Real Weddings Wednesday: Presenting Abby and Kevin Smithey

The Couple: Abby and Kevin Smithey
Wedding Date: July 16, 2011
Photography by Jocelyn McGregor Photography
Tell us a little about you and your beloved: We worked for the same company, and he was helping out at my location for a day. We kept in contact, and when I left the company, he insisted on taking me out. We have been inseparable ever since! I think what makes us work so well is that we truly enjoy each other’s company, and we are incredibly close to our families. It makes life so much easier when your families are so amazing! There is never a dull moment, he always makes me laugh!
What was the most amazing part of your day? Other than marrying Kevin? Being around so many people that mean so much to Kevin and me. It’s a rare thing to have everyone special in your life around at once. It made the day that much more magical.
What else would you like to share about your big day? That it was a BLAST! Kevin and I, along with our family, worked so hard to make sure that our guests would always be entertained. From wedding trivia to amazing drinks and an incredible DJ, our guests (hopefully) had a fun, laid back day with us. It’s everything we ever could have wanted.

Ceremony Site & Reception Venue: Abby’s parents’ backyard
Photographer: Jocelyn McGregor Photography
Videographer: Mike Compton, a family friend
Caterer: Carmelita’s Restaurant and Catering. The food was sooooooo good. Nothing like a nice, spicy enchilada or a fresh tamale to start your married life off right.
Cake: Annie Blundell, she is up and coming people. Watch out, her cakes are delicious!
Flowers: The previous owners of Petals & Paws florist, Rick and Jan Kerr, did all of the flowers. Words cannot describe how important this was to me. I grew up visiting the flower shop with my mom, and I would always get to go behind the counter and help them with arrangements or play with their two dogs. It was a DREAM come true that they agreed to do my wedding. It meant more to me than they will probably ever know!
Favors: Instead of favors, we had trivia sheets placed at every table, and guests got to play against each other to see who would get to go first to eat dinner. Our families are not only pretty smart, they are pretty competitive, so it was fun to see them rack their brains for answers.
Wedding Dress: House of Fashion. I knew it was my dress the moment I saw it in a magazine. It was the first one I tried on (I only tried on five), and it fit like a glove. I felt so beautiful in it!
Bridesmaid Dresses: Ann Taylor. The bridesmaids were pretty involved in their dresses. I really wanted to make sure that they felt beautiful and comfortable in their dresses. The color was so hard to find! These dresses were perfect in every way!
Hair: Hair Gone Wild not only did my hair, but they did my bridesmaids, mother-of-the-groom, mother-of-the-bride, and my aunt’s hair. My mom and I are really close to them — they ended up staying and partying with us for the wedding. They are so innovative, kind, and talented — I was lucky to have them make our hair pretty.
Makeup: Michelle Kinkaid did my makeup, as well as my bridesmaids, mother of the groom, and mother of the bride. She was such a joy to work with. I honestly cannot say enough great things about her! She made me, along with everyone else she worked on, feel more beautiful than I have in my entire life! I would recommend her to ANYONE looking for a great makeup artist.
Invitations: DIY. I ended up putting the invitations together myself, with the help of some of my family. My mom and I purchased the materials and had everything printed by Stephanie at The Paper Garden. It was a great way to get something different and original, and it was cheaper than having them made.
DJ/Entertainment/Band: Our DJ was a family friend of my mother’s, who graciously donated his time to mixing some fantastic music for our day!
Honeymoon location: Alaska! Kevin and I love cold weather, so it was a no brainer to head up north to Alaska! We cruised Carnival and had a great time!
Any other of your wedding vendor(s) you’d like to call out? Rent Rite party rentals worked very well with us around providing tables and chairs. They had everything we needed, and were relatively cheaper than anyone else around.
First Dance Song: “Green Eyes” by Coldplay
Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? It’s easier for me to say now that the event is over, but really try your best to not get caught up in the stresses of everything. Throughout the whole process, take a step back and look at what you are putting together! You will not remember the stresses you are feeling once it’s over, you will have great memories of a fantastic time in your life. Enjoy every minute.
Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? The day went off without a hitch, it was perfect from start to finish, so I can’t say that I would change a single thing about it!

Photos courtesy of Jocelyn McGregor Photography.