We Do(e): The View From The Window

Now that the bridal party has finished taking their respective photos, it was time to head back inside and wait for the ceremony to begin. The girls discovered a large window in the bridal suite that looked out over the grounds of Monte Verde Inn. We were able catch a glimpse of all of the details of the day coming together.

If you recall my DIY moss letters that I constructed nearly 10 months ago. They hung beautifully on the large trees just like I hoped they would.

The table numbers my family and I endlessly slaved over. 

My wish tree and tags that I tweaked one hundred million times.

My re-updated updated (an updated a few times more) cork board collage and seating chart.

 

My 'Love Is Sweet' bunting from the time I learned that bunting is in fact not a bundt cake.

I can't forget the lantern card holder that I had randomly found at Pier One Imports one day while out searching for Christmas decorations. 

After a few more minutes of staring out that window, we realized guests were starting to arrive. We had a blast watching everyone arrive, until we realized that they could easily see us staring at them. They began to wave at us and we quickly ducked down and started giggling like we just got caught doing something we weren't suppose to. Our fun was over, time for some last minute touch ups and get ready to get things started. 

Did you have time to view your pretty little details before the wedding started?

*All photos by Martin's Photography

The boys shake their nerves and take photos

The girls take photos

I show you my magical flowers

I talk about my whipped cream dress

The girls have fun getting glam

We get our hair done and grub down on some food delivered by dad

We Do(e): The Boys Take Photos

While the girls were busy taking photos the boys were hanging around and enjoying each other's company. What I didn't know at the time is that they all left Mr. Buck by himself upstairs in the grooms suite. He told me that this was the only time he was by himself the entire day. Even I didn't have a moment to myself, which I am somewhat thankful for. A little too much time to think if you ask me. Luckily the girls finished photos fairly quick and it was soon time for the boys to grab Mr. Buck from hiding and start taking their photos. The girls headed inside for some last minute touch ups and one more mimosa (or two...or three).

I had a tough time not being out there with the guys and telling them what poses I wanted and so on. (In other words I really wanted to control the situation). I had to just let it go, be in the moment and know that the photos would turn out just fine without my direction.

Somehow they managed with out me. In fact, they probably did better simply because I wasn't there being all bossy. The boys aren't ones to enjoy photos but I think they did a great job. They all look pretty dang natural and that is what mattered most to me. 

Of course they had to do the jumping shot. Some of the smaller guys managed to get some serious air. Either that or they are secretly leprechauns; the jury is out on the one on the left.

I call this the James Bond moment. They make it look so effortless.

Mr. Buck found picture taking to be slightly stressful since he typically doesn't like to have photos taken and his brain was going a million miles a minute. His advice to all the guys out there is to just let it be. It must have worked for him because I think the guys look pretty laid back. 

How did your groom and groomsman photos turn out? Did you have to let go of being in control and let yourself be in the moment?

*Photos by Martin's Photography

The girls take photos

I show you my magical flowers

I talk about my whipped cream dress

The girls have fun getting glam

We get our hair done and grub down on some food delivered by dad

We Do(e): Bridal Portraits and Bridesmaid Photos

I know that there are many brides out there that set aside time specifically for bridal portraits. To be completely honest, I didn't even think about that. I was more concerned about photos with my bridesmaids beforehand. Luckily though my photographer was equally as interested in getting photos of just me in addition to group photos which means I ended up with a plethora of bridal portraits. We basically strung bridal shots in while we were also taking photos with the bridesmaids.

We set aside an hour and a half for photos for the girls but realistically we had about 45 minutes since we started to run slightly behind schedule. If I can give you some advice, make sure you give yourself ample time before the wedding starts to take photos. I am someone that typically schedules everything by the minute, which is a good and bad thing. I really should have allowed more time for this, but alas it all worked out in the end.

Once we were all ready we headed downstairs to start with photos in the gorgeous ballroom. It was so beautiful and I thought to myself, too bad we aren't having any part of the wedding in here. Little did I know that the weather would soon take a turn and at some point in the evening we would in fact all end up in this room.

