My sister, Karah, spent some time studying abroad in Spain during her engagement to her hubby (my BIL), Seth!
Enter me! Sister of the bride, MOH and partial wedding planner!
Karah, for as long as I can remember has been a lover of purple, violet, plum, amethyst, orchid...you get the picture. 💜 So her color scheme was quickly selected! Since the date was set for August and knowing it'd be 🥵, we picked out cocktail-length strapless bridesmaid's dresses - in lapis (aka PLUM), c.o. David's Bridal. Going through D.B.made dress fittings very convenient for the out-of-town bridesmaids to just go to their nearest D.B. and try on the exact dress to size and order it on the spot. 😀 For fun, we added peep-toed heels that perfectly matched the dress.
Karah gifted all of us 'maids with necklaces that resembled rock candy!
The men all purchased charcoal grey suits for themselves rather than renting tuxes. It just made more sense to buy and keep something for the same price you'd pay to rent and return!!
Karah found the perfect Watter's dress for herself at Ellynne Bridal (in Lincoln, NE). The taffeta gown came complete with pockets 🥰. A delicate floral belt was attached to the natural waist, really giving it a sweet and soft, feminine touch. For her 'something borrowed,' Karah altered my veil to waist-length! She polished off her look with simple, less-is-more, round diamond stud earrings with matching necklace and bracelet.
To add a vibrant splash of summer color, hot pink roses, plum carnations, orange tulips and lime green 'Bells of Ireland' were arranged for the 'maid's bouquets and mothers' corsages.
Karah added green orchids and substituted plum calla lilies, in place of the carnations, to set apart her bouquet.
For the men, silk green orchid and plum calla lily boutonniere stems from Hobby Lobby were fixed together, costing roughly $3 each! 🤩🤗
Seth constructed a huge cross to be the focal point of the ceremony. We adorned it with floral garland from Hobby Lobby and Michaels to show that through Christ's death on the cross, we too can have life!
Seth and Karah chose to symbolize their unity as one in Christ by partaking in communion as well as performing a Unity Sand ceremony. A golden sand was added first representing Christ as the foundation of their marriage. Then black and white sand (for the bride and groom obviously 😊) was poured over Christ together.
The sand evenly distributed in a vase monogrammed with an "M" is still on display in their home! 💗
To fulfill Karah's desire for an "outdoor wedding," a reception at Yanney Park's Mitzi Pavilion area was constructed!
Tables and chairs were rented and draped with charcoal grey table cloths and plum runners from AAA Event Rentals an topped off with pink, orange and plum florals and tealight candles. White lights and paper lanterns from Platinum Rentals were strung up overhead.
Platters of bite-size fruits and veggies plus trays of chicken salad sandwiches (all catered by Dad and Mom) were served buffet-style inside the pavilion. Cake by Barb Farber followed the finger foods!
Toasts and dancing under the moonlight (and twinkle lights) brought a perfect summer's night to an end, and a lifetime of love to a start! 💕