Waking up on October 25, 2014 was like no other day before. It was my wedding day! I had spent the night at the Temecula Creek Inn with my maid of honor, matron of honor, and cousin. Waking up with these girls by my side was priceless. I stepped out on the balcony to steal a few private moments. I gazed out to the gulf course that our room overlooked and watched birds fly in the sky and squirrels run across the green. I was anxious but yet completely comfortable. I knew everything was going to be just perfect.

It was now 10:30am and time to make our way to the bridal suite at Gershon Bachus Vintners. The drive there seemed never-ending when in fact it was only a few short miles away. Walking in to the bridal suite almost took my breath away. The room was gorgeous. All white and cream furniture. The vintage décor made me feel as if I was centuries back in time. Everything was set up for me and my girls but first things first, we popped open a bottle of champagne and turned on some music. My good friend Natalie began beautifying all my bridesmaids with hair and makeup as I sat back, relaxed and watched. It’s hard to explain the feeling I had as I watched everyone getting all dolled up. At times I literally had to take in a few deep breaths and try to control my breathing. I was so excited, nervous, and anxious. My heart was pounding through my chest, and I felt a little light headed.

Thoughts were flooding my head, things like, sip on some champagne, that should help. Oh but I don’t want to get dehydrated, drink some water instead. Wait, I am still light headed, maybe I should eat. Oh look they are setting up the ceremony site! Look at all those chairs. Can you believe in a few short hours friends and family will be occupying those chairs!  My friend Natalie yelled at me a few times, sit down and “stop pacing back and forth, you’re making me nervous!” I couldn’t help it. My legs wouldn’t stay still. I had no control over this. I tried, I really did.

As each one of my 7 bridesmaids slipped into their dress with hair and makeup done, I became emotional. They all looked so incredibly beautiful. They would have been the perfect models for a bridal magazine. Simply stunning! The photographer wanted us ready at 2pm. Yeah right. Natalie was just starting my makeup at 2pm. I stressed poor Nat out with the timeline but she was working as fast as her little hands would allow. All of our photos had to be shot in the bridal suite because by this time the guys were already on-site. It was time, time to slip into the dress, my dress! Sarah and my sister Nicole helped me get into the dress and naturally my friend Sarah said, “Of course you had to get a dress that came with a hundred buttons!” Only Sarah would make a comment like that. God, I love her.

After all the pictures were taken (which seemed like a blink of an eye) the wedding coordinator came to get all the girls, “It’s time to start lining up now.” All the girls gave me a quick hug and a wave good-bye. It was silent. I was in the room all by myself. I bowed my head and said a few words to God. I thanked him for the many blessings in my life, for providing me with blue skies, for all the family and friends who now occupied all those seats, and for my soon to be husband.

I stood in front of the French doors as I watched through the satin material as the bridal party walked down the aisle. Those were some special moments. I heard my song, I knew it was time. The French doors slowly opened and I was overwhelmed with excitement. I saw my Dad gazing up at me from the base of the stairs with tears in his eyes and my body quickly began to tremble. My daddy walked up the stairs to meet me, we linked arms and headed down the aisle towards David.

As my Dad gave me away and David took my hand he realized that I was shaking. He turned to me and said, “Are you ok?” I nodded yes. I was. I had no idea why my body was shaking so much but it was uncontrollable. Maybe just being in front of everyone made me nervous. I really don’t know. David and I said our vows. David was in natural form, providing humor along the way as I squeezed his hands tight as if to say, “What the heck are you doing?” The squeezes went unnoticed. The guests were laughing and at times clapped. Oh David.

Oh and of course he and his best man had to pull a little prank that they forgot the ring. (I didn’t buy it. Not even for one second). I was a good sport though.

After the laughs. That defining moment happened. You may now kiss your bride!

The other moment was when we were announced Mr. and Mrs. David & Michelle Cardoso! This felt incredible. All smiles as we headed back down the aisle.

 

Time for pictures! During this time David was being so silly. The thing about D is that when he is being silly (in public) it truly means he is comfortable and extremely happy. These moments that were captured are priceless.

Family and bridal party pictures went by so fast and now it was time for what everyone had been waiting for. The reception. Party time! The bridal party was announced to the Avicii song “You Make Me.” The whole bridal party entered the reception dancing and goofing off to this song. It was everything I could have wanted and more! Well done ladies and gents.

David and I entered the room with the same amount of energy. Hands up, shaking our booties, and dancing like we owned the joint. We kind of did for the night. So much fun! Dinner was served and speeches were made. I recall leaning in towards David and telling him to take a moment and really “take in all that is happening the night is going by so fast.” I would catch myself so many times gazing around the room and smiling at the expressions on peoples faces. I was elated that everyone who meant the world to David and I were all in one room together. It was one of many perfect moments throughout the day.

The moment we had with our parents for the mother/son and father/daughter dance were also priceless. David and his mom danced to the Spanish version of “Mama” by Boyz to Men while my Daddy and I danced to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. I sang the whole song to him. I said to him, “Dad I chose this song because it reminds me of you, everything you would want for me.” I asked him to “try and listen to the lyrics,” then I started singing. I was so content in that very moment. I can’t believe I didn’t even cry. I had played that song in my car on the way to work almost weekly, months before the wedding and my eyes would always fill with tears. Always. But in that moment, I was so well composed, I surprised myself. The rest of the night went so smoothly. Beer and wine was flowing (we actually ran out of 700 beers two hours into the reception and had to send someone to go an buy more) the dance floor was packed the entire night. Just like I prayed for. Everyone danced their socks off and belted out the lyrics of songs being played. My mom said, “This wedding is like a concert!” Truly blessed that everyone had such a great time. It made all the stress of planning it and all the pennies we saved worth it.

And that’s a wrap, the final song came on by Journey, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Everyone sang along as we raised our glasses in the air. It was hands down, the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!