Ceremonious

We were planning for an outdoor wedding, which a few people shook their heads at upon learning it was to be held in the mountains in January. But we were lucky, and the weather cooperated, providing an absolutely gorgeous day! 

After portraits we retreated to the hotel room to hang out until go-time. We had a big picture window facing the pool area, which people had to walk right by to get to the ceremony site, so we had a terrific view of all the arrivals. 

 

 

It was amazing how many people turned up to wish us well. It still makes me tear up to think about it.

 

   

 

 

Our dear family friend (and former boss at the law firm where we met!) Greg Chavis provided the music for the arrival window and ceremony. He and I had spoken about instrumental versions of some of my favorite songs from a few beloved musicals and he came through brilliantly, weaving together themes from West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof and Sound of Music.  We had also requested some jazz ala Bill Evans, and he put together a lovely mix.

Go time!

 

 

 

 

 

Dave's improve buddy, Grant, agreed to perform the wedding ceremony, something he had never done before and was more than a little nervous about.  It never occurred to us to be nervous; he's got great charisma and is used to being in front of a crowd.  Nerves popped up slightly, however, when he didn't turn up at the ceremony until just 20 minutes prior.  He really turned it on, though - I can say without any trace of bias that he was absolutely amazing, adlibbing and working the crow with his usual Southern charm.

 

 

This is one of my favorite shots:
At one point during the ceremony, the families were asked to chime in if they indeed welcomed this new member into their midst... and Dave's fam BLEW EVERYBODY OUT OF THE WATER with their enthusiasm.

 

A few people have asked about our vows, so I'll share those in another post.

 Woohoo, we did it!