Hi! How was your Thanksgiving? While you transition our of your food coma (or maybe you’re already getting started on leftovers?), let me show you some more wedding photos. If you missed last week’s wedding post, head there first!
When I left off, we weren’t married yet. And after the first look, I was ready to get this party started!
The ceremony was held on the lawn at Moraine Farm in front of some big, gnarly pine trees. Thank goodness the weather was nice, because there was no plan B!
My dad walked his oldest daughter down the aisle to an acoustic guitar version of Etta James’ “At Last.” I wanted to walk faster, but he told me we needed to walk slowly so everyone had a chance to look at me – especially this guy :)
We chose to get married by a justice of the peace, since we’re not religious. JP ceremonies are nice because you get to write them yourself and make them as personal as you want. But one of the only hiccups in the wedding occurred when the JP began to speak… and read the rough draft of the ceremony I’d sent her, rather than the final copy! I wished I could stop everything and get it straightened out, but it’s one of those things that literally no one else besides me noticed.
We repeated vows that we wrote together, promising to be each other’s best friend and partner in crime, and to love each other for better and for worse, in laughter and in tears. Fittingly, I was both laughing and crying as I said my vows.
One funny moment was during the ring exchange. Despite our JP, Beverly, warning us that we shouldn’t make a big deal out of it if one of us couldn’t get our ring on… well, we did. Nate had some serious trouble getting his ring past the knuckle, and Beverly asked whether she needed to get out the grease bucket :) Nothing like some comic relief!
The whole ceremony lasted maybe 10 minutes. At the end, Beverly announced, “Erica, you may kiss the groom!” So I did.
And just like that we were hitched!
We walked back down the aisle to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.”
All smiles!
We were followed by our bridesmaids and groomsmen, all in groups of 3. Because we ended up with uneven numbers in the bridal party, Nate’s best man Tyler walked with my two sisters, and the rest of the bridesmaids had a groomsman on each arm. As long as everyone got back down the aisle, I was happy!
Nate looked so silly with a ring on. I’ve always worn jewelry, but he never does. Two months later, I’m used to it, but I had to laugh at him at first. He looks like a little boy wearing a wedding ring!
Nate’s mom and I had an emotional moment after the ceremony – I think she was telling me that she and I are both Mrs. Krahs now. I really like this sweet picture.
After the ceremony, it was time for some more formal pictures while everyone else headed straight to cocktail hour. They brought us a tray of our signature cocktails – Tom Collins for him, Paloma for her. I was too happy to drink or eat, though – I took maybe two sips.
When I bought my dress and chose my hairstyle, I wasn’t going for any look in particular – just what I thought would look best on me. But the flowers really tied it all together into a soft, vintage-y look that I loved. It was perfect for the venue, and my mom’s necklace was the finishing touch.
I was also really happy with my hair and makeup, both of which I had professionally done. I mentioned that the hair salon was a bit stressful, but in the end it was worth it. Professional makeup is really an incredible thing! I wish I had those skills. I felt like myself but prettier, which is exactly what I wanted on my wedding day :)
The pictures before the ceremony are my favorites – so glad we did those. But these pictures from afterwards do a good job of capturing how happy we were to be married, I think!
Still, it was nice that we got so many pictures out of the way early in the day. It allowed the rest of the bridal party to attend all of cocktail hour, too. After just a few minutes, we joined them.
Cocktail hour and reception pictures coming next week! Have a wonderful long weekend!
Bliss!
I am in love with your venue. The backdrop of the green trees is just beautiful. And your flowers were stunning too.
I’m sure hearing the rough draft of what you sent to her was a little upsetting at first but it looks like you hid it really well! I think everyone has a moment like that somewhere throughout the day.
Mine was also during the ceremony- I couldn’t get Brandon to hold eye contact with me and it was driving me nuts! Afterward he said that he was just trying not to cry. It was sweet but it made me wish we would have a first look to get some of that out of the way. C’est la vie!
What a gorgeous dress and your flowers are stunning! Looks like an incredible day with family and friends!