We got the pictures back from my sister Stephanie’s wedding, and I’m so excited to share them with you! I’m going to share all the deets and some things to consider if you’re planning a wedding. I also wanted to share a little of my Steph and Tanner’s story with you. For me, the love story always makes the photos so much better.
Check out her Fort Lauderdale bachelorette and bridal shower recaps.
Their Story
It didn’t start out as love at first sight. Steph and Tanner have known each other since junior high. Throughout high school, they ran in the same friend groups, but never anything more than friends. Tanner used to come over to our house and the three of us would hang out in the kitchen laughing and goofing around until 11:59:59 am. Per my dad’s rule, he had to be out of the house by 12 am, and Tanner wasn’t going to leave a minute to spare.
It was easy for my whole family to see right away that there was really something really magnetic between them, but Steph was persistent on fighting it off. She was leaving for college and didn’t want a relationship — especially a long distance one, but that didn’t stop Tanner. He would drive up almost every single weekend to visit her. At this point, they were basically a couple, though Steph refused to see it that way. Finally, when hanging out with Tanner’s family on Christmas, she finally said, “you can introduce me as your girlfriend.”
Six years later, here we are. Their wedding day.
The Dress
Steph found her dress the first time we went to look, but it wasn’t an easy road to get there. We went to Bridal Beginnings in because a designer she knew she wanted was having a trunk show. She ended up with a style completely different than what she originally wanted. She thought she wanted something very sleek and simple, but after trying that style on, she realized she didn’t really feel like a bride. (She attends a lot of black tie events for work, and that style felt too similar to dresses she’s already worn.)
After what felt like 100 dresses, I made her try on a ballgown because that style screams bridal. When she came out, she said she felt more like a bride, but it still wasn’t right. Feeling defeated and with the store closing, she walked back to take off the last dress, and decided to take a look at the rack herself. Steph came out in what turned out to “the one.” Once the stylist put on the removable skirt, she was sold. Steph had the seamstress add on a rhinestone belt for a little extra sparkle.
The Venue
We had a couple factors working against us. One, the wedding day was on the shortest daylight day of the year, December 21, which effected our timeline slightly, but we made it work!
And two, she wanted to get married outside. In the middle of December. In Ohio. The venue is actually one big room, which wouldn’t allow us to flip the room during cocktail hour, since cocktail would be in the same room, and Steph didn’t want to walk down the aisle next to tables.
So, we were all praying for a miracle that we would get a warm December day. We actually didn’t decide where the ceremony was going to be until two days before and sent out mass texts letting everyone to know to bring coats. Somehow, everyone’s prayers were answered, and we had a beautiful 53 degree and sunny day.
Décor
The décor was very simple. The venue was so grand and beautiful that adding too many decorations would have taken away from the space. There were six tall floral arrangements on the round tables. The venue actually had a ton of décor to choose from so the gold vases were supplied by them. The rest of the tables had floating candles in vases. We picked up the vases from craft stores and the candles from Amazon.
The Big Day
The Waterworks
We definitely aren’t emotional…
The Party
Vendor List:
Venue: Bella Amore on Enchanted Acres
Hair: Simply Captivating Salon
Makeup: Nicole Marcus Makeup (MOH, Mother of bride)
Makeup: Shannon Cole Makeup (bride, bridsmaids)
Spray Tan: Makeup Design Studio
Gown: Milla Nova from Bridal Beginnings
Additional Skirt/Veil: Bridal Beginnings
Belt and Hair Piece: Amazon
Shoes: Jewel by Badgley Mischka
Bride Jewelry: The Jewelry Group
Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy from Bridal Beginnings
Bridesmaid Jewelry: Givenchy
Invitations: Basic Invite
Planning + Coordination: A&L Events
Bridal Bouquet: Gidas Flowers
Bridesmaid Bouquet: DIY – Amazon
Centerpieces: Enchanted Acres Florals
DJ: DJ Yelenix
Videography: Absolute Altitude
Groom/Groomsmen Tuxedos: Jack’s Tuxedo
Linen Rentals: Mosaic
It was truly the most amazing day, celebrating the most beautiful couple. I can’t wait to see what the future hold for you two! Wishing you many, many years of happiness!
Great way to sum up the day:)