Our Wedding - The Ceremony
Beautiful photos by Photography Anthology.
I’m back today with the next post in my wedding recap series, which is our beautiful outdoor fall Ceremony. I know that it probably sounds pretty obvious, but the Ceremony was truly my favorite part of our wedding day. From walking down the aisle to Mark, to our first kiss as husband and wife, it truly felt like magic.
All of the details for our Ceremony were very special to us. We saved a seat for my Dad in the front row, Mark made our aisle pillars by hand, and I designed, printed, and assembled all of the Ceremony programs. I’ve always loved the movie Forrest Gump, and especially the scene where Jenny and Forrest get married, so getting married outside under a big oak tree was really a dream for me. Not to mention, our florist, State and Arrow, did such a beautiful job on the flowers - every detail really felt perfect!
We hired the Bexley String Quartet to play both the pre-wedding cocktail hour (which was hosted in the ballroom) and then to serenade guests before and during the Ceremony. We were even able to commission them to learn a few special songs just for our day that weren’t already in their repertoire. I walked down the aisle to a string version of my all-time favorite song: “Do You Realize” by The Flaming Lips.
Having my Mom walk me down the aisle was such a special part of the day. Ever since my Dad passed away in 2012, I wasn’t sure what I would do if I got married one day. I considered just coming down the aisle myself, but this decision felt right, and helped me feel like both my Mom and Dad could be with me in that moment.
Our wonderful friend Marla was our officiant. It was only her second time officiating a wedding, but she did a wonderful job, and it was so incredibly special to have to do it for us. Marla and Mark have been good friends since college, have lived together, and been close for a long time. From the moment Mark and I began dating, Marla had been welcoming and warm to me, and i’m so glad that I can call her a dear friend now, too.
My nephew Daniel and Maid of Honor Hannah both gave readings for us. Daniel read an excerpt from one of our favorite books, Tom Robbins’ Still Life With Woodpecker. Hannah read the poem I Carry Your Heart With Me by E.E. Cummings. Mark and I picked out the readings together, and they’re words we will always hold dear.
Mark and I read our own personal vows that we wrote. It was hard to get through without sobbing, but was my very favorite part of the Ceremony and the day. The words Mark spoke to me that day will always be so so special to me.
Next came the rings and then….the kiss!
Our Ceremony was short and sweet, but everything we both ever wanted. I’ve been witness to so many wedding Ceremonies over the years, but it was truly surreal to be with my person, surrounded by all of our friends and family. That twenty minutes will always have a special place in my heart.