Our Wedding: Vendors

Hi! I wanted to share a few of the vendors who made our wedding day so magical. If you're looking for more details about our wedding, read about the Getting Ready & First Looks, as well as Ceremony & Reception. Stay tuned for my best wedding advice on Monday. 

While I was getting ready with all of the bridesmaids, my sister, Ashley, said: I feel like you've surrounded yourself with really talented, nice, calm professionals today. 

Aaaand I could not have said it better myself. We were blown away with our vendors and I wanted to share a few of them for anyone who might be planning a wedding. I highly recommend any of the amazing women below. This is not a referral post and I won't receive any compensation for promoting them. These girls are just the bomb :) 

Some are Atlanta- and Indianapolis-specific, which I have noted below. 

Photographer: Natalie Puls // Natalie is Oregon-based but will go anywhere. She's amazing, calm and just the type of person you want to share a moment so intimate as your first look. One of the best parts is that, with her wedding package, she spends the entire weekend with you. I didn't realize what a perk this was until I experienced it. She took photos of my family the morning of the rehearsal, did fake engagement photos with Chris and me before dinner, stayed for all of the rehearsal dinner and was with us the entire wedding day. I can't recommend her enough. She completely captured the essence of our wedding day.

Hair & makeup: Danielle Ivy // I could say the same for Danielle. She's professional, sweet and so talented. Everyone loved their hair and makeup. And, she's quick! She cruised through 10 bridesmaids, my mom and my hair and makeup in no time. She's based in Tuscaloosa but affordable enough that paying for her travel is worth it. I basically just wish I could hang out with her all the time because she's so wonderful.  

Band: Mo' Sol // We loved our band! They kept the crowd alive and were so fun to work with. They let people DJ when they take breaks, which is happy and low key. They typically service the southeast, but if you're willing to pay for travel, they go anywhere. 

Wedding planner: Erin Stapleton at Stella Harper // The Knot reviews don't lie! Erin is awesome. She's organized and sweet, but puts her foot down when she needs to. Basically the ideal personality for a wedding planner. I loved working with her.  (Atlanta based)

Calligraphy: Stacy Spiro // Stacy was in my old bible study and is such a talented calligrapher. She can do anything - from traditional, formal calligraphy, to playful, curly script. She just started working with water colors, too. She's still young in her business owning, so her prices are very affordable. Also, she's awesome :) She just did the invitations for my cousins wedding in New York, too. 

Welcome Maps: Haley Thoms at Savvy Scribe // I had a real vision for welcome maps for our hotel bags and had, pretty much, no clue where to start. Enter Haley! She whipped them up so quickly and I was thrilled with the results. It was such a sweet touch to add to the welcome bags. Haley also helped me when I got into a bind with our programs. She works quickly and can meet all your paper/graphic needs.

Wedding Dress: MH Pomanders // Ah, dress shopping. My mom and I went last fall, thinking it might take a while to find a dress. We found my dress at the second shop we visited and it was one of the first ones I tried on. We couldn't believe it! The ladies at MH Pomanders are so kind, which is wonderful because dress shopping can leave you feeling a little tender. I'm going back in a few weeks with one of my best friends and cannot wait to see the owners again! I feel like they are my friends at this point. I got my veil and jewelry there, as well. (Indianapolis based) 

Bridesmaids dresses: Amsale via Bella Bridesmaids // I loved working with both Amsale and Bella. Amsale had a million options and fabrics within one color scheme, which I loved, because I wanted all of my bridesmaids to be comfortable and feel beautiful. Bella was the perfect vendor for us, as we had people spread from LA to Denver to Atlanta and everywhere in between. It helped to have so many locations from which we could choose. 

Getting ready PJs and robes: Piyama // The trouble with discovering Piyama is that I want everything they make. My friends loved these comfy pajamas and I felt very pretty in the white robe. They take a while to ship to the States (~six weeks), so plan ahead if you want to order. 

Caterer: Zest // Our food was delicious - people kept saying how much they loved it. Everything was gluten free (wahoo!) and husband and wife duo, Hannah and Dana, were so accommodating. We loved working with them and highly recommend them. (Atlanta based)

Save the dates and place cards: Minted / This is the *one* referral link in this post because I can give you $25 off. Wahoo :) Minted made ordering paper goods super simple and we loved the elegance of them. We didn't use Minted for our invitation suite, but did really appreciate the free, beautiful addressing on the save the dates.

All of our vendors were truly amazing and the day would not have been complete without them! Thank you all! 

All photos by the amazing and beautiful Natalie Puls.

Our Wedding: Ceremony & Reception

Hi! Below is a recap of our ceremony and reception. In case you missed it, you can read about getting ready and first looks here. As I mentioned yesterday, this post is detail heavy - largely for my own memory and for those who love wedding stories. Later this week, I will share more utilitarian posts, such as our vendors and some advice :) Stay tuned!

