Kristen & Michael

April 27

Cleburne, Texas

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Q & A with the Bride:

1. What was the one thing about your venue that made you know it was the one?

It was the beautiful setting with an amazing rustic, elegant barn that matched what I had always envisioned for my wedding.  I did not think I would find something like that in the North Texas area.  There were also two details that sealed the deal for us though.  The first was the owner’s story.  We loved the heart behind why they created this venue, and I loved hearing the story directly from Ann, who answered my phone call herself one morning.  The second was that they actually had an available day in April!  Because our engagement was so short, most venues laughed at me when I said that I was looking for dates available in April 2013 and not 2014.  We had prayed for God to provide us a venue, and we knew He had provided in abundance when we found Thistle Springs!  

2. Which three details from your wedding were your favorites?

The first would be the handmade decorations by my father and mother.  My father made the wooden cake stand, and the flower box used on the head table.  I burned the writing on them.  My mom created the window that had a scripture painted on it with pictures of Michael and I.  He also handcrafted a wine box with a key/lock and engraved initials.  In it we put love letters in to each other for our “first fight” to remind us of the deep love we truly have for one another.  He handpicked the wood he used with knots and imperfections as a symbol of how real life and love is, imperfect yet beautiful!  

The second thing would be the table decorations. The “thank you” cards on the plates with the “to do” list on the back were cute. I LOVED picking out all the different lanterns that were the center pieces.  It was the first decision I made on decorations.  I wanted lanterns because they were a symbol to me of what Michael and I wanted our marriage to be.  We want to have a marriage that honors God and is and light/example of His love for the world to see.

The third thing would be the floating wish/prayer lantern send off at the end of the night.  It was beautiful! Every family got to take one home as their gift so that they could choose their own special time to celebrate with a floating lantern together.  I wrote a little poem explaining it. It was fun. 

3. Give us the one moment from your wedding you can’t stop thinking about.

Michael and I lighting our floating lantern, letting it go together and then watching all the glowing lanterns float into the sky right before we left.  It was BEAUTIFUL!  

Kitzel & Kendall

May 6

Lyons, Colorado

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Q & A with the Bride & Groom:

What was the one thing about your venue that made you know it was the one?

We wanted a venue that provided space for our guest to have small gatherings wherein they could catch up and share stories. But we also wanted to be able to have an indoor/outdoor option that accentuated the beauty of where we live.

 Which three details from your wedding were your favorites?

Saying our vows under an umbrella as sprinkles fell around us

The groomsmen shaking things up with chivalry as they gave their coats to the bridesmaids.

The toasts from my Best Man and Cali – one of Kit’s bridesmaids.

If you could offer one piece of advice for other couples planning their wedding, what would it be?

Get as much of the big stuff out of the way early, and as you get closer to the date delegate so that you can be present with each other and family to enjoy the celebration. You can plan all you want but in the end, hold it loosely so you can enjoy the day whatever may come. Probably good advice for a marriage too.

Give us the one moment in your wedding day you can’t stop thinking about.

Kendall: I could not get through my vows without crying and for all attempts to keep it together I just let the tears come and smiled my way through it as Kit tried not to cry, looking into my water-filled eyes. Plenty of tears and laughter throughout.

Kit: Saying our vows and holding hands was a moment I will always remember. Looking into his eyes knowing that this was it for the rest of our lives and vowing to create a beautiful partnership through all the good and the bad is something I hold so close to my heart. Our first dance “When It Don’t come Easy” by Patty Griffin was the epitome of what our marriage is and continues to become. He is my best friend and I couldn’t imagine life without him!!

Sabrina & Franco

September 9

Esparto, California

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From the Photographer:

“Sabrina and Franco’s wedding was one of my favorites, as every detail was carefully planned by the bride herself. With its beautiful ivy-covered barn surrounded by vineyards and lavender, the Taber Ranch Event Center has some amazing settings for outdoor photos. Much of the decor was created by family members – Sabrina herself designed and created the centerpieces and her mother-in-law and sister-in-law made the bouquets, boutonnieres, and favors. A picture of Sabrina’s late grandmother was fastened to her bouquet as a gift and blessing from her mother. The couple wed under a vintage lace canopy made by the bride and her family, and literally ‘tied the knot’ using manilla rope as a symbol of their union. After the ceremony, while guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the veranda, Sabrina and Franco took Taber Ranch’s vintage Cadillac convertible out for a spin. The in-barn reception was delightful, featuring brilliant music and cuisine. The night culminated with sparklers and an exit in the vintage Cadillac.” – Rochelle Wilhems Photography

Katie & Daniel

October 1

Westminster, South Carolina

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Q & A with the couple:

What was the one thing about your venue that made you know it was the one?

When thinking about a wedding location, we wanted it to be intimate and personal.  My aunt and uncle own Ramsey Creek Preserve, so I grew up playing at the preserve with my cousin and sisters—it is a family site that holds many happy memories.  The old school house church was moved to the property and restored with loving care.  As soon as Daniel and I set foot in the church, we knew it was the perfect place to start our marriage.  The entire preserve—the church, barn and fields—are all filled with an indescribable sense of joy and serenity.

Which three details from your wedding were your favorites?

1. The “Family Tree.”  Daniel and I felt that it was important to memorialize family members who are no longer with us, and to pay homage to those relationships that made us who we are today.  Daniel and I collected photographs of those we wanted to remember and had them framed and hung on a giant tree near the old barn.  It was such a subtle but meaningful way to remember those who we missed on our special day.
2. The giant pumpkin.  The week before the wedding I was driving around running errands and happened to pass the world’s largest pumpkin.  For some reason, I just had to get the pumpkin and I’m so glad I did.  It truly finished off the barn décor.  (A special thanks goes to my dad for lifting the 100 lb. pumpkin)
3. Custom bowties.  Alison from Hullaballoo events was a godsend during the entire wedding process.  She created so many special touches in the wedding, and this was one of them. LaRoque in Columbia, SC makes custom bowties as well as dresses.  We were able to “create” the perfect ties for Daniel and his groomsmen.  It was so special for the guys to have some custom flair, instead of wearing the same old suit and tie.

Caitlin & Jeff

September 8

Ontario, Canada

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From the Photographer:

“I was very excited to shoot Caitlin and Jeff’s wedding knowing that it was going to be just a little different than the traditional. We eagerly arrived early afternoon at the family farm, and we knew immediately we were in for a treat from how calm everyone was, even the dogs, who greeted us. The ceremony was held on the front lawn – the location held a special place in the couple’s hearts. Caitlin and Jeff arrived at the outdoor reception in a candy red vintage ford. By then, the clouds had lifted, guests mingled amongst the hand-picked and crafted vintage decor and the tent was glowing with garden lights, colorful bunting,  hay bails, and eclectic seating at each table.

There was a certain magic in the air that evening that I can’t really describe, you could feel the love. It was  like we were attending a long overdue family reunion more than a wedding and thats the way Caitlin and Jeff wanted it. Guests were treated to a superb meal from a local catering company buffet with an build your own appetizer burrito station, to endless gourmet salads and corn on the cob to top it off. It seemed like the buffets went on forever.  A homemade pie station ended the perfect meal.

After dinner, everyone’s hearts filled up with touching speeches (I think the photographers even cried!), we saw people hugging, smiling, and lots of watery eyes.  A little fire pit outside kept people cozy while everyone danced without any hesitation. You could hear the laughter and guests singing out loud until it was time for us to wrap up and head home. We ended the night with one last shot – the bride and groom in a bohemian tent under the stars. Everything was perfect.” – Clint Russell of Renaissance Studios Photography