Ryan and Kari, your wedding was even more incredible than I imagined it would be, and I can’t thank you enough for asking me to be a part of it. Getting to know you and spending this day with you was such a blessing for me. Truly. Wishing you lots of love and happiness as you begin this chapter of your life together. I hope we meet again! —js
————————————————————
From the Bride & Groom…
What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?
Kari – The whole day was a surreal experience and it went by in a blur. Time only slowed down for me when Ryan and I were at the altar. I had the strangest feeling of being completely alone with him up there, to the point that the cheers and applause at the end of the ceremony almost startled me. I think what I’ll always remember is that one moment where I went from being totally oblivious to anything but Ryan, to being completely bowled over by the love and support I felt from family and friends.
Ryan – Definitely seeing Kari appear from behind the trees in the wedding dress I had vowed not to see before the wedding and then standing in front of her, looking into her eyes and thinking this is what I wanted all along. I had a little trouble speaking at one point and was just in awe of what was happening to the extent that I may have just stood there spellbound had the pastor not repeated the vow.
Jessica’s Take: After Ryan kissed his bride, they made their way back down the aisle and paused for an extra-tight, we-just-got-married hug. They were both so happy, and I loved that even amidst all the usual wedding day excitement and company, they took a minute to feel the gravity of the moment.
What was your favorite detail of the wedding day?
Kari – I loved it ALL, or rather, I loved watching as the multitude of obsessed-over details came together into this thing that felt very us. I also like that a lot of it was homemade – you could really see the love that went into it (I’m looking at you, Mom!).
Ryan – Everything was great. Everyone looked so happy and very much like they wanted to be there. This was really the first time the two families had been brought together and it was a real joy to see everyone so engaged. The reception was beautifully executed-thanks to everyone who contributed!
Jessica’s Take: I loved Kari’s bouquet (which included a handmade handkerchief from Kari’s mother), as well as the tiny moss planters and name tags at each place setting.
Any advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Kari – Don’t micromanage. Our wedding took on a life of its own, and all the little things we hadn’t even thought to plan for just kind of happened anyway (okay, perhaps we have some helpful family and friends to thank for that!). Everything wound up being perfect despite our oversights, and the day was full of surprises, which is always nice.
Ryan – Do it now. I mean, start your planning as soon as possible. The task of planning will extend up until the moment you’re headed to the altar. You just want to minimize that portion of the planning so you can relax and focus on why you are there.
What’s the best part of being married so far?
Kari – It’s all pretty great – I’m having fun with my new name, and I like being introduced as Ryan’s wife. Still makes me wonder how I got so lucky!
Ryan – Knowing that we are in this together. Not that we haven’t been the past 7 years, just that now we have officially and publicly proclaimed our union. I’ve never been so excited and optimistic about my future.
————————————————————
The image on the left is my favorite:
comments +