My dad and I stood outside the Hydrangea Garden at Callanwolde as the violinist and guitarist began to play music that indicated the ceremony was starting. I expected to feel nervous but instead felt a calm wash over me as I watched my stunning bridesmaids walk down the aisle. I encouraged Della, my littlest niece, as she prepared to walk - telling her she was a mini bride. 

All five of my nephews were ring bearers, but only four of them were old enough to walk. I later found out that, right before heading down the aisle, my nephew, Diego, put a stick in his mouth. Just like the way Della refused to pose during photos - this makes my entire being smile. I love that my family can look back at the pictures someday and laugh, saying oh my gosh! I forgot Diego had a stick in his mouth! I think it will bring us joy for years to come.

As I walked arm-in-arm with my dad toward Chris and saw the faces of our dearest loved ones, I felt fully enveloped in their love. The bright green trees and flowers around us made the space feel private - like a secret garden in the city, just for us. 

The moment felt sacred as the violinist and guitarist completed playing and my brother-in-law, Ryan, began to speak. I felt the Lord's presence there, reminding me that we were committing to forever, eternity. It felt much bigger than us. I knew, in that moment, that we were being knit together and I'd never forget the magnitude of it as it washed over me. 

I gave my dad the biggest hug ever when Ryan asked him to give me a way. There is something that always gets me - no matter whose wedding it is - when the father has to sit down. I was once in a wedding where, when the minister asked who would give the bride away, the father replied: do I have to?

That sentiment has stuck with me at every wedding since that day, wondering if most dads want to ask that question in response. Do I still have a choice? The deal isn't done yet, you know...

One of my favorite things we did during the ceremony was passing our rings around while Ryan spoke, before the vows. We asked each guest to hold the rings and pray over them for a moment. Even today, sometimes I look at my band and tears well up in my eyes at the thought of each one of our guests touching them, praying for us, praying for our future and our marriage. Knowing they have prayed for us reminds me that they believe in us - that they believe in marriage.

I'd be lying if I said I remember a lot of the words spoken during our ceremony. I listened carefully, but felt like I was floating the entire time. I felt like I was on this cloud, watching everyone I love watch us and kept thinking: Holy cow, I have been waiting for this moment for my entire life. This is it! 

Everyone kept telling us how amazing the words Ryan spoke were - complimenting his eloquence, the magnitude. I felt so fortunate to have someone we both love and trust deeply marry us. 

I could barely contain my excitement as I held Chris' hands to exchange our vows. Right before we walked down the aisle, my bridesmaid, Jamie, told us to maintain eye contact during the vows. I'm so glad we listened - it would have been easy to look at Ryan or the audience. I felt the depth of what we were doing as we peered into one another's eyes - our souls connecting. 

As we recessed, my sister, Ashley, sang "Here Comes the Sun," which is what my parents recessed to at their wedding, as well as both of my sisters. It's a song that stirs a lot of emotion in me no matter what the setting and hearing her beautiful voice sing us out was magical.

After the ceremony, Chris and I dismissed each guest one by one to the cocktail hour. We hugged them and thanked them for attending and it felt surreal to have so many beautiful, familiar faces in one garden - just for us. 

While our guests went to cocktail hour, Chris and I had a 10-minute mini date. This was also one of my favorite things we did. It allowed us to eat (important!) and also gave us 10 minutes alone to say, pretty much exclusively, oh my gosh we are married! over and over. It was the happiest date of my life and gave us a few minutes to slow down again, regroup. I kept saying hi, how are you doing, HUSBAND?

From there, we went to our reception. I'll never forget the joy I felt as we walked into the big, white space and our friends and family stood and clapped for us. We danced to "For Once in my Life" by Stevie Wonder, which our band played. After that, we each danced with our parents, then sat down for toasts.

My dad welcomed everyone so eloquently and Ryan blessed the meal.  My sisters and Chris' best man, Matt, spoke beautifully as they showered us with love. Chris had cried some throughout the day, but this was when he really began to get emotional. I loved seeing the way he was moved by their words. 

Once the dancing started, the reception felt like a complete blink. We said hi to our guests, we cut the cake, we ate froyo (!) with rainbow sprinkles (!!). It was so happy. Once Chris and I hit the dance floor, we never left.

At one point during the dancing, I stepped back and looked at everyone singing and smiling and waving the tambourines and selfie sticks we'd given out and I felt completely overwhelmed, in the best way. I remember thinking: all of these smiling faces are just for us! It was incredible. 

When our wedding planner, Erin, came to tell us it was time to go, I was absolutely shocked. I thought we had hours ahead of us! She ushered our guests out for a sparkler getaway as I said goodbye to my parents.

I hugged them and thanked them, then grabbed Chris' hand and ran through the crowd. We jumped into an old Wrangler and sped away, waving goodbye to the beautiful, loving faces behind us. 

The whole thing was pure magic and I couldn't be more grateful to everyone who made it so special. It was the best day of my life and I was so honored to have such loving people by our sides.

So that's our wedding day :) Stay tuned for a vendor recap Friday! 

All photos by the amazing and beautiful Natalie Puls.

