Meghann and Derek’s Wedding: Part 2

As we left the bridal suite for the last time, holding Meghann’s hand, I was finally able to appreciate all the details that Meghann worked on for so many months.

The snowflake theme greeted me as I walked past the bench and reception area, towards the ceremony and altar. Meghann’s sweet Aunt Betty Anne, who served as her wedding coordinator extraordinaire during the process helped Meghann and her family organize and collect snowflake inspired pillows, lanterns, lights, and décor which provided small details at every glance.

As I approached Bo and the other guests, I was able to see the hand written, chalk board wedding program which I volunteered to write earlier this month. While I don’t believe I am crafty, I do tend to have neat hand writing which came in handy for this task.

(Photos via Anne)

The simple baby’s breath arrangements, lining the aisle provided a perfect yet simple pop of white. The mason jars, hanging from the shepard’s hooks had the same rafia detail as the bouquet in my hand.

As I took my place along the other bridesmaids, I saw just how well the khaki suits and navy ties coordinated with our navy dresses and rustic boots against the simple altar and wooded background.

The ceremony itself was the most original I’ve ever witnessed.

Short and very personal it included two readings, including Falling In Love Is Like Owning A Dog which made the audience laugh and nod in agreement. They also had the courage to write their own vows, promising to always respect each other and treat the other as an equal, among other things. My favorite part of the ceremony was when they sealed their vows with a pinky promise – such a sweet touch.

Don’t they look happy?

After the ceremony, it was time to head over to the covered reception area and enjoy a cold drink.

The guests and wedding party enjoyed drinks and appetizers while the bride and groom took a few pictures together. Anne and I were finally reunited after what feels like forever! Bo and I had a great time getting to know Matt, whom we met for the first time Saturday night!

We were luckily able to sneak in a few laughs with the bride and groom before they made their official entrance!

If you ever want to get a bride and groom’s attention during a wedding reception I highly recommend greeting them with a glass of wine or bottle of beer!

The next hour included dinner, speeches by the Best Man and Matron of Honor, and the infamous Jack Daniels toast during which time the father of the bride toasts the new couple and then takes a swig from the fresh handle of Jack. This handle was Mr. Anderson’s largest yet it was gone in minutes! Everyone was volunteering to help finish the bottle!

This was definitely a first for me but such a great time and as Meghann and her family said, it’s their way of welcoming people into the family.

For the next 3 hours we danced and danced. Their DJ was beyond amazing, playing songs that made you never want to take a rest from the dance floor. Their dance floor was always packed and everyone had a blast busting a move. These pictures are a perfect summary of the dancing, A lot of fun, a little crazy, a little blury, and filled with ridiculous dance moves. 

A quick picture break between dancing with Anne, Meghann, and Mary!

The ladies in navy smiling with our happy bride! All the hard work and planning paid off!

Bo and I are so thankful we were able to be part of the special evening and spend so much time with Meghann and Derek’s friends and family. After hearing about so many of their friends, especially their Tampa friends, it was wonderful to hang out with them!

Question: What is your favorite wedding dance song? Mine is hands down Sweet Home Alabama if I’m at a Southern wedding or Don’t Stop Believing!