Why They Exchanged Vows BEFORE the Ceremony

To be honest, I’m not one who loves crowds. I much prefer quiet, more personal moments and that’s exactly why I love this couple’s idea of exchanging vows privately before the actual ceremony. Benjamin Clifford Photography documented their intimate vow exchange and there’s so much more to see and love from their day inside The Vault!

Colors

From The Bride…Waking up with butterflies in my stomach and so much excitement, I could hardly eat my breakfast. So my sweet mama packed me a little to go bag for the road just in case I work up an appetite. I got to my Aunt’s house early that morning with my older sister, we were meeting the rest of bridesmaids there and getting our hair and makeup done. It was pretty fun with the music playing and the girls dancing around eased my nerves a bit, and of course I worked up that appetite and had my breakfast and coffee (thanks, mom).

Once it was time to put on the dress I started to get nervous again since we were running a little behind schedule. Even if you plan the extra 30 min into your timeline sometimes it’s still not enough. We all drove to the Canemah Park in Oregon City for first look (l recommend every couple does the First Look photos”) I was so excited to see my future husband Ben and for him to see me in my dress for the first time, I could hardly contain myself. It was a very special moment for the both of us, so much emotion pours out in that moment. He was perfect and I could not wait to marry that man. We got lots of pictures with the two of us and with our bridal party. We stopped at a couple more locations on the way to our venue for some more photos (you can never have too many pictures) It had started to rain off and on and I was trying to do my best and not panic with it being an outdoor venue. The umbrellas however made for some really fun pictures.

Since Ben and I were sticking to our budget we had our amazing family and friends decorate and do a huge chunk of the work setting up the venue. They put together all the floral arrangements, the decorations and all the finishing touches that made the venue come to life.

Ben and I had an intimate vow exchange that was only attended by our photographers prior to the actual ceremony where exchanged traditional vows, and had the honor of having Ben’s step brother pronounce us husband and wife. As we walked out the ceremony our guests cheered and tossed pink rose petals our way.

The reception was very easy-going, dancing mingling and good food. Ben is a little bit of a Star Wars nerd, so I surprised him with custom-made Princess Leah and Han Solo cake toppers that resembled him and I.

We had so much fun I forgot all about the rain, the torn dress and all the other minor things that go wrong at weddings. We just danced the night away and enjoyed our magical day! Our wedding was unforgettable, by far the best day of my life. After all, at the end of the day the only thing that matters is your love and commitment to one another. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Photography: Benjamin Clifford Photography | Floral Design: Costco | Wedding Dress: Bridal Exclusives | Cake: Florika | Catering: Abernethy Center | Hair + Makeup: Luba Gannotskiy | DJ: Jerry Erven | Groom's Attire: Nordstrom | Venue: Abernethy Center | Bridal Boutique: Bridal Exclusives | Bridal Party Bouquets: Brenda Fields