over for her, but if anything, it has made me even more excited for my own!