We planned our wedding for Saturday, May 26, 2018. Aaron and I have both always wanted an outdoor wedding so we finally chose to have an outdoor ceremony in my great uncle’s backyard with a tented reception nearby. There was some rain in the forecast earlier in the week but as Saturday came closer, it all but disappeared. Early Saturday morning as we arrived to the venue it was sprinkling a little but someone, bless their heart, had taken care of everything and covered our ceremony arch in plastic to keep the chiffon dry.

I went to bed around 11pm Friday night and at 5:30 am, BLINK, I was wide awake. Aaron came over and we got to spend a little time together before driving over to our venue. The girls pulled up chairs as we took turns having our hair and makeup done. I couldn’t sit so I mostly walked around and probably talked a blue streak. Our ceremony started at 3:45pm but I needed to be ready by 1pm for my first look with my Dad. My Dad and I have had a rocky relationship growing up and I was a little nervous about how it would go. I needn’t have worried and today it’s still one of the most precious memories of our wedding day. As I tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around with a big, “WOW,” tears filled both of our eyes. I knew that even through all the things we’d been through, I was his beautiful princess and he was so proud of me.

Next was my first look with Aaron. As I walked into his arms I felt such a calm and I knew exactly what this day was all about. Choosing to see each other before the ceremony was one of the best decisions of our wedding day and Aaron brought such a steadiness to my slightly racing heart. I expected to cry at our wedding but I didn’t expect it happening as often as it did. As I walked down the aisle, I cried with the biggest smile on my face. Our wedding day was bittersweet, as I knew it would be. I’m the oldest of 9 children and it didn’t really sink in that I was actually leaving them until during the ceremony. Aaron & I are both really close with my family and thankfully we only live a few minutes away so it’s been easier to adjust.

Aaron and I chose to save our first kiss until our wedding day. We still wanted it to be a special intimate moment between us so we decided to have a private first kiss immediately following the ceremony. We went directly into our first dance as we were introduced at the reception and then we ended our dance with a dip and a kiss. Yes, it was a little short and lacking practice but that was ok. We’re much better at it now, haha! 😉

I’m still absolutely positive we had the best bridal party ever! Our groomsmen had us in stitches with a spontaneous group story and then they all brought us to tears as they shared sweet memories. We served an appetizer of guacamole and salsa from our favorite Mexican restaurant at the bridal table as a nod to all our dates there and because, well, it’s obviously the best thing ever.

Our day couldn’t have been possible without our incredible friends and family who poured out their energy to bring our day to life. Aaron & I have never felt so much gratitude for a community who works together to make such a beautiful thing possible. Our friends, David and Joanna were absolutely amazing and did so much behind the scenes to coordinate the day of our wedding, making everything flow so smoothly! We love you all so much!

Indiana Spring Outdoor Wedding - Karen Elise Photography