Mr + Mrs Klein.

9 April 2016

When my youngest sister, Elise, moved to Tampa, Florida, to be closer to her new fiancé, Sergei, it made planning her hometown wedding a little challenging. So, I got the privilege (and freedom) to handle the wedding planning and coordinating with her out-of-state input!

Very shortly after Sergei proposed, Elise was back 'home', in Nebraska, to do some dress shopping with me, our other sisters and mom. We spent a 4-day weekend trying on both wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses!

Elise knew she wanted her colors to be a soft blush with gold accents. Perfectly fitting for an April 9th, spring wedding! We unanimously agreed upon floor length dresses with a feminine, illusion-sweetheart neckline -- in "petal" from David's Bridal.

I've mentioned in previous blog posts that D.B. is very handy for dress fittings as they are conveniently located in many cities nation-wide, allowing your wedding party to try-on for size the exact style and size of dress needed to order!

With the weekend coming to a close, we worried we may not find Elise's dress...until we went into Ellynne Bridal (in Lincoln, Nebraska)! The first dress she tried on was the one!

We had agreed upon Elise's perfect silhouette at one of the first boutiques we went to -- a fit and flare. That style very tastefully showed off her fit, athletic curves -- something Sergei was hoping to see in her dress 😉

The first dress she tried on at Ellynne's fit her like a glove and you could tell with the 'pep in her step' that it was absolutely the dress for her!! 🤩 It's simple satin bodice and sweetheart neckline allowed for the flouncy, asymmetrical ruffled skirt to literally "stand out"! Alternating pearl and rhinestone buttons lined the back and a matching cathedral length veil brought it all together.

No necklace was necessary, but Elise did add some bling with chandelier earrings.

To continue with the sweet and simple yet truly elegant spring theme, Kearney Floral Co. arranged a striking bridal bouquet of large, blush and pink peonies. The bridesmaids' bouquets were faux, blush peonies we found at Hobby Lobby in their bridal aisle.

The men's boutonniere's also came from Hobby Lobby--costing only $1.99 each🤩🤗 -- and were a single, non-fussy silk, blush and white ombre rose bud.

The church's sanctuary stage had been trimmed (for Easter) with panels of sheer white fabric strung up from behind the cross at center. It was stunning! I can't think of a better backdrop for their wedding! Clean, simple, chic.

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Elise had visions of a sunny and airy morning wedding and reception.

Kearney eFree Church's main atrium leading into the Worship Center features a "cube" of floor to ceiling windows. This was the perfect spot for Elise's breakfast reception in the warmth of the morning sun. However, at the time, eFree did not have it available to contract this area out for weddings. But, after an email to Pastor Adrian, arrangements were graciously made to allow this area to be converted into a reception area for not only Elise and Sergei's wedding, but future weddings as well.

Round tables, chairs and white table cloths were provided as a package deal through the church. Next, white chair covers, blush organza overlays, gold vases, gold chargers, gold rimmed plates, coffee mugs and crystal water goblets were all rented from both Platinum Event and Wedding Rentals and AAA Rents & Events Services (both of Kearney, NE).

Mom and I designed and made all the centerpiece floral arrangements with silk flowers, gold candlesticks and gold bowls purchased from both Hobby Lobby and Michaels.

The tablescapes were topped off with gold-lettered table numbers and gold, plastic utensils similar to these 👉 disposables!

Hy-Vee catered and very professionally both served and displayed -- mini omelets, bacon and sausage links, waffles, fruit, coffee and orange juice.

Ktown Cakery provided a crisp white and gold-piped art deco cake and Groom crepe cake.

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When the wedding and reception were all said and done, everything was cleaned up and everyone changed out of their wedding attire, we had an early family dinner and "fair well" to the out-of-towners at Old Chicago. That evening, Rick and I drove the newlyweds to Omaha for their early (the next morning) flight back home to Tampa so they could bon voyage on their honeymoon cruise!

It was a quick wedding weekend, but an absolutely stunning day that I'll never forget! 💗