~ The Week Before the Wedding ~

I arrived in Utah on Friday, September 10th... without Craig. I stayed with my sister Julie and her beautiful family in Alpine. There was a lot to do before the wedding, and it gave me a chance to visit with my family, sisters, and friends prior to the big day. Julie & Steve let us borrow their Lexus 430 for the duration of our stay... what a fun car!!

Leslie in the Lexus 430

In leiu of a bridal shower, we had a girls dinner out, with the Renstrom's and Gallagher's. On Saturday, September 11th, we met at Brick Oven in Provo and had so much fun just visiting and laughing. The Gallagher's shared some stories about Craig... and of course, some stories were shared about me too. We had fun! It was nice for the girls to get to know each other a little before the wedding. In attendance: Joan, Lori & Sarah, Jodi & Kailee, Julie & Ashley, Carrie, Jerusha, Melanie, Tiaura, Launa, and Jody.

On Wednesday, September 15th, Carrie & Marisa, Julie & Ashley, Mom, and I met at the local nail salon to have manicures and pedicures for the wedding. They did a great job on my french mani/pedi and I'm glad to know my hands and feet will look good that day. It's always nice to get a little pampering too!

I picked Craig up from the airport later that night.. =) It had been 10 days since I had seen him and we were very happy to finally see each other... We are just 3 days away from the big day!!

On Thursday, September 16th, we headed over to the Utah County building in Provo to get our marriage license... I asked Craig if he had cold feet and he said "no, my feet are sweating... let's go!" He always knows how to make me laugh... that is one of the big things I love about him!

Just about to get our marriage license

On Friday, we took a drive up the canyon to revisit the proposal spot... Bridal Veil Falls. We both LOVE the mountains and canyons and miss seeing the beautiful sights of Utah, plus it was a nice way to relax and just enjoy each other before the stress of the wedding day. We took a lot of pictures and laughed and played.. we're both very excited about tomorrow and neither one of us has cold feet or nerves. I guess that's another way to know it's just right... it's meant to be... and we're finally together like we should have been so many years ago =)

My BEST friend and sweetie... Craig in Provo Canyon

Home in Utah Valley

Bridal Veil Falls - where he proposed "officially" =)

Pretending like we're scared!! lol

After our trip up the canyon, we head home to get ready for our pictures with Jodi. Once we were both all dressed up in our wedding dress and tuxedo, it felt so real to both of us! We first went over to a park near the American Fork Temple and took some outdoor pics. I had flies and mosquitos galore trapped up inside of the tulle of my dress, but Jodi said she could edit that out... lol. The bugs always seem to find me wherever I'm at!!! We headed next to the old Lehi Train Station and took some pics there.. I can't wait to see them all... I'm sure they will be amazing and we both appreciate Jodi sooooo much for being our photographer!

Our first pic - taken by Jodi 9/17/10

After pictures, we headed over to Kovi & Jodi's house to visit with the kids and take Kovi & Jodi to dinner. Kailee called me Grandma for the first time, which took me by surprise, but oh, how I loved it!! I love how this family has totally embraced me and made me feel so welcome and a part of their lives already. Bryton seemed to take a liking to me as well, showing me various pictures around the house and staying by my side throughout the visit. I love this family already!!!

After a nice dinner with Kovi & Jodi at Costa Vida (yum!!) I headed back to Julie's house for a visit with Chad and a good night's sleep... although, Chad and I talked into the night and I didn't get to bed until about 1:30 am. I guess I was just so happy to see my Chad... and was just too excited for the next day to get much sleep. When I wake, I marry my best friend... and the love of my life!!! Life is GREAT =)