We've been living back in the United States since December 14, 2010. I can't believe we've been here for almost a full year..... We surprised our families by showing up at the front door unannounced (thanks to the help of a good friend picking us up at the airport). It was nice to be home for Christmas, especially since we got to surprise everyone.
Brad and I started planning our wedding shortly after coming home. After lots of talk, we decided to get married in our hometown of St. Marys, Georgia at the beautiful John McIntosh Sugar Mill Ruins. The weather was great (a little humid), and we had our friends and family with us to celebrate our love.
We had our reception at the Overlook Room in Osprey Cove. Our wedding colors were purple (Brad's favorite color) and orange (my favorite color). The table decorations were simple.... burlap, wood planks, various glass jars, raffia, candles, and Alstromeria flower arrangements (created by Brad's Aunt Lorna and my sister, Kari).
We wanted to keep the favors simple as well, and also send people home with something that we felt not only represented our style, but also what we hoped people would use. We decided on wildflower seed packets and my mom suggested placing them in small clay pots. Adorable!
Brad rocked it in a pinstripe three-piece suit. We kept it simple and a bit casual for Tripp, the best man, and asked him to wear gray pants with a white shirt and black tie. The boutonnieres were made from Alstromeria flowers (put together by Brad's cousin, Rob).
My mom, who hails from Scotland, surprised me with a bagpiper who played as I walked down the aisle! He was a wonderful addition to our day. In keeping with the Scottish tradition, I wore a sixpence in my shoe.
I asked my dad to walk me down the aisle, which he happily agreed to do. Without his help, we wouldn't have had any of our decorations. He cut all the tree slabs for us (from a diseased tree), made the table number holders, cut the burlap, and together we built the pallet screens you see behind us so I wouldn't be visible to the crowd until I reached the aisle. He's a pretty amazing guy.
Brad and I started planning our wedding shortly after coming home. After lots of talk, we decided to get married in our hometown of St. Marys, Georgia at the beautiful John McIntosh Sugar Mill Ruins. The weather was great (a little humid), and we had our friends and family with us to celebrate our love.
We had our reception at the Overlook Room in Osprey Cove. Our wedding colors were purple (Brad's favorite color) and orange (my favorite color). The table decorations were simple.... burlap, wood planks, various glass jars, raffia, candles, and Alstromeria flower arrangements (created by Brad's Aunt Lorna and my sister, Kari).
We wanted to keep the favors simple as well, and also send people home with something that we felt not only represented our style, but also what we hoped people would use. We decided on wildflower seed packets and my mom suggested placing them in small clay pots. Adorable!
Here's a shot of my mom being walked to her seat by Brad's nephew, Seth.
My lovely sister, Kari, preceded me down the aisle. Her bouquet was made of five white spider mums wrapped with a ribbon.
Brad rocked it in a pinstripe three-piece suit. We kept it simple and a bit casual for Tripp, the best man, and asked him to wear gray pants with a white shirt and black tie. The boutonnieres were made from Alstromeria flowers (put together by Brad's cousin, Rob).
My mom, who hails from Scotland, surprised me with a bagpiper who played as I walked down the aisle! He was a wonderful addition to our day. In keeping with the Scottish tradition, I wore a sixpence in my shoe.
I asked my dad to walk me down the aisle, which he happily agreed to do. Without his help, we wouldn't have had any of our decorations. He cut all the tree slabs for us (from a diseased tree), made the table number holders, cut the burlap, and together we built the pallet screens you see behind us so I wouldn't be visible to the crowd until I reached the aisle. He's a pretty amazing guy.
I couldn't stop giggling, which made Brad giggle as well. I suppose it was just nerves and excitement. I felt so lucky standing in front of him at that moment, and my luck continues with each day that I wake up next to my best friend. We decided to write our entire ceremony, including our own vows. I feel like it made our wedding day even more unique and special because what was said represented our thoughts and ideas as a couple. (My bouquet was made of burnt orange spider mums held together with a simple white ribbon.)
Needless to say, it was a truly amazing day. And now, we are Mr. & Mrs.!!
-Renee
