wedding-something: a phiLOVEdelphia story: Getting Lovely (with Law & Order)

After the quiet hours that started the day, I decided to turn on the TV for a little "background noise" as the ladies (and breakfast) arrived.

I also set out some of my details, including my blue Kate Spade shoes and fun, floral purse

For months I had been joking that my dream wedding day would involve a "Law & Order: SVU" marathon (see my bio to the right). Well, things were continuing to go my way because right there on the screen was "Law & Order" in all its scripted, predictable plot line glory.

Yes, I chose L&O over the wedding DVDs I brought (even my favorite)

Judge me if you must, but it was nice to have something "usual" while getting ready. I can't count the number of hours I have spent with my friends / bridesmaids watching these shows - in fact, we kept calling out the ending of each episode as it came up (like I said, hours). At times, I almost forgot about the monumental event before us.

Although we didn't have the pro photographer for our prep, the ladies came ready, armed with cameras and phones. We actually have a lovely collection of photos from the hair and makeup sittings!

Bridesmaid M and her camera

The hair and makeup artists both arrived around the same time...and both early, to boot! We were lucky to be pampered by Nina from Cheekadee (makeup) and Jackie from Bella Angel (hair).

Check out Nina's stash!

Per my schedule, everyone knew approximately when they were scheduled to have what service. Each lady had brought a photo of what they wanted (for hair and makeup) and came prepped in a shirt that was easy to remove. In hindsight, it may have been a good idea to wear the robes from the day before - could have made the "getting ready" photos that much better (see Castle & Panther's beautiful shots). Oops!

Cute, matching attire aside, the day was uneventful and successful, in that everyone ended up happy with their hair and makeup! I'll share a few photos of the ladies' prep process.

Nina hard at work! From Top R, clockwise: Turkey Mom, bridesmaid M, bridesmaid B, MOH J

Jackie does her magic for bridesmaid D and bridesmaid C

For some reason, it took longer for me to get ready (so high maintenance!). From the curls,

She put my hair in a ponytail first - I found that odd / interesting, but it stayed put, so no complaints

to the last few pins,

and then, finally, testing out the veil (yes, it took 3 people to get this on).

"The Closer" was now on TV

Turkey Mom makes some suggestions

No makeup, but I have on a veil. S**t just got real.

It was shortly after this that the crime drama marathon ended (sad), so we popped in "The Wedding Date" and started to really get into "go" mode. I also heard from Mr. Turkey, who had spent the day with his brother / best man walking around the city. When he told me he was just about to hop into the shower...well, I knew the time was nearly upon us (men - how easy they have it!).

The dress also went up - this is really happening

Before I knew it, the ladies got into their dresses (with the help of some Hollywood Tape),

I missed the assembly line they had going at one point

I put on my robe,

A favorite photo of the day - robe and personalized hanger courtesy of bridesmaids C & D

and we watched the room begin to fill with cameras!

Our videographer and photographer both ALSO arrived early - what's up!?!

*************

A quick tangent before I close this post. I know how tough it can be to find good, clear photos of hairstyles from behind, so I've shared below the back of everyone's updo. I have more, plus alternate views, so if you're interested in any specific hairstyles, feel free to send me a PM and I'll email you the images!