Yes, I said worked. In case you didn't know, I have a hobby job. Which means it's a job I love but it doesn't pay the bills - so I will probably never go pro with it. I plan weddings on the side. And I am in love with it. I haven't advertised in years - it's basically word of mouth and referral business. But I love it. It is such a great feeling to be "working" but to absolutely LOVE it so much it doesn't feel like work. Who knew such a feeling existed?!
Anyways, enough about me! Let me introduce you to Jessica and Dan. They found me on wedding wire (here) which is really the only place I "advertise." Since I had never worked with anyone off of this site, I was a bit hesitant... but of course I met with them. And loved them.
(Sorry for the photo quality... these were just the few I snapped with my iPhone as I was running around all day...)
They had a small ceremony at the Great Neck Gazebo in Virginia Beach. The gazebo was back in the woods, but it looked out at the Lynnhaven Inlet waterway. It was a stunning day for an outdoor wedding. Approximately 55 people came to witness their heartfelt ceremony.
| This is what I started with... It ended with all of the seats full, colorful ribbons everywhere, and a happy bride and groom! |
Since all of the bridesmaids wanted to wear different colors, the bride agreed. The "theme" of this wedding turned into a multicolored theme. We had tons of colorful ribbons hanging everywhere in the gazebo. And oh man, don't you just LOVE the cowboy boots the girls wore? Yes, the bride had a pair on as well!
It was a simple, heartfelt ceremony. The bride and groom wrote their own vows and the pastor was actually the grooms cousin. So sweet!
This was actually a HUGE event for me... after 5 years of wedding planning this was the FIRST time I ever got to see any of my couples actually get married! Normally I am already at the reception site, making sure everything is falling into place. This time we had a 2 hour delay so I got to stay. :)
"You may now kiss the bride!" So cute!
Since there was time to kill between the ceremony and the reception, we had mason jars full of lemonade, sweet tea, and raspberry lemonade. They were PERFECT for such a warm day! Not to mention so southern and awesome!
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The reception was held at the Virginia Aquarium. In all of these years, and all of the venues I have worked, I definitely need to give a shout out to Stacy and her staff. They were so great to work with. They were so organized and put together. Something everyone should look for in a catering team.
Continuing along with the colorful theme... each table had it's own color. The napkins, candles, table runners, place cards, everything! They were all drastically different, but they blended so well together!
I love how the bride and groom kept personal details running throughout the day. I don't know much about football - but check out how they represented their teams on their wedding cake!
I did mention that it was at the aquarium right??
Even my assistant enjoyed her moment at the shark tank! (Many thanks to my mom who has been an awesome assistant for so many of my wedding jobs!)
I enjoyed my 10 minute break eating dinner in front of the sunken treasure tank full of "local" ocean fish!
It was such a great night. The bride and groom seemed to thoroughly enjoy their day spent with family and friends. Before we all headed out for the night, the awesome DJ (who was so fun I will probably hire one day!) got the party rockin' one last time with the Electric Slide (a group favorite apparently!)
It was a long day but it reminded me how much I love a good wedding every now and then. By the time it was over I was exhausted and super thankful I wore my comfy, sparkly Toms! Even the sting rays were worn out! (Yes, they are actually sleeping here... at least that's what the aquarium guy told me!)
Congrats again Jessica and Dan! Thanks for letting me be part of your big day! I wish you many years of happiness together!
