The Couple: Mark and Ron
Wedding Date: May 17, 2014
Photography by True Love Photo
Tell us a little about you and your beloved: Mark and I met through a mutual friend at a Christmas party. Since we were both recently out of long term relationships, we were not looking for anything serious. Once we started talking, something magically occurred. We both recognized and appreciated our common goals and interest. Our casual meeting at a party quickly developed into a loving, committed relationship.
What was the most amazing part of your day? During the wedding dinner, Mark and I were seated at our own private table (a sweetheart table). Midway through the meal, the two of us shared a very special moment observing our guest savoring the delicious food and enjoying each other’s company. We realized this would probably be the only time so many of the special people in our lives would be together with us in the same room. We were so honored they chose to share our special day with us.
What else would you like to share about your big day? Mark and I had been to enough weddings to realize that we didn’t want the first dance to be slow and boring. We worked with DJ, Rich Carlson, and came up with a fun first dance concept. Our plan was to slow dance together for two minutes to Adele’s ‘Lovesong’, then the music would switch into a fast dance track. About 30 seconds after the music transition, the DJ invited all of our guest to join us on the dance floor – and the dance floor was immediately packed. It was awesome!
Ceremony and Reception Site, and Caterer: Mulvaney’s Building & Loan
Officiant: Rev. Jeri Murphy
Photographer: True Love Photo
Cake/Desserts: Freeport Bakery
Flowers and Décor Rentals: Flourish
Favors: Macarons from Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates
Wedding Attire: Nordstrom. Both suits by Ted Baker (our favorite designer).
Invitations: Papyrus
Signage: Papyrus, Amazon, Zazzle, eBay, and Build-A-Head.
DJ/Entertainment/Band and Lighting: SJ’s Disc Jockey
Honeymoon Location: Honolulu, Oahu
Any other of your wedding vendor(s) you’d like to call out that we missed in the above questions? The day before the wedding, we had a meet and greet with family and close friends at our neighborhood hangout spot, New Helvetia Brewing Company. It was the first time both families met in person.
First Dance Song: “Lovesong” by Adele
Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? Yes!
- Weddings Are Expensive – Make sure you check and re-check the cost with all your wedding vendors. Ask each vendor exactly what is included in the final price. Make sure your vendors can guarantee delivery of your items to your wedding location. Ask your vendors when and where wedding rentals (cake/flower stands) must be returned. Many will charge an extra fee if items are not returned on time. Finally, are your vendors expecting a gratuity?
- Time Consuming – Be prepared to devote a lot of time sending emails, making phone calls, texting, researching and meeting one-on-one with your wedding vendors. Also, remember your family and friends are going to be excited about your big day. Be prepared to spend a lot of time talking to them about your wedding details – but don’t overdo it.
- Wedding Website – Mark and I would strongly advise couples create a free wedding website using The Knot, Weddingwire, etc. Your wedding website may include personal photos, ceremony and reception maps, parking options, hotel accommodations, restaurant recommendations, guestbook, and gift registry. Your out-of-town guest are going to have lots of questions concerning your wedding day so we would recommend including the website address on the printed invitation.
- Have fun!!! It’s a big expensive party. Make sure to enjoy yourselves!
Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? Even though there was a lot of work, expense, and stress involved in planning our big day, Mark and I would not change a thing. Our wedding was so much fun. My father, a self-proclaimed food expert said, “it was the best wedding meal ever”. Mark’s sister-in-law, Robin told us, “the music was so fantastic, I got tired of dancing”. And, of course, everyone loved the variety of drinks at our open bar.
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Social Media Maven, Aimee Carroll.
Photos courtesy of and copyright True Love Photo.
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