When people ask me about my off-season, I tell them that, for the most part, no one gets married in Ohio between December and March. A winter wedding is rare in these parts. It’s just too risky. Some years we have a polar vortex howling off and on and other years, we have a random sixty-degree day showing up in the middle of January. It happens.
Most brides are just not up for that game. I don’t blame them.
You may have read Michael and Lizzy’s wedding post from last week. Just a few days after their wedding, I was off to Granville, Ohio, for some more wedding fun!
What’s that? Two weddings in one week? What are you, a superwoman? Yes. Yes I am.
Chris and Marissa: A Winter Wedding
Normally, I think winter trees look like, well, death. But these whimsical sidewalks make me want to bundle up and go for a walk. These morning shots are so enticing, even to me, the winter-hater!
I totally dig this shot. I mean, who wouldn’t love a little navy draped over a nice neutral backdrop? Maybe I’m just way too into this, but I love the groomsmen’s ties. I can’t believe I’m saying that about a bow tie. About five years ago, I wouldn’t let my own husband wear one. Times, they are a-changin’!
When the guys are getting ready, it’s kind of like I crashed a guys locker room. (Let’s not talk about the time I walked into a groomsmen suite only to find a guy just got out of the shower and was wearing a towel. I was mortified!) After everyone’s decent, I love being a fly on a wall while the guys fix their collars and fasten their cuff links. And use their phones as mirrors.
When a tux company gives everyone pocket squares and they’re not folded, what’s a group of groomsmen to do? Of course, at first, they just wing it. Then, they look at the directions. Then they find directions on YouTube. Finally, they nail it.
After all that work, I’d say they turned out looking rather dashing, wouldn’t you? (PS: Yes, you spy twins here. I am so fascinated by twins but I don’t want to be a creeper and ask them all sorts of questions.)
Gosh, I love Marissa’s mom! She wore this dress [censored] years ago and passed it on to Marissa for this special day! I love it! What a treasure!
I absolutely love that Marissa had both her mom and her grandmother to help her with the dress. I bet Oma helped Mom with the dress those few, short years ago and then helped her granddaughter, too! I’m so sentimental, but I’d hang onto a picture like this for my whole life. For real!
This picture on the left, that’s the same pose her mother did in this dress on her wedding day. These red flowers just pop! Mmmm. I love them!
As Marissa began her march toward Chris, I am dying to know what twin number one said to Chris, here. Give it up, man! What did you say!?
I love the tall organ pipes that were the backdrop to their vows, their ring exchange, and their first kiss as husband and wife!
Speaking of first kisses, I love them. I basically snap as many as possible and deliver more than anyone needs. I’m working on that. But, I have also started a tradition: I stop the bride and groom on their way out and have them kiss again: a second kiss! I’m in love with these moments.! So much.
I love the exit Chris and Marissa chose: While Marissa’s brothers rang the church bell, the newlyweds exited the building surrounded by love, laughter, and applause.
Check out those bell-ringing moves!
Chris and Marissa had their reception at the Granville Inn. We stopped and grabbed some couples shots before the reception. I love when brides feed their guests a little early so we can have some time to relax and snap a few lovely pictures!
Mmmm. These first dance pictures. That Christmas tree. I am drooling.
The twins did a delightful speech for the bride and groom. The took turns and warned Marissa properly. I’m not worried for you, Marissa: Chris seems like a stand-up guy.
Melinda and Peggy, you two were a hoot! I loved getting to know you two more at the beautiful rehearsal dinner! I love your kids, by the way!
My goal is to get more of these in 2016: A pic of me with the bride and groom (and my Hunk, the secret weapon). Thankfully, Marissa reminded me at the end of her reception and a friend stepped in and snapped this. (Thanks, Amanda!)
Chris and Marissa, I am so happy that the two of you found each other. You are perfect for one another and I can’t wait to see you two grow and become one as husband and wife. I count myself blessed that I have been able to be a part of–not just your big day–your life.
Love,
