{Marriage} Six Months Later...Our Wedding!
Happy Sunday! I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend! Yesterday marked six months (!) of marriage for John and I, so we went out on a super fun date, and then popped a little champagne!
Instead of the usual monthly update, I thought that this month I would finally post about our wedding. I have held off partially out of busy-ness, but also because our wedding still felt so fresh and in a sense sharing it meant that it really is over, which was a little bittersweet. Jemwed (as we affectionately call it) felt like this incredible season that culminated in a spectacular day, and we were so blessed by everyone who shared and supported us in it and through it --from the engagement parties, showers, our reception in Fredericksburg, to our wedding weekend in December.
All the photos in this post were taken by our amazing photographer, Leah Haydock, and her assistant Audrey. A big shout out and thank you to this dynamic duo for capturing our day in such a beautiful and authentic way.
Maria working her magic.
I spent the morning of the wedding at M. Lekkakos, in Wenham, being completely pampered and beautified by Maria and Lyssa. I have known both these incredible ladies for years, adore them, and truthfully feel as thought they are the best of the best in the Boston area.
Lyssa, my beloved stylist,worked wonders in taming my mane.
Meanwhile, the boys were all primping over at Tupper Manor--putting on shoulder boards, tying bow-ties, practicing sword arches, and shooting some pool.
John designed custom bow-ties for all the guys with our great friend Mike, from Dogwood Black, and they rocked! DWB even did little ones for our ring bearers, which were precious.
I had a very handsome stand-in at this point...
When I was done with hair and make-up I headed home to my parent's house to meet my lovely bridesmaids so we could all finish getting ready together.
(My dress was from Bella Rosa Bridal, in Richmond, Va. I worked with Camberly, and both my mom and I loved her--so helpful and kind, and she really knew her stuff when it came to picking THE dress.)
Back at the house my dad, always the gentleman, popped some bottles for us.
Toasts were made, presents were opened, and a few sweet tears may have been shed....
I just adore each of these women so much.
And then it was time to get into our wedding clothes!
Scout didn't quite understand why for the first time in his life everyone was fussing over someone else.
My mom and Godmother helped me into my dress...
And then we let my Dad in for a quiet moment with his little girl.
Who am I kidding--we are both suckers!
My beautiful ladies in red waited downstairs for their first look.
My (not so) little brother, Blair, popped in for some family photos before heading back to John and the other groomsmen.
I was lucky enough to get to wear the veil that my mom, aunts, granny, and great-granny had all worn before me.
All the flowers, including our gorgeous bouquets, the boutonnieres, flower-girl crowns and baskets, and the reception flowers, were done by Kerianne Steele and her team at Les Fleurs, in Andover. We were going for wintry without being overly Christmas-y, (since it was after Christmas, not because we don't love Christmas!), elegant yet whimsical, and a little different. I wanted lots of greenery, touches of dark vampy reds, berries, pinecones, lots of gold and white and birch for the reception. Even with limited availability due to the time of year, Kerianne completely understood my vision and totally took it to the next level. I cannot say enough great things about Les Fleurs-- if you live in the Boston area than their store is totally worth a trip, especially if you are planning a big event or looking for a florist.
Love these people.
My beautiful Godmothers, Libby and Hope.
The boys and John's family made their way to the church for some of their own photos.
John tied his nephew and ring-bearer Draper's bow-tie.
John and Drake, best-man and groom, Richey bros.
There was some silliness.
Oh, and adorableness.
And then it began!
Oh, I love you.
Our Pastor, Dori, gave an amazing message a how and why we love and serve in marriage and in life--because Christ first loved and served us.
Soon enough, we were husband and wife!
Had to make a quick pit-stop on our way out to kiss our little Goddaughter, Callie.
Off to Tupper Manor we went!
I got a little love from my handsome godson and ring-bearer, Will.
We took some pics...
So handsome.
And then we joined the party!
Our sword detail prepared to announced us...
But first--the rite of passage was a kiss!
And another...
And another!
Our AMAZING band, Nightshift, played a killer rendition of Coldplay's Yellow for our first dance.
We sat down for dinner and some wonderful toasts...
Jenny, from Jenny's cakes, did our cake. Wasn't it beautiful? We chose pumpkin spice, white cake with lemon, rasberry, and passionfruit, and chocolate cake with chocolate truffle, expresso buttercream, and toffee. They were INSANE.
Have I mentioned that our band (quite literally) rocked? For the rest of the night we had the time of our lives with all the people we love.
It was incredible.
Brother-sister jam sesh.
A huge thank you to my parents for not only making this all possible, but for being such a beautiful example of marriage to John and me. It was a joy to see you enjoy the night as much as we did.
How cool/beautiful is my mother in law? Not only does she have serious moves, but she also threw us the most special rehearsal dinner the night before.
The love of my life.
One of the most special/hilarious parts of the night was when all the Navy guys sat me down on the dance floor and serenaded me with "You've Lost That Loving Feeling," inspired by this. Watching this on our video seriously brings tears to my eyes because I love these men so much, and am so grateful for how they have adopted me since John and I first started dating.
Oh hey, party people.
These pictures speak for themselves. It was a glorious day.
Johnboy-- I cannot believe that you became my husband six months ago. I know it's not a real anniversary, but I still want to tell you this-- I love you even more today than I did that day. Neither of us are perfect, but I am honoured to go through the sanctification that occurs in marriage with you. Thank you for letting me be me, encouraging me, inspiring me, pushing me, making me brave. I am so proud of you. I love laughing with you. You are a man after God's own heart, thank you for continually pointing me towards Him.
Finally, a big thank you to Marie, Colby, and the rest of the team at Tupper Manor. You all are so talented and organize--you made our planning painless and our night amazing. Rockstars.
Here is the line-up of our dream team of venders:
My dress: Bella Rosa Bridal
Bow-Ties: Dogwood Black
Photography: Leah Haydock
Videography: Boston Wedding Films
Hair + Makeup: Maria and Lyssa at M. Lekkakos
Band: Nightshift Entertainment
Cake: Jenny's Cakes
Venue: Tupper Manor
Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks for reading!
#jemwedforever.
xoxo,
Emily
P.S. I already shared our incredible video on the blog, but if you haven't seen it than you can check it out here :-)
P.S.S. Like what you are reading and want to keep up with our latest gallivants? Go ahead and subscribe by entering your email address into the form on the lefthand side of this page so that you never miss a post! Or you can follow me on Bloglovin.