Our Big Day: The Details

Okay, okay, so I lied.  I said I was rounding up our wedding recaps on Wednesday, but I decided to participate in the last Ultimate Wedding Week Link Up and share the details that made our day so special.  

We were married on March 19th- the same day as my grandparents.

Our ceremony was held in the church I grew up in- McCormick First Baptist Church.

My hair was done by my sister and my cousin/bestie applied my make up.

The Dress: Maggie Sottero Avril in Alabaster 

(sadly it's no longer on her website)
Provided by Elegant Bridals in Augusta, GA.

Shoes- Nina Electra in Ivory Luster Satin

My stepmother made my cathedral length veil.

The flowers in the church, bouquets, and boutonnieres were 

arranged by Flowers by Frankie- a distant family member.

Programs were created and printed by a friend- Billingsley Designs

We lit candles in honor of our loved ones who had gone before us and were watching from Heaven!

This awesome card box was handmade by my cousin/bestie!

The centerpieces at the reception were created by my talented aunt.

The amazing food was prepared by a family friend.

Wedding cake was made by another family friend.  We froze the top layer to have for our one year anniversary, and despite popular belief, it tasted just as good as the night of our wedding!

All photography from engagement pictures, bridal portraits, and 

full wedding day coverage was by the fabulous Abby Funderburk.

As I've said before, Bradley and I both wanted our day to be intimate and meaningful.  

All of the details and planning for our wedding were provided by family and friends, 

and it meant so much to us to be surrounded by love.

Thank you for sticking with me as I documented to date, the best day of my life!

Our Big Day: The Honeymoon

I am rounding up our wedding recaps today with a post about our honeymoon.  Bradley didn't make many decisions about the wedding itself, but the honeymoon was all his!  He consulted with me on the location, but booked our trip through a travel agency and had it all planned out.  We were so excited to get away after over a year of planning the wedding.  It was nice to be able to relax with my husband in an all inclusive resort for a whole week!

Newlyweds on the way Adventura Spa Palace in Riviera Maya, Mexico!

 The fantastic room

First night at dinner

One of our favorite spots!

For a whole week we ate like a king and queen,

drank way too much,

made new friends,

 relaxed in the sun,

found beauty in rain storms,

enjoyed the crystal clear ocean,

and even played in the sand!

Memories of a lifetime!

 And I even got spoiled rotten! My new hubby surprised me with a pearl necklace. 

Our honeymoon was the perfect way to end our dream wedding experience!

Our Big Day: The Reception

When planning our wedding, Bradley and I both agreed that we wanted a fun party atmosphere for our reception with our favorite foods included.  Our wishes were granted- the reception was everything we wanted and more.  All of our hard work and planning finally paid off! {Warning: picture overload}

I want to start with a few details of the reception first before showing you all the fun we had.

My canvas portrait on display

Our picture signing book for all those who missed it at the ceremony.

The amazing display my cousin made for cards from our guests!

Koozies were our favors.

The food was so good and prepared by a local family friend trying to break into the catering market.  We had many different options for our guests to choose from!

Beer and wine were both served.

And now for all the fun!  The pictures tell all!

After the wedding party introductions, we had our first dance.

"Baby I Love Your Way" Peter Frampton

I surprised my mom with a Mother/Daughter dance to "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion.

Bradley and his mom danced to "In My Life"- The Beatles

Toasts by the Best Man and Maid of Honor

Cutting of the cake

 This tradition did come true...these two got engaged a few months later and are now happily married!

We did not want this awesome party to end, but had to get on the road to 

Atlanta to catch our early flight the next morning for our honeymoon.  

To this day, our friends and family still tell us how much fun they had, how amazing the food was, and how they talk about that night regularly! Mission accomplished.

Participating in The Ultimate Wedding Week Link Up!  Link yours up here!