Weddingbee Blog

Rehearsal? Check. Welcome dinner? Check. Manicures and mimosas with the girls? Check.
Say “I do”? Up next.

Before I go into the details of our ceremony, I should warn you that our photographer didn’t do any post processing, and pretty much refused to edit the images because well, apparently he thinks he’s better than that. Sooo, I’ve tried my best to do what I could with these photos (and yes, I know there’s a ton of black/white and the color is off in a bunch of them), so please please excuse my beginner-at-best editing. This is why I work with eyeballs for a living instead of behind the camera. Anyhoo… here we go.

The bridesmaids were in place, and my music started. We hired a violinist, who I actually used to play with in a local orchestra. The wedding party walked to an instrumental version of our 1st dance song, “Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts and my song was Canon in D. Pretty basic, but I love the simplicity of a single violin and piano.

I love how my dad got the first peek at Champ before we walked down the aisle. It was right about here that the sirens went off outside, but honestly, nothing was stopping me from getting to my groom.

We walked…

and smiled…

and I felt completely surrounded with love and support.

I mentioned earlier that I decided flowers or any decorations in the church weren’t necessary and looking back at the photos I think it was a good decision. I had toyed with the idea of an aisle runner but, honestly now I don’t think it mattered!

I really wish I could show you a photo from the front here and a photo of Champ’s face, because it’s the reason I hired a second shooter. Our photographer told our second shooter to stay in the back of the chapel, despite my request for there to be one in front. OK OK, enough I know… moving on…

In a split second we were there, ready to meet my groom. I’ll always remember how proud my dad was when we hugged. He looked at me and whispered, “good job, girl” and I knew he 100% supported our relationship.

My childhood pastor performed the ceremony, and it added such a personalized touch. Champ’s family loved hearing the stories about how I grew up in this small town, and he’s really been like a father figure to me for many years so it was special to have him unite us in marriage.

Pastor Dan opened with a blessing and began with a few words about the two of us. He mentioned some of the stories we had shared with him about our love for each other, and it was nice to hear the words we had spoken to him read aloud to our family.

He also joked around that in my neighborhood, I’ll always be known as “little Katie”, instead of “grown up Kate”. Coming from a small town has its good and bad—everybody knows alllll your bid’ness (good and bad), but they really do serve as an extended family for support, so I really feel lucky in that respect.

We chose two readings and each of our uncles read one. Champ’s Uncle is also his Godfather, and my Uncle is the one responsible for my adoption. He found my birth mother and completely arranged my adoption, so it was really special for him to be involved in our ceremony.

I Corinthians 13:1-7, 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

Here’s my uncle flashing a smile after his reading.

Following the readings, Pastor Dan took a few moments to share his thoughts about love and marriage and his hopes for our relationship. I played our ceremony video and here were some of his thoughts:

Sometimes I hear people say that marriage is work. And certainly there’s some work and there’s some effort, and you have to pay attention to each other’s needs. But in the midst of that, it doesn’t have to feel like work when you’re playful and you’re having fun and when you’re truly appreciating and enjoying each other. I see the playful nature in your relationship, and I honestly hope that you cherish that and hold onto it, because it will no doubt make your relationship stronger.

And with that message it was time for us to exchange our vows. We chose to read the traditional vows as well as read personalized vows for each other.

I chose to read my vows first, and I’m sooo glad I did. I whispered a few words and immediately started crying like a little girl. Full out, ugly-face cry.

In fact, Champ is probably smiling in this picture because I have a big goober coming out of my nose or something—I was ridiculous.

After I spilled my guts publicly, it was Champ’s turn. His words were so sweet, and so genuine.

He even cracked a few jokes, which of course made me laugh…

… and then cry because (sigh) “he’s just so funny”. I mean seriously… get it together!

Somehow I pulled it together before our Exchange of rings. I wish we had practiced this part (which sounds totally stupid, I know) but Champ couldn’t get mine on. I grabbed it and as I pushed it on I let out a big grunt. Everybody laughed, and realized how loud I must have been. Oopsie.

No funny story with his—I just slid it on. Exciting stuff.

After making it official, it was time for our unity candle. Our moms had lit the two single tapers, and we would unite the large pillar. It was kind of a last minute DIY for me, but I was able to use some scraps from my wedding dress that I just found in the bag. We had our musicians play “Seasons of Love” from RENT, my all-time favorite Broadway show.

And with that—it was time for the best kiss of my life!

We were announced and for the first time, we walked as a married couple!

I love this photo because both of our moms are congratulating us with outstretched arms.

Woo hoo!

Time to regroup, make it official, and get the party started!

Previously:

Champ Wedding: It’s Time!
Champ Wedding: Get Me to the Church!
Champ Wedding: Becoming the Bride
Champ Wedding: Pants Party
Champ Wedding: Girls Get Ready
Champ Wedding: Gift Exchange
Champ Wedding: Perfect day to Get Hitched!
Champ Wedding: Antlers and a Sing-Along
Champ Wedding: Practice Run
Champ Wedding: Quick Visit to the County Jail
Champ Wedding: Finally in Colorado