There were so many variables that made the wedding full of opportunities and disadvantages, but everything happens for a reason. We sure have a story to tell though.
The days leading up to the event was looming with tension and anxiety as we obsessively watch the seemingly unreliable 10 day forecast. I still had hope that it will all turn out in my favor and my dream garden wedding will still happen...but as it gets closer, the hope begins to fade and I had to turn into emergency mode to make sure the day was not going to be a disaster. There were many times where I felt as though I was being pressured into something I didn't want...but it all worked out and we got the best we could with the weather we had to work with. Clearly our plans changed due to the weather, but the forecasts leading up to the big day were clear signs that we HAVE TO move indoors.
Two weeks before our wedding, a volcano in Iceland erupted and this from Fox News, "Up to 63,000 flights have been cancelled in Europe due to the volcanic eruption at Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which has spewed dust and ash across the country at a tremendous rate. Within the first 72 hours of the eruption, Iceland’s Institute of Earth Sciences reported the average discharge rate of ash at 750 tons per second -- a rate that could fill Yankee Stadium every few seconds. "
The weekend before the wedding, there were earthquakes in East TN, from local news "A 3.3 magnitude earthquake hit 5 miles WSW of Maryville, TN at 5:28am EDT Tuesday, that's 19 miles SSW of Knoxville. According to the US Geological Survey, 3.3 magnitude earthquakes typically are felt by people on top floors of buildings and feel similar to a large truck passing by. Standing motor cars may rock slightly with an earthquake of this magnitude."
The week of the wedding, the weather stations forecast thunderstorms, then it quickly turned into tornadoes. Rain is one thing, but when they forecast storms and tornadoes, tents won't be much of a rain plan. Even then, I'm still a skeptic when it comes to the weather. I still thought that we'd miss the heavy rains and storms, but at some point I needed to accept the fact that they don't forecast 100% precipitation if they truly didn't feel that there is a chance of storms.
On Thursday morning, we decided we needed to make a decision by noon that day and whether we like it or not, we needed something indoors. We somehow found a great place that was out of our budget, but we knew it would be the right place for a backup plan. It was 5 minutes away from the original location, so our guests wouldn't be traveling to a completely different destination.
Anyway, the plan worked out. Rain was not even an issue at this location. We still got the garden in the background under a covered pavilion, and the reception was inside, so no one had to worry about the rain and the intermittent storms that night. We all had a blast.
Details of the Ceremony
Music
Processional: Better Together by Jack Johnson
Bridal Processional: Stand By Me (Instrumental) by Laurence Juber
Recessional: You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
Alter Decorations
Outdoor Fireplace that was lit up
2 Large Lanterns with Candles on the mantle
Cascading Floral Arrangement in the center of the mantle
2 Large topiaries at the foot of the fireplace
Aisle Decorations
Chairs embellished with peach tea roses
Petals along the sides of the aisle
Cones filled with petals hung on chairs
Reception Details
Music
Processional: Better Together by Jack Johnson
Bridal Processional: Stand By Me (Instrumental) by Laurence Juber
Recessional: You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
Alter Decorations
Outdoor Fireplace that was lit up
2 Large Lanterns with Candles on the mantle
Cascading Floral Arrangement in the center of the mantle
2 Large topiaries at the foot of the fireplace
Aisle Decorations
Chairs embellished with peach tea roses
Petals along the sides of the aisle
Cones filled with petals hung on chairs
Reception Details
Guest Sign-In Table
Large Initials displayed in between 3 bud vases with bells of ireland, rose, and button mums
Guestbook
Blue tissue paper pom poms
Programs
Picture/Favor Table
2 Large Ferns staked with pictures hanging from it
Party favor boxes embellished in a blue ribbon spilling out of a copper tin bucket
Cake Table
96 Gigi's Cupcakes with assorted flavors ebellished with push button mums, tiger lilies, peach tea roses, and mixed flora inserted in between
2 wine glasses
White square dessert plates
Napkins that say, "Eat, drink, be married!"
Buffet Line
Grass display with the bases covered in moss
Gladiolus arrangement
Chafing dishes arranged in a diagonal
3 sets of 3 tiered servingware filled with chocolate covered strawberries, pineapples, grapes, and raspberries, blueberries, and more
Glass dispensers of tea and lemonade
Menu by Famous Dave's
BBQ Ribs
Roasted Chicken
Wilbur Baked Beans
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Corn on the Cob
Cornbread Muffins
Dining Tables
Linens by BBJLinen - Spring Kyoto, celadon blue with light gold/peach dahlias
Centerpieces: Square blue tinted glass vase with bells of ireland, peach tea roses, tulips, push button mums, ranunculus, and other stuff
5 Lighted Votives
Photos to come in 3 weeks! Here are some from family members posted on Facebook.
Photos to come in 3 weeks! Here are some from family members posted on Facebook.
