Red Pattern

Monday, February 25, 2013

Getting Hitched: It's Almost Time For 'I Do'

As much as we were enjoying our couple's portraits, it wasn't long before it was time to head back into the Chapel to get ready for the ceremony. I am honestly not sure what Mr. C was doing during this time  before the wedding started, although I'm guessing he was probably just having fun in the Groom's suite sharing some laughs with his closest friends. I, however, was saying hello to some lovely ladies who stopped by the Bride's suite, Grandmother Coach and my little cousin/wonderful house party member, J. I briefly remember taking these photos, but this was the point in the day where things really started to fly by. You try to remember every last detail, but it is just so, so difficult!

All photography by Megan Fortner



Once it was back to being just my girls, Momma C, and me in the suite, we decided it was time for a little champagne toast. Again, I don't really remember this happening, and I couldn't tell you what was said in our little huddle if my life depended on it. I seem to be pleased in the picture, so I'm sure MOH L had lots of sweet and encouraging things to say :)



Before we knew it, it was time for the ceremony to begin. Our harpist had been occupying our guests with beautiful prelude music, and effortlessly transitioned into Canon in D as the Grandmothers and Mothers made their entrance. Choosing Jenny as our harpist was one of the best decisions I made regarding the wedding. First of all, she is absolutely one of the nicest people you will ever meet, and as far as her music goes -- beautiful! I had so many people tell me how much they enjoyed listening to her play before and during the ceremony.



I just love these shots of Mr. C with his parents. My MIL is just the sweetest little lady, and she looks so happy to be walking down the aisle with her youngest son. And that shot of Mr. C and his dad - *tear* - they are so similar to one another and have the closest relationship, and I just love everything about that photo of them hugging.



Mr. Coach shows a little love to Momma C and her hubby, and then leaves for a moment to make his grand entrance with his groomsmen. 




Next up, my beautiful bridesmaids made their entrance, followed by the world's cutest Ring Bearer and Flower Girls. Mr. Coach's nephew was our Ring Bearer and he did a fabulous job. Our flower girls (two of my cousins) were no different, and were perfect at tossing those petals and looking absolutely precious while doing it. 


I know that having children in the wedding is something that a lot of people are afraid of and/or just really don't want to "deal" with.  I have always imagined having flower girls and a ring bearer, so it was never really a question of whether or not we would, but rather who it would be. While I did want cute little ones walking down the aisle before me, I wanted to them to actually walk. On their own, no last minute assistance from their mothers, and no crying. For that reason, among others - obviously because they're also special to us! - we asked children who were a little older to be in our wedding, and I think it was the perfect choice. Mr. C also has younger nieces and nephews in his family, but we chose to stick with the older children, knowing that they would be cute while doing their job, but not a potential hassle (or freak-out moment for me ;) ) They all stood at the altar during the ceremony, and I have no complaints or regrets about including any of them in the wedding - they did fabulous!



Once everyone had reached their places, it was time for one more entrance. The music changed to a beautiful rendition of Edelweiss, the chapel doors slowly began to open, and I think Mr. C liked what he saw ;)

Coming up: I make my entrance and we become husband and wife!

Miss a recap?

First, I shared some of my favorite guest photos from the big day!

Next, Mr. C and I spent some quality time with family, rehearsed for the big day, and then enjoyed our tasty rehearsal dinner.

My girls and I spent some quality time together and got our hair and makeup done in our hotel suite.

We headed over to the Piazza, where I slipped into my dress.

I showed off my wedding gown in my pre-wedding Bridal Portraits.

You got a sneak peek into the Groom’s Suite while the guys got ready.

I got a little misty during our First Look.

Mr. Coach and I took a few couple's portraits with our photographers.





Sunday, February 10, 2013

Getting Hitched: A Little Pre-Ceremony Photo Session

After I had gotten myself together post-emotional first look, Mr. C and I had a small amount of time with our photographers for couples portraits. For the most part, these photos speak for themselves; there was a lot smiling (with some gigging mixed in on my part) and we just walked around for a few minutes while Megan told us where to stand and then worked her magic.

