Background first...
The Bride, Kelly, is one of my best friends.
She is also a fellow wedding planner (ExpandedEvents.com) and we've known each other for years. That's one of the weird/wonderful things about this unique business is that although another wedding planner may be "competition" we are also all good friends due to the bond we all share with this crazy industry. We help each other out when we are in a bind, if we need an assistant, when we need a sounding board, we commiserate when we need to vent when we have a Bridezilla client, or when we are just feeling burnt out. Kelly and I have been through a lot together...loss, business success, the joys (and challenges) of motherhood are just a few things.
Wedding Details:
"Today I marry my Love"
Signs made by the Groom that he tied to a tree the morning of their wedding day.
Morgan and Kelly decided to have an intimate backyard ceremony and reception. Quoted from their program that was tucked into the jacquard linen napkin "when we were putting together our guest list we decided that we would only invite those people who we intend to know us for the rest of our lives...that is a select, short list." The two long banquet-style tables were set with beautiful, grand centerpieces in black magic roses and cream roses, deep red spray roses, aged sage hydrangea, dark burgundy dahlias, bells of ireland, coffeeberries and dripping with amaranthas.
At each place setting, there was a rock with the guest's name carved on the top. Not only was it used as a name place marker, but also as a commemorative piece for the newlywed's fountain. During the ceremony, the couple revealed to the guests that on the back of each rock was also a carved word that was unique to that friend or family member. The couple requested that the word that was on their rock remain in their prayers for their marriage. This portion of the ceremony was named Rocks of the Foundation.
Kelly made tri-frames that showcased photos which represented their friends and family members who are with them in spirit. In the beginning of the honored seating, there was a lighting of the candles that were inside the tri-frames. As the evening grew darker, and the photos illuminated, it was a nice touch to see them glow and flicker. The casual and free-spirited evening was filled with delicious food, drinks, touching moments (not a dry eye during the preface of the father/daughter dance), lots of laughter and triple chocolate cupcakes (instead of traditional wedding cake). So yummy!
It was an honor to be a part of their wedding, and I feel blessed to be able to help out the little bit that I did, but to also be a guest from a "select, short list".
(love ya long time Kel)
Click here to view photo gallery.
