Kevinori Wedding

Hi, friends. It's been a while hasn't it? Instead of excuses I'll be honest and just say the inspiration has been lacking. Recently though I've really wanted an outlet and I'm feeling inspired to bring my thoughts, experiences and other aspects of my life to this blog. Leann is also on board for more peachy posts for 2017. It's been 2 months and I'm just now sitting down to write out about our wedding.

I wasn't really sure how to put into words the experience. I remember it being the BEST DAY and some parts of it are still a blur. Once the wedding day came, I don't remember much stress. I just remember having a lot of fun. It was one of the best experiences of my life to have all of my best friends in Kansas and hanging out together. It was also the first time my family and Kevin's had met and got together as well. From the rehearsal to the end of the reception everyone clicked and got along great. I wouldn't say I was super stressed out during the entire planning process but it definitely was a weight I had up until that week. Between my friends and family, I had people to fill in where I lacked in the planning department. All in all, the day and the details felt like a true reflection of Kev and I as a couple. I couldn't ask for anything better than that.

The Bridal Party:

My bridesmaids all knew each other via the internet but a handful of them had never hung out before in real life. Every one got along so well and it was so chill it was like a dream. They all made sure I wasn't stressed and helped in any way they could. I couldn't have asked for better girls to be by my side. Oh, and they looked gorgeous too. I would say I was very relaxed about what they wore. I just knew I wanted a long sleeve flowy dress in the certain color scheme. Almost all of the girls got their dresses from different places and at different times. They came from Charlotte Russe, Boohoo USA, Piko Clothing, & Very Jane. I let them all wear whatever boots they were comfortable with. Really I was all about them either not spending a lot of money or investing in pieces that they could wear again. I think the most expensive dress was 25 dollars. I got their headbands from Forever 21 and we made their bouquets with baby's breath from a local florist. 

I went for a complete Married in ModCloth look. I saw this dress not long after getting engaged and then 6 months later it came out in BLUSH. It was meant to be. I always wanted to have pink in my wedding dress but wasn't sure how to do that without being tacky. I ordered this dress in blind faith that it would workout. I picked out the dress that best matched my measurements. I was confident with doing this because ModCloth is known for their A+ customer service. Thankfully it fit like a dream. I found the shoes during a sale a month or two after ordering the dress. The dress and the boots both cost me under $200. My floral headband was also from Forever 21 and my sisters did my hair and make up. I LOVED my bouquet which was done at our local grocery store florist. Can you believe that?? It's still sitting in our house even though it is wilted. I can't seem to part with it. 

Kev and his brothers were in outfits with pieces we found from Kohl's and suspenders ordered on Etsy. Purple is his favorite color so that's where the color inspiration came from. The men in his family also wear suspenders daily so that was a nod to them. Kevin's favorite accessory had to be his man bun. He made sure not to cut his hair in months leading up to the ceremony so he could rock that look. My older sister braided his hair right before the ceremony. 

My nephews were the ring bearers/ring security/entertainment for the wedding. I loved having them be a part of the ceremony and they looked super adorable doing so. My best pal Sharon's baby girl Mellie was our flower girl. Sharon was my first bff to have a baby and Mellie and her birth is a miracle in itself. She's a special little girl and I didn't think twice about who I wanted my flower girl to be. 

The Ceremony:

My Dad is a minister so our ceremony process was a bit non traditional. He still walked me down the aisle but there had to be someone there to help have my parent give me away. I asked Sharon's husband, Matthew, if he would say a few words for us. From the moment I met Matthew (at a bridal shower for he and Sharon) we got along great. He understood the weird friendship of his wife and I and so it meant a lot to have him stand in front of us and say some meaningful stuff. He made me cry!! But it was wonderful and something I won't forget. The actual ceremony was a bit of a blur too. I remember laughing quite a few times and my Dad saying some nice stuff. Also, when we went to put rings on, I put Kevin's on the wrong hand! The bridal party was whispering "wrong hand" over and over to me and when I finally realized I quickly tried to fix the mistake. Our ceremony was short, sweet, and full of love.

The Reception:

We quickly made our way through some family/full bridal party photos and then moved to dinner. The venue we had had a separate place for food and the actually dance floor and reception area. We had bbq for dinner and went with mini bundt cakes for dessert. I just had a small tier made for Kevin and I to cut. We got to take a breath and eat a little bit while also saying hello and greeting every one finally. The wedding speeches had to be one of my favorite parts of the night. My MOH, Amanda, gave a speech that brought us to tears and ended with a laugh. Then Blade, the best man, surprised us all with a super hilarious heart felt speech as well. It was just the icing on the cake to how much love we had felt already that day. After that we migrated to the Barn and my Brother in law introduced us as we walked in to Back in Black by ACDC. (My new last name is Black, btw) We opted out of first dances because its not just our style. The rest of the night really flew by but was so much fun. My nephews stayed on the dance floor the entire night. Kev and I mingled with family and friends and I got to sit down for the first time that evening. One of my favorite parts of the reception was we had two fuji instax mini cameras that the guests took photos with and we have some we got to keep as well. I know I keep saying this but the best part of it all was having everyone we loved under one roof. It might be the only time in our lifetime that happens and I loved every second of it. 

Just More Pictures for You:

I will definitely look back onto this day as being one of my favorite days ever. If I could give any piece of advice to anyone reading this who might be planning a wedding currently or in your future: DO. WHATEVER. YOU. WANT. I know that sounds cliche but it's wedding planning words to live by. Forget the traditions (if you want) and plan a day that is filled with details and things that will make you happy and reflect you and your partner. I skipped over so many traditions or things that just weren't my style and I regret nothing.  

I was visiting with an 84 year old woman today and she saw my ring and after I told her I was recently married she told me this. "Stay Newlyweds forever. Even until you are 90 years old. Respect one another and never go to bed angry."

We are one loved couple. Extremely blessed to have so many friends and family in our lives who love and support us so much. The day was everything I hoped, and more. I'm excited for this new chapter with Kevin and for memories to come. Thanks for letting me share a peek into our big day. 

Life's a Peach,

Tori