We did it! The moment we first kissed as a married couple was one of my favorite of the entire day. Heck, the entire year. Everyone was clapping and cheering and I felt like I was in a dream. I’ll never forget it.
After we pulled ourselves together, our gorgeous wedding party made their way down the aisle.
…and Sparks and I headed off for a few minutes alone. We rushed through our reception space, oohing and ahhing over everything that had been set up, and ran upstairs for a glass of celebratory champagne. Having that moment alone was really important to us. We wanted to let the ceremony sink in and appreciate everything that had just happened before rejoining our guests. If you can work a private moment like this into your day, I highly recommend it! The photos we got during that time are some of my favorite from the entire weekend.
While Sparks and I were busy admiring our new bling, our guests were heading into the courtyard for cocktail hour!
Coming up: A Southern-Inspired Cocktail Hour
Get Caught Up!
A Very Different Ceremony Part II
A Very Different Ceremony Part I
All photos by Avery House
The first kiss is such an amazing feeling! And I completely agree with the private moment – it is a must have if you can fit it in.
I’m definitely requiring some solo time at some point in the day. We have to do pictures quickly after the ceremony, but I’m hoping we can squeeze in a minute or two.
i love those pictures too. where did your party go during that time? straight to cocktail hour?
I LOVE that you had a moment alone. I wish we would have thought to do that
Good call on the ‘private moment’ – definitely something I’ll need to keep in mind. You guys look so happy. 
Love these photos Spark! And I totally agree on the private moment. Ours was not planned and was a total accident, but it was so amazing to have a few minutes to breathe and soak it all in!
Awww, I love the expressions on your faces as you look at your new wedding band. We wished for a few moments alone post-ceremony; it didn’t work out that way as we had close family nearby but it was still lovely.
Mrs. Sparkler, Chicago Age and Occupation: 27, Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Publisher Engagement Date: July 21, 2010 Wedding Date: September 2011 Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company About Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Latest Gallery Pics