All photography by Megan Fortner

We started out next to the arbor through which I had passed during our First Look. It was a simple (and impromptu) back drop, but I really loved the texture of it.


Okay, who am I kidding, I certainly wasn't worried about the backdrop during these photos. All I was thinking about during these photos was the man standing next to me ;)


Right around the corner was this fun wall/sculpture that also provided a great backdrop. All of our pictures were taken in the Village were the Piazza is located, and these were actually near the City Hall, for those of you who might be curious. If you are looking for a small area for a photo session with lots of different backgrounds within walking distance of each other, this could definitely be it!








I loved this part of the day. I loved getting to talk and laugh with my almost-husband. I loved getting to "hang out" with our photographers and videographers (seriously, they were all so much fun!) I loved all the kisses Mr. C and I got to share, for the pictures sake of course :) It was just all so enjoyable. I hadn't really thought to look forward to this part of our timeline, but looking back it was really one of my favorite parts of the day. Okay seriously, I say that about every single event. Make me stop.

What are you looking forward to most about your Big Day? Are you and your SO planning on a little time with just you and the photographer?

Miss a recap?


First, I shared some of my favorite guest photos from the big day!

Next, Mr. C and I spent some quality time with family, rehearsed for the big day, and then enjoyed our tasty rehearsal dinner.

My girls and I spent some quality time together and got our hair and makeup done in our hotel suite.

We headed over to the Piazza, where I slipped into my dress.

I showed off my wedding gown in my pre-wedding Bridal Portraits.

You got a sneak peek into the Groom’s Suite while the guys got ready.

I got a little misty during our First Look.


Monday, February 4, 2013

Getting Hitched: Our First Look (Finally!)

If I had to sum up our First Look into one word, it would without a doubt be "emotional."

Here, take a look:


See what I mean? ;)

It was the strangest turn of events, too, because if you remember, we left off with both of us looking more than just a little excited to be getting ready for our wedding day:


I had really handled my emotions well the majority of the morning. I was excited and thoroughly enjoying having my best friends surrounding me. At times, I was possibly a little quieter than usual as I tried to take in the day and everything that was happening. But the one thing I was not, was emotional. That is until I headed out of the Bridal Suite on my way to Mr. Coach. 


When I think about it now, the overwhelming emotions do make a little more sense. I remember at various times throughout the morning Vanessa would pull me aside and ask my how I was feeling, what was going on in my mind, etc. so that she could capture some of those feelings on film. Looking back, I remember each time she asked, my main response was, "I'm just really ready to see Mr. Coach." Thinking about it now, I feel kind of bad I didn't give her more material to work with (haha) but that was the truth - as excited as I was for our wedding day, things just weren't going to be perfect until I had laid eyes on my groom and we could start enjoying the day together.




So, when I finally started my trek to see my husband-to-be, and Vanessa pulled me aside once more to check in on what I was thinking, my emotions (that I didn't know had been there all along) finally got the best of me. I was finally, finally heading to see my groom on our wedding day. Cue the heavy breathing and overload of tears. 

Luckily, our amazing videographer and photographer did an amazing job of just making me look slightly misty, rather than a crying mess, but I was certainly the latter. I think I also thoroughly confused Mr. C when he turned around and saw me with tears running down my cheeks. But, the funny thing was, once I had seen him, hugged him, and kissed him, all was right in the world. There was so much build up to us getting to see each other -- so much so that I nearly lost it walking toward him -- but it was completely justified when I finally got to hug him and hear his voice.





After all of the crying had ceased, Mr. C did what any good groom should and took a good look at my full wedding ensemble :) We shared a few more hugs, kisses, and laughs, and then headed off to take more couples portraits. Stay tuned for those!

All photography by Megan Fortner; Videography by Vanessa McKellar

Miss a recap?

First, I shared some of my favorite guest photos from the big day! 

Next, Mr. C and I spent some quality time with family, rehearsed for the big day, and then enjoyed our tasty rehearsal dinner.

My girls and I spent some quality time together and got our hair and makeup done in our hotel suite.

We headed over to the Piazza, where I slipped into my dress.

I showed off my wedding gown in my pre-wedding Bridal Portraits.


You got a sneak peek into the Groom's Suite while the guys got ready.