Chase and Emma's wedding in Lanark, Ontario

Although wedding planning came with its share of disasters and breakdowns, we made it through to the big day. Everyone who knows me knows I am a perfectionist and they worried that if something was wrong or out of place I would panic on the wedding day. But that day, all I could think about was marrying the love of my life. I woke up incredibly nervous and excited. My girls and I got ready at a nearby hotel and took photos in the park before the ceremony. Everyone who knows me also knows I'm always late - today was no different as I was running ten minutes behind. My father cried when he saw me, which is a moment I will always cherish - I am the youngest of five. I remember driving over to the venue and freaking out because it was cloudy and praying that it would not rain until the ceremony was over. Our venue had an upper-level room with a huge window and my dad and I did not want to miss the processional. So we ran upstairs (which was difficult in a ball gown), and I watched from behind my dad's shoulder while he held up a towel to cover me. It was far enough away that no one noticed and we got to watch everyone walk down the aisle. We almost lost track of time and I had to remind my dad that it was almost our turn and he still had to help me, and my large gown, down the stairs to the starting point. The aisle included another long descent down stone stairs, a walk across a narrow lane and behind the chairs at the edge of the garden, and then a turn and final walk down the main aisle.

I remember stepping out onto the top of the stairs and the sun shining down. I remember hearing the music (we chose an instrumental version of "A Thousand Years"). I remember rounding the corner, having my train on my huge princess ballgown fluffed, and looking into Chase's eyes for the first time that day. It truly took my breath away (honestly I may have blacked out again). Between the sun shining and perfectly timing our aisle walk with the chosen music, nothing could have been more perfect about that moment. From the moment I took Chase's hand, I knew the hard part was over. Just being with him felt like home and I was overwhelmed by comfort. We were so blessed to have his brother perform our ceremony beautifully. May is a terrifying time to get married with unpredictable weather and bugs, but everything was absolutely perfect - it was a sunny, warm, and bug-free day. When it came time for the vows, I was ready. It takes a lot for me to get emotional, and so naturally, I was shocked at the shakiness and tears that immediately began when I pronounced "to have and to hold" and for the remainder of the vows. I remember looking into Chase's eyes and feeling so overwhelmed by love for my future husband, my forever love.

We signed we kissed, we walked down the aisle to bubbles, we finally were alone and said "we did it" and hugged and kissed before being bombarded with love from our wedding party. The remainder of the day, I can only describe as, the best blur in the world. It was a whirlwind of picture taking, laughing, visiting, dancing, crying, and joy. The decor was incredible, the food amazing, and the company wonderful. Some highlights included stuffing our faces with appetizers when we got a spare minute, doing a mini photoshoot with ring pops as an ode to Chase proposing with a ring pop to me in high school, taking some hilarious photos with our wedding party on the road, our groomsmen tipping Chase and holding him upside down during dinner to give me a "spider-man kiss," sharing some magical kisses with my love in the garden after dinner, the gifting to each of Chase's brothers of an inside-joke mug that has haunted me throughout the relationship, and, of course, shoving cake in each other's faces. Our first dance to the song "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran was exactly what I always wanted it to be, while Chase both sang the lyrics and pronounced that I truly did look perfect that day. I remember saying goodbye to everyone, stuffing myself into the car, and driving towards our hotel. I remember pulling off to the side of the road and Chase digging through my dress to remove my shoes because my feet hurt. Then going through drive-thrus for both iced caps and cheeseburgers because we were both starving! And I remember finally relaxing after the long day and just sitting there smiling at each other and reminiscing the perfect day. I remember being so happy because that day, I got to marry the love of my life. He is my rock and my best friend and that day will always be my favourite. His smile and laughter from that day will always be in my head and heart. Sometimes, Cinderella truly finds her Prince Charming.

All Photos Courtesy Of Starts With A Dream Photography