So, we got married...!

Ooops. I meant to publish this yesterday, our WEDDING DAY!! 

11.18.12

picture courtesy of Kate

At the 60th Anniversary party of Matt's grandparents, we learned that the two lovebirds actually eloped instead of having a big blow-out wedding. We did not know this. Thus began an interesting conversation in the following weeks...

Funny, the conversation went a little like it did for my parents (who are going on year 33!) It was a mutual decision, not exactly a proposal. Which is perfect for us. We are a tad unconventional and (I) love big surprises, so we began planning!

The plan was to steal away, just the two of us, to the Hocking Hills, and surprise everyone on Thanksgiving. Then, we decided we wanted Larkyn and our families to be there too. So, it grew a little, and I don't regret that. They were all there when Larkyn was born, and this was another big moment in which they needed to be included.

We picked out the rings on lunch hours and through text photos and internet pictures, making sure we both loved what we picked out. I picked out the dress on the Nordstrom website and when I told the customer service rep that it was intended to be my wedding dress, he waived the $15 expedited shipping fee so that I could have it as soon as possible. You know how I love good customer service like that. Pinterest of course led to fabulous "casual wedding" and "courthouse wedding" ideas. We wanted it small, but of course, reflective of us and our personalities.

We started the planning with Karen at Hocking Hills Wedding Chapel.

We were so lucky to get down to the courthouse and back on election day without hassle.  We got a rock star parking spot, had no lines, and were out of there in about 15 minutes. People who got on the elevator and even a homeless man saw our envelope and congratulated us. So sweet.

Kate, my trusty photographer and longtime friend, accompanied me on a few very frustrating shopping trips to find jewelry, shoes, and a cover-up (we expected it to be freezing outside!)  I ended up with my first pair of heels, which I am not sure I will ever wear again. But they are so pretty! I tried to find tall gray boots, but those apparently do not exist in Columbus, Ohio a week before a wedding. Truth.

Then, time for my favorite part, flowers! Since Larkyn already had her pretty holiday dress, I decided on red flowers. I used a local grocer to order the tulips, spray roses, alstromeria, mini gerber daisies, and hypernicum (red berries). My awesome mom read a few tutorials and off she went, making my bouquet the night before the wedding. She even included a photo pin that my grandpa made of him and grandma as teenagers.

We ordered a big old BBQ feast of our favorite foods: fried chicken, beef brisket, mac and cheese, potatoes, salad, and desserts. Giant Eagle Marketplace (less than a mile from our house) catered it all. It was delicious, convenient, and inexpensive. Check, check, check. We had two little wedding cakes, one chocolate and one white. And then all the necessities for ice cream sundaes, of course.

Matt and I spent the morning watching An Idiot Abroad marathon and relaxing. I had fun getting ready with Larkyn. She brought out several pairs of shoes for me to wear. She really wanted me to wear my "boops" (Uggs), so I did. Matt fed her while I did my hair and makeup, and when his dad arrived, we were off to Hocking Hills!

The 45 minute drive went quickly, but suddenly became interesting when the turns were 90 degrees and roads like "Chicken Coop" and "Klump" turned into straight-up 90 degree inclines. Yeah, I am mathematical like that. Anyway, the grounds of the Valleyview Cabins and wedding chapel were adorable. The views were beautiful and we had so many places to take pictures. There was a fire in the fireplace, started by our sweet Pastor who we met shortly after we arrived.

The service was short and sweet, which was a good thing, because Larkyn was not impressed. It took the whole rest of the family taking turns to keep her occupied. The girl just wants to run, plain and simple. I wish I could remember more of what the pastor said, but it is a blur. I just remember feeling loved and feeling love radiate out of my whole body. I was a big, happy mess who burst into tears as Matt was saying his vows.

He pronounced us husband and wife, and that was that!

We came home to watch the Sprint Cup Championship, the end of the Browns game, and feast on our reception food until we thought we'd burst. The kids were noisy, the dogs were everywhere, and it was chaos. But, it was 100% us.


I loved keeping our little secret and now am proud to wear these rings and call Matt my husband. Yay!