Sealed with a kiss!

Sealed with a kiss!
Laura & Chris' Wedding at JCRaulston Arboretum

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Erinn and Kelsey's Fun Wedding at Top of The Hill Great Room!

Erinn and Kelsey were high school sweethearts who grew up into adulthood together.  Unlike some couples whose high school romance faded away, Erinn and Kelsey persevered together throughout college and their relationship is even stronger today. Kelsey staged a dramatic proposal in April of 2017 and they set their date of November 18, 2018. They are a fun-loving couple and TOPO was the perfect choice for their wedding venue.
After checking in with their DJ, Jeff Brown--A Bride's DJ--and getting a sound check, I ventured to the back bar where the wedding party (14 people) were hanging out before the ceremony. The couple had done a first look and were having fun being with all their friends too.
Back to the great room to meet our wedding artist, Dan Nelson and his lovely wife Nancy (on left speaking to the DJ). Dan was set up in the back of the room next to the DJ's table.
He paints with both hands at the same time!
 He takes a break from painting to enjoy the ceremony. 
The basic composition is in place. 
This is the finished painting. It is really beautiful. Visit his website to see all the wonderful paintings that Dan creates! 
Time for everyone to get lined up to process in. Laura with TOPO was our wedding director.
The parents were escorted in first and there are empty chairs up front for the wedding party to sit in after the bride is escorted in.
After the parents were escorted in, Kelsey and I took our places up front. Our photographer, Brandi Leigh, stands at the end of the aisle to get photos of the wedding party as they enter.
One of the"flower boys" has successfully made his way down the aisle! 
Bride's attendants are typically a mix of men and women in contemporary wedding ceremonies.
Here you can see the groom's side! 
Erinn's father escorts her in and down the aisle.
I am pointing to Erinn's bouquet for Emily (maid of honor) to take. Then I asked her dad a question, he answered and placed Erinn's hand in Kelsey's hand and took his seat as the attendants also took their seats except for the maid of honor and best woman.
And so I welcomed everyone to this wonderful occasion and told them how thankful our couple was to have them with them on this special day.
We remembered those no longer with us and honored their memory. 
Then I stepped out front and addressed their parents to pay tribute to them. 
Then I told the story of how Erinn and Kelsey met in high school and their journey from that day to their wedding day.
They've been together since they were teenagers so the story spanned a few years, through college, getting jobs and finding themselves.
There were some funny stories along the way and our guests enjoyed some good laughs. 
Next was hearing what their partner told me in confidence they loved about them!
Time for the vows and the ring exchange.
After they placed unshared loveletters in their Anniversary Box and a closing blessing, I pronounced them married and invited them to kiss!
The guests were cheering them on! 
Finally! 
Happy to be husband and wife! 
Erinn and Kelsey, congratulations! What a fun wedding. I loved all the laughter and celebration. Thank you for choosing me to join you in marriage!

No comments: