My first wedding of 2014 was at the end of March and of course, it snowed.  This winter has been pretty brutal here in Ohio between the polar vortexes and the endless snow.  Originally it was supposed to be in the 50’s but as the day crept closer, it changed to much colder.  The day arrived and the possibility of snow snuck into the forecast.  The day arrived and it was cool (40’s) and rained all day – downpours at times.  When I pulled in to the wedding reception at North Canton Civic Center, an alert hit my phone for a Winter Weather Advisory and by the time I left there were 2-3 inches of snow to scrape off my car before I headed home.  I was worried that Molly would be upset about the crazy weather but she never even batted an eye!  Sometimes there’s things you can’t control and weather is definitely one of those things.  Everything worked out save for the bubble exit despite the weather and the most important thing?  THEY GOT MARRIED!

I started my day out with Molly and her friends and family as she got ready and popped up to visit the guys for a few minutes before the ceremony started.  One of the things I loved most about this wedding was all the personal touches that were brought into their wedding day – from their vows, to the ring bearer “pillow”, to the thoughtful gifts, to the scrapbook guestbook – there was so many lovely personal touches that made this day extra special.  It really was one big family celebration – family of blood and family of love.  When filling out the questionnaires I send out about the day, Molly wrote in that I was family that day too and to make sure I ate etc.  I actually got a bit misty eyed because it was just such a sweet thing to read.  That sentiment was how they felt about all of their guests at the wedding – everyone was family.  Like Olive Garden… only way better.  😉  It was an honor to be your family for the day!

Wedding Vendors

Bridal Gown:  Maggie Sottero via Doreen Leaf Designs
Cake:  Giant Eagle
Catering:  Santangelo’s
Ceremony:  The Old Stone Chapel
DJ & Videography:  Russell Sound Lab
Florist: Cathy Cowgill
Photo Booth:  Capture This!
Reception:  North Canton Civic Center

The “pillow” was actually the bible Molly’s grandfather was confirmed with.  LOVE this idea.  Oh, and they were brave enough to attach their real rings.

Molly not only did her own makeup but quite a few other ladies as well.  She did a GREAT job!

She had a lovely gift for her Dad in addition to a gift for Ephriam.

Ephriam opening his gift and reading the card enclosed.

Ephriam’s Best Man had strict instructions for Molly’s Maid of Honor in the order of the gifts.  She gave Molly the box with a monogrammed sweatshirt he’d got her with a card first and left the Tiffany’s bag in the hallway.  After reading the card which mentions “gifts” she asked where the other gift was and in came the famous blue bag.

She kept saying she hoped it wasn’t a joke and when she got inside the blue box she realized the pearls were from her Grandmother.  On it though was a Tiffany’s silver charm with her initials and their wedding date inscribed.  The message to go with this gift was something old, something new.  WELL DOME EPHRIAM!

Molly’s Mom Marcy helped her with the bracelet.

Of course I had to steal it for a few pictures!

The time finally arrived to get that gorgeous dress on!  The layers to this gown were so amazing!  There was lace, swiss dot, chiffon…. it was beautiful!

I think he was surprised!

I love, love, love this little guy!

Seriously, how cute are these two?

I think Molly was excited?

Molly and the groomsman, this cracked me up!

I loved these ladies navy blue gowns!

I have to gush about the flowers for a moment.  PEONIES! IN! MARCH!

These two are so much fun!

The toasts were the perfect balance of sweet, sentimental and funny!

This cake was so beautiful!  I didn’t end up getting a chance to nab a piece but it smelled divine!

Their first dance was utterly charming and so sweet.

I love how Molly switched out her veil and moved her comb to the side!  That comb was so gorgeous and the perfect glittery touch to match the waist of her dress.

Spins are my favorite.  They really show off the dress!

Molly then sung Carrie Underwood’s “He is Good” to her Mom and new Husband.  HOLY COW!  She is amazing!!!!!!

There were few dry eyes in the reception after this.

I think Marcy liked it?

Next up came a surprise from Molly’s Dad.  He used to sing “Lime and the Coconut” to her as a kid so he started off their dance by singing it to her.  She had no idea it was coming.  It was the perfect way to start off their special time of the night.

I love playing with the rings!

Molly’s Grandmother got a chance to see how the bracelet looked and she gave it her stamp of approval!

When the dance floor opened up everyone had a blast bopping around and just having fun.

There was the perfect mix of slow songs and fast songs to keep everyone happy.  Russell Sound Lab has been a favorite of mine since they were the DJ’s for our schools dances and it always makes me smile when I get to work with them.  To me they are one of the best out there because they always have a great mix of music.

I saw that the rain had switched over to snow and it was coming down fast and steady.  I decided to see if they were game to going outside for a shot in the snow.

Luckily, they were.

We came back inside and they had a blast for the rest of the night.  This ring bearer was dancing with them all night!  It was fun to see the little kiddos having as much fun as the adults.  Usually they pass out early on but not a child was asleep at their reception!

Molly was a bit bummed that the rain made her bubble exit impossible so during one song a few people came up and blew bubbles while they danced, so fun!