Our Wedding Day: Getting Ready & First Looks

Hi! This post will be a detailed recap of our wedding day. I realize there may be more details here than the average bear desires, but I wanted to be certain I remember how I felt and the sanctity of it. Later this week, I will share more utilitarian posts, such as our vendors and some advice :) 

I woke up early on May 20, the sunlight beginning to pour into my bedroom. I looked down to the floor to see if my niece was still sleeping; her big brown eyes already smiling back at me. She hopped into my bed and, with the excitement of a hushed Merry Christmas!, whispered Happy wedding day, Whit! 

I'd slept deeply the night before, filled with the warm love our friends and family had showered upon us at our rehearsal dinner. I laid in bed with Lily for just a moment longer before putting my feet on the floor - fully aware that, once the day began, it would go quickly. 

My sisters went to pick up coffee while my mom and I headed over to Callanwolde, where we'd be getting ready in the bridal suite. I couldn't wait to see my bridesmaids, but treasured the first hour of the day with the three of them. It was so joyful as we arranged snacks for the bridesmaids, got to know the hair and makeup girls and prepared the room together. 

My sweet bridesmaids began arriving soon after that, each one bringing more and more energy into the room. I felt overjoyed, relaxed and happy as we began getting ready together - in awe of the fact that my nearest and dearest were all gathered together in one space. Even the memory of the day four months later makes my heart feel warm - the thought of each of them taking their entire day to prepare for our wedding and shower us with love.

My nieces, Lily and Della, came for portions of the day to get ready with us. I loved seeing them in their tiny robes, the most minimal primping ever needed for the little beauties. 

The day went quickly as we each had our hair and makeup done. We drank coffee and listened to music and wondered what Chris was up to.  My brothers stopped by to drop off our unity candle and told my sisters that he was super relaxed and excited. My heart melted just thinking about him spending the day with his friends. 

I couldn't believe it when it was already time to put my dress on - the day felt like it had gone by in minutes. I hadn't seen my dress in months (I didn't even want to look at it online!) and I felt so excited to see it.

Once we were ready, my mom and I stole a moment alone together before photos began. We were both speechless as we hugged in the quiet room - no words feeling big or exact enough for it. She joked that she didn't want to cry with her makeup just having been done, but the tears poured anyway. 

Chris and I decided to do a first look, but I wanted to make sure my dad was the first man to see me out of respect for tradition and for him as he prepared to give me away. So, we did a first look, too.

It felt a lot like it did with my mom - beyond you look so beautiful and you look so handsome we found ourselves largely speechless and overwhelmed by the magnitude and joy of the moment. So we hugged and fist bumped as I thanked him for the most perfect day. 

Soon after, it was time to see Chris. My heart flipped at the thought and I laughed, realizing I hadn't had nervous-to-see-him-butterflies in two years. He'd become my most familiar, my safe place. Today, he was butterfly inducing as we walked into the unknown together. 

My (amazing) photographer, Natalie Puls, called me into the room where Chris was waiting for me. I'd been a steady stream of tears most of the day and, when I saw him, my eyes welled even more as I began to process what we were about to do. This is for eternity, I kept thinking as I approached him. 

We prayed, we hugged, we read letters to each other and exchanged gifts. We laughed and talked and held hands. It was a moment of such stillness among a day of movement and preparation. It felt so pure as we stood in the quiet room, barely noticing Natalie snapping photos nearby. 

We'd battled rain the entire day, debating whether or not we could have the wedding outside in the garden. The decision had been made to move the cocktail hour inside, but I was holding on to the hope that we could get married among the hydrangeas I'd been admiring since September when we'd found the venue.

Immediately following our first look, my wedding planner, Erin, came in and told me it was time to make a decision: inside or outside for the ceremony. I looked out at the rare, drizzly May day and, without much waffling, decided: outside. I know we're going to get a break in the rain, I told her. I felt so, so certain that we could squeeze it in after an entire week of asking everyone I know to please pray for no rain during our wedding. She smiled at me kindly and hustled off to prepare the garden. Bless her - a saint! :) 

The next hour went quickly as we took photos with the bridal party. My niece, Della, had no intention of smiling for the photos, which I love. These are the little things that make weddings so intimate. You can plan and prepare and do everything within your reach to put on a beautiful production, but in the end, the people you love are going to be who they are. Seeing her little personality in the photos made them more perfect - they capture this moment in time more wholly.

After photos, we had a little bit of downtime with the entire bridal party. We listened to music, had snacks and danced. The girls all prayed together, which was one of my favorite moments. 

At 4:25, my dad took my arm and walked me outside into a light drizzle. We walked down to the garden and, just as we rounded the corner to walk down the aisle, the rain stopped. We smiled huge, hanger-in-your-mouth-smiles as he took my arm and I asked him if we was ready. You're never ready for this moment he told me as he held back tears. 

Still with me? :) Stay tuned for details on the ceremony and reception Wednesday!

All photos by the amazing and beautiful Natalie Puls.