Happy Wednesday, friends! I’m back today with a wedding weekend recap of our time in Fredericksburg. I’ve been playing catch up with work this week, and we had an ultrasound appointment bright and early Monday morning. But, I finally feel like I’m back in business. First things first, the wedding was beautiful, and it was so fun to celebrate my friend. I always get nostalgic at weddings – and think back to mine and Aaron’s. While the day can be the most beautiful day – it’s the subsequent days and years that make up the marriage that really count. I could relive our special day a million times over, but nothing can beat the life that we’ve built. So, for any brides out there in the middle of planning your wedding – that’s my advice to you: enjoy your day – every second of it, but don’t get so caught up in the wedding that you forget the meaning behind the marriage.
Fredericksburg wedding
Now that I’m off my soapbox, let’s get into wedding weekend recap. I drove in to Fredericksburg early Thursday morning. I had the bride’s wedding dress and some other wedding items she needed transported from Houston. I checked into the The Winchester Lodge, which was super cute and I highly recommend.
The entire wedding party stayed here, and each room had a different theme. It was located one block behind Main Street, and it was no more than ten minutes from all the wedding festivities. They also drop off a breakfast basket outside of your room each morning, which was an added bonus.
As soon as we got into town, we headed to dinner at Grape Creek Vineyard and then we went out on Main Street. We visited the Elk Lodge, which is a craft cocktail (and wine) bar.
And then we headed over to Lincoln Street to listen to some live music. At five months pregnant, I’m just glad I was still able to hang. I lasted until about midnight when everyone decided to call it a night!
Spa Day + Rehearsal Dinner
Friday was another early morning. The bridal party had spa appointments booked starting at 9 a.m. at The Herb Garden. If you are ever in Fredericksburg, you should visit both the spa – and the restaurant. I got a massage, alogn with most of the bridal party. They brought out this delicious grazing board while we were waiting for everyone to finish their services.
After our spa day, we hopped immediately over to a bridal luncheon in The Herb Garden’s restaurant.
The entire morning and afternoon was a great way to unwind and relax and spend some quality time with the bride before the evening’s festivities were underway!
The wedding rehearsal was at Swallow’s Eve, which was the wedding venue. It was a fantastic venue, and I can’t say enough good things about the staff. They pulled out all the stops and were wonderful to work with the entire weekend. They have an outdoor ceremony area, and an on-site bridal suite and suite for the groom/groomsmen. There are fire pits scattered across the venue, and it had ample parking for guests!
After the wedding rehearsal, we headed back over to The Herb Garden for the Rehearsal Dinner. My husband made it just in time for the dinner, and I was so happy to see him! The food was delicious, the toasts were great, and it was a wonderful evening catching up with old and new friends!
We all headed back to the hotel to close out the night by the fire pit. Everyone was in bed by midnight for an early start the following morning.
Wedding Day in Fredericksburg
Wedding day started at 9 a.m. for hair and makeup. We all wore our matching pjs that the bride gave us as our gifts for the evening. Everyone did full hair and makeup, which took up most of the day. The ceremony began at 3:30, so it was go time before we knew it. Here’s a photo of me in my bridesmaids dress with the bride!
We each had different navy dresses – all from the same company. Here are a few detail shots I took before the ceremony began.
I don’t have any photos from the ceremony, but I’ll share when I get them. The weather cooperated, and it was perfect for an outdoor ceremony.
We ended the evening on the dance floor. One of my favorite parts of the wedding was the light up tambourines and the light up cowboy hats!
And, by the time we made it back to the hotel and unloaded some of the stuff we promised we’d bring back, it was time for the after party. I made it until about 1 a.m. and decided to call it a night on a beautiful wedding weekend.
We had the best time celebrating our friend, and I’ll honestly probably be recovering for at least a week – but it was 100% worth it! Happy Wednesday, friends.
