best birthday party ever

Saturday was a special day. It was my 25th birthday, but more importantly (despite what you might think), it was my sister's wedding day. Growing up we shared everything- a room in our little house on Highland Park Drive, a bed (even though we had our own), friends, clothes, starring roles in numerous music videos and a co-ownership of Lynelle's Restaurant. We've shared everything else, so it seemed only appropriate to share my day with my other half.

The morning started off in her new apartment. I spent the night before the wedding in her new place, once again sharing a bed. We woke up and began getting ready for our big day. We showered, got dressed, threw on our boots and made a quick stop by Starbucks before heading to the church to put the final touches on the ceremony site. As we rounded the corner to the drive thru I said, "I'm getting your coffee." She insisted, "no, I'm getting it." I said, "absolutely not, it's your wedding day." She replied with, "yeah, but it's your birthday." I said, "ok." I think this is the only time we have argued about paying for anything.

After the church passed our inspection, we headed back to the house for the most relaxing bridal brunch in the history of weddings. Family friends made soups, salad and bread. The bridesmaids and cousins visited around the dining room table, talking about old stories, new stories and everything in between. After the lunch, we began the 3 hour feat of getting ready. It was nowhere near an "every man for himself" kind of moment. Everyone took responsibility for each other. I was doing a girl's make-up while she was cutting my dress straps, another girl was tying someone else's bow while Lynley was curling her hair. It was very much a group effort, and a job well done.

After we everyone but me got ready, we they headed to the Cotton Mill. I was the last one to get my hair curled, and was running a bit behind, so I met everyone else there. Cue the tears. The crying came in waves, on and off for another 2 hours until they were pronounced "Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Tolleson." That's ok, it was a pretty big day with my little sis getting married AND me coming into my late twenties. Lots to cry about.

After our photo sesh, we went to the church. We got there 30 minutes before the ceremony stated, cutting it 30 minutes too close for my poor dad. He's used to keeping us 3 Nicholson girls in check, but I think 14 girls was out of any man's league. After touching up our make-up, curling the strays and running through the single ladies dance thrice, we were ready to get the show on the road!

We got a group "TOLLESON" on three, I gave Lynley one last hug as a Nicholson and choked back tears as I walked down the aisle to the second (tied with mine of course) most beautiful wedding my eyes have ever seen. If fact, words can't describe the perfection that was Lynley and Shawn's wedding, so I will let you see for yourself in pictures. We don't have the professional pics back yet, so here are some from our family camera...

bridesmaids and groom

baby Andi

don't peek, Lynley is walking by

some of the bridesmaids and b-e-a-utiful bride

presh

cousins

oh hello there

girls wedding party

reception set up at the Cotton Mill

sign-in table 

good family friends from the ATL

escort cards 

center pieces 

birthday party

Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Tolleson! Thanks for letting us be so involved in our very special day. I couldn't imagine a more perfect wedding for a more perfect couple. I love you both!