Considering Ceremony Music

Maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself, but for me, the music played at our ceremony was huge. Choosing the songs was one of the first things Wes and I planned for our wedding day, and one of the few things we planned together in the same state. :)

I love the songs that were sung and played. We wanted songs that shared the truth about the Lord and reflected His character. I listened to them over and over again during our engagement, meditated on the words, and even played them as background music as my students worked on assignments in class. You'd think I would get tired of them, but instead, I feel like the true, biblically saturated lyrics prepared my heart for our wedding day, and kept my mind on the Lord and the picture of Himself and His church that he wants marriage to be. Since that day, the words still ring in my mind, encourage me, and keep reminding me of our God and His plan for our lives together--to bring glory to His awesome name!

Maybe I am overly sensitive, and I know that a wedding ceremony is not a church service.  However, I strongly believe that music does have a huge impact on us and that every activity is an opportunity for worship. So, consider this when deciding on music for your wedding ceremony. It turned out to be a huge blessing to us! Because of the blessing they have been to us, I just wanted to share them with you.

 

Bow the Knee by Ron Hamilton

Come Thou Fount by Robert Robinson, adapted by Chris Rice

Ancient Words by Michael W. Smith

Be Thou My Vision

Enough by Chris Tomlin

 Surrender All by Sovereign Grace

Behold our God by Sovereign Grace

It was Love by Sovereign Grace

The Gospel Song  By Sovereign Grace and Drew Jones

Not that you need to chose our exact songs, but just to give ideas and encourage you. :) A huge part of what made our ceremony so special was our musicians who are dear friends and who's hearts of worship are so evident in their music!

*Dave Mincy of Mincy Media

*Tim Beatty

*Michael Gentile

*Keith Rogers

*Ashlyn Knight of Ashlyn's Passions

The Dress

Every girl dreams of the day she will put on a beautiful white dress and be a princess. After so many years of dreaming, we high hopes and expectations for the perfect dress.

Many of us have designed The Dress in our minds and pictured ourselves in it a million times. Now, the task of finding that perfect gown of our mind's eye. To me, this is one of the most important tasks of wedding planning.

It can also be difficult because of all the expectations we go into dress shopping with. I was convinced that I would walk down the aisle in a one shoulder dress. When I tried on the gown I had had my eye on, it just wasn't the one. 

Well, now what.

For a while the appointment went like this:

too shiny. too beachy. too heavy. too expensive.

Then, it just happened. I put the dress on and I was a bride. This was what I wear down the aisle to my husband. Its an emotional and wonderful feeling when you just know.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography by: Paige Overturf Photography

Dress, Sash, Veil: David's Bridal 

Here are some tips to consider as you go to your dress appointment:

*Look at pictures of dresses to get an idea of what you like, but realize you might feel differently as you try styles on.

*Consider the atmosphere of your ceremony--casual and outside? High-ceiling, elegant church?

*Describe the theme and feel of your wedding to your consultant. There are hundreds of dresses and she's totally guessing what you will like. 

*Be honest as you try on gowns. This will help your consultant zero in on the style you love.

*Don't get discouraged if you don't love the first dress. You will need to try on a few to get a feel for it. 

*Don't go shopping on an empty stomach. Standing is more exhausting than you anticipate.

*Drink water throughout the appointment. Definitely helps me from feeling flustered. 

*Go with what YOU love, when your loved ones see your face when you find your princess gown, that will be enough for them.

*Know ahead of time whether your budget number is definite or more of a guideline. If it is set in stone, don't try on dresses above it. For me, it was just confusing. 

*Factor alterations into your budget. Keep in mind that hemming the length and intricate bustles can become quite an added expense. 

*You will find the dress and it will be like nothing you ever dreamed. 

*You will look beautiful! He will love it. ;)

 Have fun! Its not everyday you get to try on gorgeous white gowns. :)

For another take on The Dress, along with tips for hair, makeup, and accessories, check out Cheryl's Monday night wedding post at Thecrumbster.

Wedding Details

Just sharing a few favorite details from our wedding. Ah, so very many details involved it that day! It wasn't until I was in the midst of planning that I realized just how many little things need to be thought of in this business of tying the knot! I remember wondering where in the world to start, wishing there was a "this-is-where-to-find-every-thing-for-your-wedding" website. No wonder people hire wedding planners, just to keep you sane during the process! 

For those of us who want to make the day special, love pretty details, and have a BUDGET, wedding planning is an endless treasure hunt for deals, tricks, and solutions. 

So, in the months ahead, I plan to post how-to's, tips, resources, and ideas we used in an effort to offer any small tidbit of help to brides who are on the hunt! 

If you are a bride-to-be, please, take any ideas that you wish, ask any questions you have! Even if all I have to offer is assurance that you are not going crazy, I'd love to help!

If you know a busy bride, please share this link!

If you are neither, enjoy our beautiful photos by Paige Overturf Photography. :)

 

Just Married...Two months ago

Today Wes and I have been married for two months! Wow, I can't believe it. We absolutely love being married and living in our new home in Utah! I am excited to share pictures of our last couple months getting settled. :) But, first things first, I wanted to share my favorite photos from our wedding day and give credit to our amazing photographer, Paige Overturf!

 

 

Wes and I are so thankful for such a wonderful wedding day! Paige did an awesome job capturing our special memories. She was so helpful and easy to work with! The kind of photographer the wedding party comments on how fun she was after the photo shoot. :) 

Check Paige out!

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