Mary and Ben planned a perfect, laid back fall wedding for early October.  The timing was just right to take advantage of the fall color that we had.  Who would have guessed it to be one of the coldest days.  Ever.  So, imagine you’re a bride.  Preparing to freeze all afternoon.  Worried that the overcast skies will open up during the ceremony.  Wondering if the entire thing should be moved to the tent.  Now.  Forget all of that.  Because the day was JOYOUS, from beginning to end without a hint of worry from anyone.  To be honest, I was the only one concerned about the rain (although I kept quiet about it).

As the girls prepared in the upstairs master suite, the laughter was contagious!  Stories abounded and Mary was watched by her maids.  They sat in the bathroom with her just chatting about the things that girls do, giving her their full attention as she finished her hair and makeup.

And the details using special pieces from Mary’s home :)

Mary and Ben, love them, opted for a First Look.  SO WISE considering we had no idea what the weather was going to do as the day progressed!  We sent Ben out on the back patio while everyone secretly watched from inside the house :)

We took a lot of breaks…remember it was FREEZING!!!  Mary never, not even once, complained about being cold.  She wins my “most resilient bride” award for the year!

The ring bearer always steals the show :)  As the guests began to arrive, Mary again retreated to the master suite.  This was one of my favorite parts of the day (I should warn you, there are multiple I will talk about).  The guests were greeted with champagne and due to the cold temps outside, they literally filled the lower level of the house.  It was shoulder to shoulder as people greeted on another, talked and laughed.  If I didn’t know better, I would think this closeness was a planned part of the day as it complemented the feel of the wedding perfectly.

Just before the ceremony was to begin, the wind picked up.  And so did the rain.  We debated what to do, if we should move the guests and ceremony into the tent.  It was about 5 minutes of crazy (or at least to me and probably Mary’s dad) as the choice was made to proceed as planned.  The rain let up and umbrellas were handed out.  Mary walked down the aisle with a little mist, but I’m pretty sure she didn’t even notice.

Mary and Ben’s wedding was so very unique, and so totally them.  Poetry was read, along with quirky poems that sparked a few laughs.  A special book was read called “A Lovely Love Story” by Edward Monkton.  It’s a modern-day fable about a funny but distant Dinosaur who falls in love with a free-spirited Other Dinosaur.  The story is simple and true about how great couples grow together by embracing their individuality.  Even after the ceremony, family and friends continued to comment how beautiful the readings were.

Off to the reception at the GORGEOUS Baker Street Train Station in Fort Wayne.  Rose’s Bouquets provided the lovely centerpieces and florals, along with some of the most helpful and kind staff I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

The reception was a continuation of the closeness felt throughout the day.  Mary and Ben greeted each guest and I can honestly say the entire room felt like one large family.  A little later in the evening, Mary’s dad had another special moment planned;  a dance  that involved the guests as well.  I asked Mary to help me with this part so I would get it right…from Mary:

“The dance is a Macedonian tradition.  My aunt made the bread (it is a sweet bread called koluk).  My dad gave the explanation of what the bread and its ingredients stand for (the bread is round, like a wedding band, to signify something that has no beginning and no end).  The dance itself is a simple one.  It’s done in a circle with the guests holding hands in a line, reminiscent of Greek and Jewish weddings.  My mom and dad did the first “circle” around the room then they held the bread over our heads (like a tunnel) as Ben and I and the rest of the guests danced under it.  The music gradually increased in tempo until the end.  I led the dance with a handkerchief that belonged to my grandfather.  After the dance, pieces of the bread were served to guests as the platter was passed throughout the room.”

Let me just say…that bread smelled great.  But it tasted better!  The dance was wonderful, encompassing the entire room as the line weaved in and out between tables.  The joy simply overflowed :)

Mary and Ben, it was an honor to be a part of the family for a day.  Your day was truly all about the two of you and the love you share.  Your family and friends are an amazing support to you and I know their love helped make the day so special.  It was felt by all.  Thank you so much for letting me a part of it…and for the sweet bread :)

“Together they stand on a hill, telling each other stories and feeling the warmth of the sun on their backs.  And that, my friends, is how it is with love.”

-Edward Monkton