Thinking about a short engagement? Take this couple, who managed to pull of this elegant affair with only 5 months to plan. Using inspiration from the outdoors, the simplistic nature captured by Shaun Menary Photography is what makes it all the more special. Graced with Sugar Bee Sweets and a Candlelight Films, you can see the entire day unfold below!
From the beautiful Bride… Adam and I met in June 2014 through mutual friends at Watermark Community Church. July 24, 2014 was our first date which started with coffee and ended with dinner 4 hours later. That same Saturday we planned to hang out for a bit which turned into a 12 hour adventure. We sat under a tree at White Rock Lake. We both knew we wanted to get married. Official dating followed shortly after that. As we began to share our passions, our purpose and the redemption we have both experienced through Christ we were confident Christ had a purpose for our relationship. December 3, 2014 Adam took me to dinner. After dinner be handed me a notebook with character traits he saw in me that would be beneficial in marriage. As I read them I knew… We arrived at the same tree at White Rock where we first learned so much about each other. Adam asked me to marry and I of course said yes. Thankfully our families and friends have been incredibly supportive.
My planning experience was short and sweet with only 3.5 months to plan. I could not have done so without Adam’s constant encouragement and support. We looked at two venues. With such a short engagement most everything was booked. We decided on a Sunday evening and loved our venue. Food and beverages were decided upon based on the venue. We chose a baker that one of our friends had just used for my cake. One of Adam’s buddies baked his gig ’em cake. I ordered my dress online and was able to try it on and return it if the size didn’t work. I ended up only trying on two different styles. I was familiar with the florist and loved their style. I had very little to do with the florist other than our first meeting to give an idea of what I liked. Our DJ was recommended by a friend in my community group. I didn’t seek many options but went with my instinct. We sent save the dates out via email and quickly picked our wedding invitations.
Our design inspiration came from the outdoors. I like the beautiful simplicity that natural gives. We didn’t have many extras as far as decoration. Our wedding was outside so we didn’t need anything more than each other. Inside for the reception I know I wanted banquet style seating and Edison lights over the dance floor for the main effect. There were simple green runners and votives along the tables. We used sustainable bamboo plates and sliver flatware. I liked the combo. We stuck with simplicity.
The first meaningful detail of our wedding was that our grandmothers took the place of the traditional flower girls. I wanted to follow in the foot steps of women who have done marriage well for the past 57+ years. My youth pastor officiated the service so having him walk us into one of the most important seasons of our lives was great.
For brides currently planning their weddings, I would say don’t make engagement long. Everything that is necessary can get done quickly so don’t stress. Your wedding day will be perfect regardless of small glitches along the way. I’m so thankful we didn’t have time to spend on things that we would not have remembered. There are endless possibilities and options for a wedding but don’t weigh yourself down. Take time weekly to spend time with your fiancé make a point to not talk about the wedding. Don’t lose site of the purpose of the wedding. For us that was to resemble Christ’s love for the church and to vow to pursue that same self sacrificing love Christ demonstrated. Everything will get done and if it doesn’t, it didn’t need to be anyway. Enjoy this season! You can learn so much about your fiancé.
Most importantly, have fun! Your wedding is just the beginning. Marriage is so much more than a dress, cake, flowers… Those things make the wedding day so special and important which it is and should be! So, enjoy the planning and all that it entails. Adam and I think marriage is a big deal and wanted to celebrate that. The best advice Adam and I have received was from my Papa who has been married to my Nana over 60 years. He told us to “try hard everyday”. Enjoy this season of engagement and look forward to the many years ahead. Marriage is awesome!
Photography: Shaun Menary Photography | Videographer: Candlelight Films | Floral Design: Dirt Flowers | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cakes: Sugar Bee Sweets | Caterer: Bolsa | DJ: David Allen | Wedding Venue: Trinity River Audubon Center
