Happily Ever After

I am a 36 year old woman who still has just as much excitement when it comes to love, weddings and the dream of happily ever after as I did as a young adult. I still believe in fairy tales and that they perfect love is out there for everyone.

On Valentine’s Day a couple of years ago my sister in law walked into my house with a look on her face that was unforgettable. She did not have to say one single word to me I just knew she was engaged. I am pretty sure I was just as happy an excited in that moment as she was. I remember us looking at each other with tears running down our faces and then hugging for what seemed like and hour. I knew right then and there her wedding was going to be one of the greatest events I would ever to go.

This past weekend she married her best friend and I am so blessed that she chose me to be a part of her special day. The bridal party and I made sure that the wedding weekend would be perfect because after all perfection is our middle name. Us Hargrave’s do not do anything small or unnoticed LOL.

We started our weekend off with a fun girls breakfast WHILE getting mani’s and pedi’s and yes of course we set up a mimosa bar right in the salon. If you ever need the perfect venue to so something like this you must check our Posh Nail Salon. The room was filled with smiles, laughter, wedding day details, gossip and just all of those warm wedding fuzzies that go right along with all of the excitement. I searched high and low for the perfect donuts and let me tell you Livi Lee’s did not disappoint. If you ever need a donut full of flavor, beautiful as all get out and covered in glitter this place is for you! Oh and did I mention that they DELIVER?!!!

Us pretty girls wrapped up our fun at Posh and headed on over to a Tulsa favorite In The Raw Sushi for a quick little lunch. Side note…since moving to Texas I have yet to find a sushi restaurant that compares to In The Raw. Not joking there needs to be one right down the street from our house.

The pampering was complete and it was time to get down to business. We all headed over to the Tulsa Historical Society for the rehearsal. Family members that live hundreds of miles away were trickling in. The tent was set up and the vendors were preparing for the big day. The bride and groom were peaceful and you could tell their hearts were ready.

My 3 older boys were ring bearers and as I watched them practice I really could see them getting married one day. I realized in that moment that they are growing up way to fast and I just want time to stand still so I can soak up every single minute with them. I also realized that they too were very excited for Scott and Mariena to be married. They have loved Scott since they day they met and have really always called him Uncle Scott. Their Aunt Nina was there for all of them the day they were born and has been ever since. So now they were ready to be there to love and support her.

Rehearsal was over and the Martin’s and the Hargrave’s were headed to McNellie’s for dinner and some socializing! Hargrave’s are a party by ourselves but when we all get together you better look out.

It was time to go home and get our beauty rest because the wedding was quickly approaching. The next day I woke up and walked my husband and my daughters through the itinerary for the day and gave instructions on getting the boys ready and to the venue ON TIME.

The entire bridal party and I pride ourselves on our hair and make up skills. Yes we think we are that good and you know we are LOL. Nothing like some good self confidence right?! Collectively we chose our dresses and we did our very own hair and make up. We coordinated accessories and I must say I think we did a pretty good job.

The Bride however out did us all…as she should its her wedding day. You guys she had a vision for her dress and she designed and sewed the dress all by herself. Have you every been more impressed?! I certainly have not and that dress turned out beautiful!

John Bivens Photography arrived and at that moment we knew it was time to head to the venue. We arrived at the Historical Society and I think smiles instantly took over all of our faces. We made it to the wedding day. Our Mariena was getting married. The venue was beautifully decorated and the guests were starting to arrive.

My boys arrived in their suits and man they were the cutest little things I have ever seen. Friends and family were walking through the door and the essence of love was all around. You could truly feel it.

It was time. The guests were seated and the music was playing. The wedding planner handed each of us our bouquets and told us to line up. As I walked past Mariena I stopped and gave her a hug and I told her how much I loved her. To be a part of her day just really meant the world to me.

Us bridesmaids made it down the aisle all in one piece! Not one of us fell or tripped. I was actually really worried about myself because lately I just seem to fall or do something really embarrassing LOL. The guests stood as the bride and her father entered the room.

I looked over at my Mother in Law and her face was priceless. She was so overcome with happiness for her child. She had the biggest smile and the most beautiful tears. She loved every single one of her children whole heartedly and unconditionally and in that moment she was being rewarded for all of her hard work.

During the ceremony I found myself with tears in my own eyes. I could not help but be reminded how much I love my own husband. We have certainly been through good times and bad and lets not even forget about the sickness and health. We have fought with each other, said terrible things to each other but every single night we go to bed and say I love you. I could not imagine myself with any other man in this world. We may be a hot mess most of the time but there is nothing he and I can’t do together. He is my best friend, my soul mate and my forever wedding date.

The vows were exchanged and they were pronounced husband and wife and it was time to party! Ashley Bode owner of Simply Mint Events worked her rear end off and created the most beautiful reception. She thought of every single detail and executed the brides vision to a T!

The food was fantastic, the drinks were flowing, the music was on point and we all danced and enjoyed each other’s company. I don’t think the perfect wedding consists of “who how did who” or who had what but it requires the perfect people in your life to show up and be genuinely happy for you.

We all partied and made memories and guess what…my daughter’s boyfriend caught the garter! I don’t think it will be any surprise to anyone that knows us that one day (hopefully a couple of years down the road) they will be getting married. And when they do you know I will be wearing the most fantastic gold sequin gown you ever did see and my daughter will of course be a princess. And I know that I will be sitting right there in the front row with happy tears and a heart full of love for the life that she is creating.

Scott and Mariena cheers to your happily ever after! May your lives be blessed beyond measure. Marriage is not easy but if you can always go back to what you love most about each other you will be just fine. Never go to bed angry and always say I love you. Respect each other always and do your best to always believe the other person has good intentions! Your wedding was perfect and will always be cherished! Love you both!!

As always thank you so much for taking the time to read! I would love for you to like, share, comment, and subscribe! Below you find a list of vendors who helped in creating the perfect wedding day for Scott and Mariena. If you have pictures that you took and would like to include them here in a gallery please send them to me! When the bride and groom receive their professional pictures I will certainly let you know!