Our wedding day was everything we had imagined and more. By far the best part of the day was getting married but a close second was having all of our friends and family, from all over the country, in one spot to celebrate. Our hope was that by creating a beautiful atmosphere for our wedding, our guests would feel loved. The gorgeous flowers and incredible backdrop of Holman Ranch did just that. See it all photographed by Danielle Poff and filmed by United Media Collective below!
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/189582484 600 338]
Engagement Session | Defining the Inspiration | Bridesmaid Gift Box | Selecting Vendors | The Details | Bridal Shower
From the Bride, Michaela… There were so many special aspects to our day. From little details, our ceremony uniting us as one, the amazingly touching and hilarious speeches made by our maid of honor, best man and my dad — everything was so memorable and important to us. It was equally important to us to honor a very special person who sadly didn’t get to see us be married. My husband’s father passed away last January, so we wanted to honor his memory. We had my grandmother sew a heart-shaped piece of one of his favorite shirts onto two hankies. One for me and one for McCann. The hanky I carried was my great, great grandmother’s hanky that she used on her wedding day many, many years ago. My grandma embroidered McCann’s dad’s initials on them and he carried his in his pocket, while I tied mine around my bouquet. It was our something borrowed and something blue. A way tangible to remember his dad and how much he meant to us.
Our ceremony was another important part of our day. We chose to wash each other’s feet, showing one another that we promise to love and serve the other person, just has God has loved and served us.
Some other fun touches included customized cornhole bean bags with our monograms, our delicious apple raspberry jam favors (we met in an apple orchard!), the comfy vignette seating we created outside of the dancing barn complete with blankets and pillows, our amazingly talented DJ who kept the beats rollin’ all night (the dance floor was literally never empty!) and the glow sticks we passed out at our reception, and our interactive polaroid camera guest book. What a FUN day, which we will remember for years to come.
Advice for brides: Once the day has arrived, just rest. Know that you’ve done everything you can to plan your beautiful celebration of marriage. Relax and let the professionals (and your bridal party!) take it from there. The only thing that truly matters is the fact that you are getting married! So celebrate that, take time during the day to take deep breaths and take it all in. I did lots of “this is my wedding day!”while just looking around the reception taking in the joy and beauty.
Practical advice for your wedding: hire a planner or coordinator. Just do it! It makes your life SO much easier. Our wedding flowed so well because of this. Also, find an amazing photographer and videographer. These are the only tangible memories of your day, so be sure you love the work of whomever you choose.
For more of a peek into our day, check out our wedding video, which has brought tears to my eyes every time I’ve watched it. We are so thankful to have this on video to show our future children.
Photography: Danielle Poff Photography | Cinematography: United Media Collective | Coordination: engaged & inspired | Floral Design: Michelle Lywood | Cake: I Do Wedding Cakes | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Weddington Way | Catering: Paradise Catering | Hair + Makeup: Lindsay Dabalos | Calligraphy: Graceline Art | DJ: Belmont Entertainment | Groomsmen's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Venue: Holman Ranch | Blankets + Pillows: Lulu & Georgia | Bridal Jewelry: Haute Bride | Bridesmaids' Robes: Love Ophelia | Cake Topper: Lietofiore | Ceremony Programs: Shine Wedding Invitations | Furniture + Rentals: Forage Vintage Rental Co | Guest Book Table Sequin Linen: Mrs. Freund & Co. | Illustration: Graceline Art | Jam Favors: Kitchen Kettle Village | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Maid of Honor Dress: Jenny Yoo | Ribbon: Adorn Company
[dotted]
