Our Wedding - The Ceremony

Planning our wedding ceremony was such a special thing for K and I to do together. When else do you get to select the music, hymns and scripture for a worship service? If you're a pastor or a music director, maybe every Sunday. But for us? Never. So this was special. We spent a lot of time listening to music and hymn selections - it sort of became our favorite car trip activity. And we spent even more time talking about which scripture readings best communicated our understanding of the covenant we were making in marriage. It was such a neat way to prepare for our wedding and we loved getting to share the ceremony that we planned with our friends and family.

We wanted the ceremony to feel like a worship service, so we kept flowers and other decor simple. An arrangement in the entry of the church where guests signed the guest book and two arrangements at the offering table.

My mom's friend, Miss Mimi, put the entry table together for us. It was such a personal

and thoughtful thing for her to do for us. Isn't the tablecloth lovely?

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Here's a view of the front of the church.

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

The programs reflected the traditional look of our invitation - cream paper and black font all tied together with a simple cream satin ribbon.

We actually did the programs ourselves. The former yearbook editor in me loved arranging everything and it was significantly less expensive than going through the stationary store. I downloaded the fonts and arranged all the text in Word and then sent everything in pdf files to the guys at M&S Graphic Arts in Dallas to be printed. They were so easy to work with and did such a good job that we decided to have them print the menus for our reception while they were at it.

Here's a peak at the ceremony in pictures . . .

How cute is little Miss Caroline!? I just love this image of her gleefully running down the isle.

I think her uninhibited joy perfectly captures the feeling of the day.
Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Walking down the isle was probably one of my favorite moments of the day. K was adamant that we not see each other before the ceremony and I'm so glad he stuck to his guns. There are no words to describe the emotions I felt as I saw him at the end of the isle, but I think this picture captures it well.

Photo Credits: Ken Luallen

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Looking at these pictures reminds me of the joy of that day all over again. Next stop? The reception!

Our Wedding - The Rehearsal Dinner

We went almost immediately from the Bridesmaids' Luncheon to the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner. We had so much fun with the girls that the luncheon went much longer than we expected. What a great problem to have!

K's parents went all out planning the Rehearsal Dinner and I think the yummy food provided by Pattigeorge's was probably one of the biggest highlights of the weekend. Everything. I mean everything we ate that night was delicious. And the setting was gorgeous - a quaint little boat house overlooking Sarasota Bay.

For the invitations, Kathryn used the B&K monogram that we incorporated throughout the wedding, but dressed it up with a fun orange and turquoise color scheme.

Photo Credit: Me, duh, that's why the quality is so terrible!

Kathryn also printed personalized menus to carry on the theme of the invitation. It was such a neat, personal touch and added a great pop of color to the tables.

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

K's parents put so much thought into making the dinner elegant and personal - there were speciality linens, unique flowers, tables themed after significant places and events in our lives, and a slide show detailing our lives from birth to present - it was perfect. And then there was the food. Have I mentioned the food was delicious? Seriously, I could go on and on about how good the food was that night, but if you really want to experience it, I suggest you get yourself to Sarasota and book a dinner at Pattiegoerges' - order the Ahi Tuna Tacos, Miso Sea Bass, and the Brussel Sprout Slaw and you will begin to understand how happy our taste buds were the night of the Rehearsal Dinner.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the night.

Delicious appetizers? Don't mind if I do!

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Love these two!

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Let the toasts begin!

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

If K's embarrassed now, just wait until his groomsmen start talking . . .

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

K's thought bubble: "Oh no, are they really going to tell the Dr. Beer story?"

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Yes they told it. And a few other good ones :)

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

Photo Credit: Ken Luallen

It was an evening filled with love, joy and anticipation. What a blessing to be surrounded by our friends and loved ones for an intimate celebration of our relationship!

Lilly Pulitzer Wedding Invitations!?

Have y'all seen this new line of wedding invitations from Lilly Pulitzer? I stumbled upon them while perusing one of my favorite online stationary stores and I am loving what I am seeing. Here are a few of my favorite items in the line . . .

I think both of the above examples could also be used outside of the wedding context for invitations to birthday parties and other celebrations. They set the mood for a party that will be casual, elegant and fun.

Isn't this gift tag cute?

The bright colors and bold patterns might not work for every occasion, but I think they are so fun and cheery. Are you loving Lilly's new line as much as I am?

*All images via The Paper Cottage.