One of my most favorite goofy photos of us girls. Silly ladies trying to squeeze my booty.

One of the few photo requests my parents had was one of me looking back at myself in the mirror and one where I am walking up the stairs. Those two sure have an eye for detail.

After the indoor shots were complete we headed out into the (still sunny) outdoors for some rustic photo-ops. 

As you can see, we did not have much of a plan...we just kind of went with it. However, I think it turned out well! It also doesn't hurt that my bridesmaids are ridiculously good looking. (Blue Steel anyone)?

Do you plan to to devote some time solely for bridal portraits? Are there any specific poses that you want to make sure and strike?

I show you my magical flowers

I talk about my whipped cream dress

The girls have fun getting glam

We get our hair done and grub down on some food delivered by dad

We Do(e): Flowers With A Magical Touch

I was very picky when it came to choosing my florist. I told you here all about my florist Blooms by Martha Andrews. We instantly clicked and I knew her style was exactly what I was looking for. She isn't just a florist, she truly is an artist when it comes to floral design.

Besides you know, getting married and all, one of the things I was most excited about the morning of my wedding was finally seeing my flowers. Our venue, Monte Verde, designed all the table centerpieces, and Martha Andrews designed my bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, the arch and all of the corsages and boutonnieres.

Let me just take you on a little walk through the incredible flowers she did for us.

The arch was draped with iridescent white fabric and was delicately pulled to the side with hydrangeas and china mums.

The guys boutonnieres all had blush pink garden roses that matched perfectly to our bouquets. This is where Martha is a step ahead of every other florist out there. She doesn't just leave it at that, oh no, she adds a touch of fresh rosemary to really set things apart. It smelled delicious and looked beautiful. Genius.

My mom's corsage was a large white china mum adorned with some serious bling.

Mr. Buck's mom wore a corsage that contained  stephanotis flowers topped with more bling. 

When I walked into the bridal suite the bouquets were all lined up waiting for us, beckoning to be carried around.

The girls all had blush pink garden roses adorned with an embellished pendant and wrapped in coordinating ribbon.

My sister was set apart with a cluster of perfectly pink peonies. 

Last but certainly not least, my bouquet was a mix of cream and blush pink peonies wrapped in my great grandmother's hankies and adorned with family wedding rings.

To put it lightly, Martha Andrews blew me away by completely making my vision come to life. From the small touches like the rosemary and pendants on the bouquets to perfectly matching the colors I had wanted, she added a magical touch. 

What kind of flowers are you imagining for your wedding? If you are already married, did your florist perfectly pull off your vision?

*All photos by Martin's Photography

I talk about my whipped cream dress

The girls have fun getting glam

We get our hair done and grub down on some food delivered by dad

We Do(e): The Whipped Cream Dress

If you recall way back when I wrote about finding my dress, I explained that I considered my decision to be a wild card. The only hint that I gave was that the bottom of my dress looked like whipped cream. SOMEHOW, one member of the hive, Paper Rose, figured it out. She was right, my dress was Alfredo Angelo style number 2117. Can't keep nothin' from you apparently!

Monte Verde was way ahead of the game and already had my dress hanging up for me before I even arrived that morning. It was all sorts of picturesque fun.

After my makeup was finished, I flitted about the room in my comfy robe and fancy shoes for quite some time. Finally my mom suggested that I put my dress on. Was it that time already? Somehow the morning seemed to fly by and I needed to speed up my daydreaming brain.

Nobody ever said you had to breathe on your wedding day, so I made sure to be tied in as tight possible. A corset can do glorious things I tell you. 

I had all of the whipped cream I needed, all that was left to finish becoming a bride was my cherry on top (or bottom). Kate Spade sparkly goodness fit the bill perfectly.

After a morning full of fun, pampering and love, I had become a bride.

At this point, I felt confident in my decision on the wild card dress. I couldn't imagine myself in any other gown, it just felt right.

Did you decide on a wild card dress? Were you as happy with your decision as I was?

*All photos by Martin's Photography

The girls have fun getting getting glam
We get our hair done and grub down on some food delivered by dad