Raise your hand if you get overly emotional at every wedding you attend and ugly cry from start to finish?! Usually on camera?! Oh good, me too! 😉
Over the past few years I’ve had the privilege of watching many of my best friends marry their loves. I’ll forever be honored that these amazing gals chose me to stand next to them on their happiest day. And I’ll cherish that they stood next to me (and helped me cope through many semi-bridezilla moments) on mine. Pretty darn cool.
I’ll never forget when David called me to let me know he was proposing to my best friend. It was really happening! I canceled my plans to return to Tampa with Pearce so that I could make it to the surprise engagement party. This led to me taking a five + hour train ride back to Tampa the day after the festivities. In case you’re wondering, trains in FL are not at all glamorous and most don’t have wifi. BUT. IT WAS SO WORTH IT. Celebrating one of the biggest moments in my best friend’s life was absolutely priceless. There’s nothing like seeing a newly engaged couple with that magical glow about them. Amiright?!
Shortly after the engagement was official, we got to work planning the details of the big day. Catie was my Maid of Honor, and I was hers. I however, think she was the greatest MOH in the history of MOH’s so I had some really big shoes to fill when it came to my wedding related duties. Seriously, people joked after my wedding that Catie should become a career MOH! Haha! Is that a thing? She’s really good at being sweet as honey and still getting people to do what she needs. Me? Not so much. From bridal showers, to bachelorette parties (remember the fiesta I shared a few months back?!), and dress shopping to chalkboard crafting, we prepped for Catie and David’s special day for months. The excitement and anticipation built and by the time the big day rolled around, we couldn’t believe it was finally here!
She was the most gorgeous bride! You know those people who seem like they were just made for the job? While dress shopping, we quickly realized that Catie was in fact, that girl. She looked fab in everything she tried on. The picture perfect, stick her in a cake (if you don’t get my reference, see here. also we can’t be friends…) kind of bride.
Catie & David has lots of fun ideas and visions when it came to their big day. It was a November wedding so they wanted to incorporate festive fall decor, with pumpkins, rustic details, and even a hayride! But they also wanted to infuse Catie’s love for bold colors and the Kate Spade aesthetic! Now, I know what you’re thinking, how can these two mesh!? Honestly, we had the same question early on. In the end, everything turned out beautifully! Advice to any bride’s reading – go with your gut, choose the details you love, make the day your own. I promise it WILL be beautiful!
The small details become the big picture, Catie & David did an incredible job incorporating meaningful details into every part of their wedding. They carefully planned the morning of to be a sweet, relaxing time with family and friends. They chose a time for their wedding that was significant to them – 12:34, her favorite time of day. They planned the perfect menu full of foods they loved, including a mashed potato bar and the tastiest spread of mini pies for dessert. They hand selected music, ensured everyone they loved had a part to play, and they even set the dinner tables “family style” so each and every guest felt welcomed.
These two are pretty crazy about each other and these pictures are the best supporting evidence. It was an absolute honor to stand beside this gem on her big day and celebrate their new beginning.
Now, if you’ve been reading SS for awhile, you know that this is in fact NOT a wedding blog. But Catie’s wedding was so special to me that I want to document it here. My favorite thing about blogging is having a digital library of memories to look back on. I also thought that Catie & David did an excellent job blending two styles and putting their own twist on things. I loved that, and thought y’all might be inspired! 🙂
Praying for an amazing first year of marriage for these two lovebirds!
Photos by the talented, Ivey Pictures
xo, mckenzie
