We were running out of funny things to say. It was time and there was no turning back. She was ready to walk up those stairs and down the aisle to her husband. It got quiet and a sense of calmness fell over the giggles that came from the hidden hallway. As I watched her walk up the stairs clutching her father’s arm, I knew she was more ready for this than she’s ever been for anything.
I had the pleasure of getting to know Brittany way back in high school. I say way back because it feels like an eternity ago. Going to a school with a graduating class of 720 means I will know some people in our town. It’s not super uncommon for me to see someone at a wedding and boy oh boy were there a few at this one! It was a beautiful day, the first day of fall and the slight chill in the air was on my side. As I pulled into Immanuel Lutheran, I saw one groomsman standing alone in the parking lot. When I entered the church I could hear the music of our younger years booming from a room below and it made me chuckle. It was going to be a fantastic day if it was starting with “Low”. Michael was just hanging out with his guys. It was chill and laid back and it looked like a good time. We chatted for a few, talked about the timeline a bit and I got to work. I will say this – if you aren’t sure about the timeline, talk to Mike. He lived for it and abided by it and just blew me away. I was so dang proud!
When Brittany and her bridesmaids arrived the church suddenly filled with laughter and chatting and jokes. In order to combat the emotion of the day the girls decided the best way to keep Brittany smiling and laughing was to just be- hilarious. There were catch phrases, special jokes, you name it. It made the getting ready that much more special. When I walked over to grab a hug and find the details I was directed to a box. A beautiful pink floral box that held everything you could ever want as a detail lover. I may have squealed with excitement but it only added to the laughter. I am so proud of my brides sometimes, it’s the best. Brittany thought of basically everything. Her invitation suite was stunning and everything down to the color of her perfume bottle was coordinated.
As we got ready to walk upstairs for the ceremony, a hush fell over the girls. They had done their job and now it was ok to cry a little. I know Brittany’s mom shed a few, and that made her start to well up, and before you knew it all of us had that twinkle. It was time. I will say that I love ceremonies more than the regular woman. There’s so many different types of wedding ceremony, and the list of ways to make it your own with unity symbols and scripture goes on and on. It’s a beautiful thing. My favorite part? Listening to the bride and groom recite their vows. The emotion that has been sitting just on the surface usually shows its’ face then and I just love it. Brittany may have had to breathe through hers to finish (How adorable is that though I mean come on!) and I saw the determination in Michael’s eyes to get through his, but once they were recited and done the way they just smiled at each other lit up the room.
We ventured to Frontier Park in Erie for a quick bridal party stop, then made our way to Edinboro Lake. There was a minor bee incident but overall the smiling and laughter remained. This bridal party may be one of my favorites ever. I asked them to do all kinds of things and they just did it. No questions or thoughts. They were in it for the long haul and they had a great time doing it. I knew once we pulled into Nick’s Place for the reception that we’d see just how ready they were to let loose and party. They didn’t disappoint. I have the confidence to say that I don’t remember ever seeing so many people dance for so long. It was like they were paid to just dance all night. The Dj blew the roof off Nick’s Place and it was just an amazing night. We snuck out to the field for some sunset photos and I was swooning. It was magical. Take a look!
A huge thank to each and every vendor who helped make this day the absolute picture of perfection for Mr. & Mrs. Redditt
Dress: Mori lee / The Winner
Florist: Gerlachs
Ceremony Venue: Immanuel Lutheran Church
Reception Venue: Nicks place
DJ/ Entertainment Services: DJ Nick Barcio
Cake: Nothing bundt cakes
Catering: Nick’s Place
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s bridal
Groomsmen and Groom attire: American Commodore
Invitations: Shutterfly (delicate blooms)
Michael and Brittany- I hope you spend every day of your new life together dancing and laughing just as you did on your wedding day. It was SO beautiful and amazing and I’m so happy you wanted to share it with me. I can’t believe it’s done and a part of your past, but I hope you look at these images for years to come and are filled with such joy.
Sep 29, 2018
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