#blalockbash: Our Ceremony

I know a First Look isn't something that everyone wants, but for us, it really helped to set our nerves at ease. I'm an incredibly emotional person and I know that had I not seen Brad before walking down the aisle I would have been bawling. Even with seeing each other before, I still ended up blinking back tears. I'm so grateful for the break between seeing each other and beginning our vows, without our minister speaking during that time I never would have made it through them. Even Brad said he got teary eyed when I walked down the aisle, which almost makes me wish we hadn't done the First Look because I've never seen Brad cry before!

My favorite part of our Wedding Ceremony was our Ceremony Artist, Jessica Borgnis. Jessica's daughter, Sophia, was in my kindergarten class about two years ago when I taught school in Charlotte, NC. Brad and I got engaged the summer after I taught Sophia. When Jessica found out I was getting married, she offered to sing and play piano at our wedding. I immediately took her up on this because she's amazing. She took all the songs I chose and arranged them to fit our ceremony and venue perfectly, I can't wait to get back our wedding video so that I can hear her sing them again. All the songs meant so much to us. Also, Sophia came to my wedding which was great because I loved seeing her again.

Our grandparents and parents all walked in to "To Make You Feel My Love". 

Brad's grandfather passed before we ever started dating, so his stepdad escorted his grandmother down the aisle.

I promise my parents weren't angry about me getting married! It just happens to look like it.

Next, our minister, Brad, and his groomsmen made their entrances.

My bridesmaids entered to "Come Away With Me".

Brad's sister, Allison, escorting her son/our nephew/Ring Bearer down the aisle.

Then, it was time for my daddy to walk me down the aisle.

Brad and I chose the Train song "Marry Me" for me to enter to. Normally I'm not a huge Train fan, but the lyrics of the song were perfect for our love story. The chorus has a line that says 

"Marry me, if I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe, say you will"

Since Brad and I met in a restaurant, I couldn't imagine a song that would fit our day better. 

Instead of a unity candle, Brad and I chose to do a love letter ceremony.

Our letters serve as reminders to each other of why we fell in love and why our marriage is worth working for. It's nice to have physical reminders of the love we have for each other, not just on our wedding day, but also on days when being married doesn't come as easy.

We wrote each other a love letter with the intent of reading them at our ceremony during this time.

However, we were both so full of emotions that we knew we would never make it through reading each other's letters during our ceremony. So, we decided to keep them sealed and read them on our one year anniversary. We can also read them any time we need reminding of the way we feel about each other, but so far we haven't had to read them yet, luckily!

During this part of the ceremony, 

Jessica sang "Never Stop" which was the perfect song for our Love Letters.

We chose Traditional Vows, so our wedding ceremony went by fairly quickly. I honestly, don't remember much of it, it was such a blur. I do know that I've never been happier.

 This might be one of my favorite pictures.

After the ceremony, we were off to finish up photos before beginning our reception!

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Venue: The Cotton Warehouse

Photography: George Street Photo & Video / Addison Hill Photo

Videography: Hammond Studios

Florals : JL Designs

Ceremony Musician : Jessica Borgnis Music

Bridal Gown: Galina @ David’s Bridal

Shoes: DSW

Bridal Bracelet: David’s Bridal

Bridal Earrings: Charming Charlie

Hair Combs: Ulta

Bridal Hair: Nichole Kendall

Bridal Make-Up: LACE Cosmetics

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff @ Formally Yours

Bridesmaid Hair: Kaylan Spell

Bridesmaid Earrings: Walk on the Moon

Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Savvi Formalwear

Groom’s Tie: Macy’s

Groom’s Watch: Kohl’s