This summer has been the summer of friendships, both personally and in our weddings.   We’ve been able to see people we haven’t seen in months, revisit old pastimes with old friends, and visit with friends who live overseas.  This summer’s weddings have seen friends from high school, college, sororities, kindergarten, and even the womb (one of this summer’s brides is a twin)!  There’s so much history between friends, and what friend would miss being part of the bridal party?!

Molly & Alex’s bridal party was filled with people from all different times of their lives, ready to celebrate with them on a very hot summer day!  We started out with ten bridesmaids in the hotel suite, everyone making their way around each other with the hustle and bustle of hair and makeup.  There was no shortage of champagne or 90’s music!  Alex’s getting ready process was incredibly relaxed, with a few good-natured jokes peppered throughout conversation.  Things turned a little more sentimental when Alex opened Molly’s gift to him—a silver wristwatch.

When we got to the church, the party was in good spirits, ready for Molly and Alex to finally tie the knot.  The music was playing and we were in our spots ready for the ceremony to start.  Through some brief conversation, we discovered through all the excitement of getting ready Molly’s cathedral-length veil was left at the hotel!

Something we tell our brides on occasion is that while being on time is important, if something crazy happens brides should know that nothing will start if they aren’t there…and that people will wait!  We’ve always said this in good faith, believing that people that want to attend your wedding will wait for you, but we were confirmed in our belief when we saw 185 people fanning themselves in the church for an extra half hour waiting for the ceremony to start.  But check out Molly’s veil…it was well worth it!

After the ceremony, we were able to make a brief stop to visit Molly’s grandmother, whose health prevented her from coming to the ceremony.  It was a wonderful visit, with heartfelt hugs and a few tears from others who tagged along.  Even if they can’t be present the whole day, weddings are best spent with ones you love.

Molly & Alex enjoyed a reception filled with lots of dancing, singing, and approximately thousands of smiles.  Which we were happy to join 😉

Photography: Matt Erickson Photography | Venue: The Tangier | Wedding Day Coordinator: Maids of Honor Events | Floral Design: Suzy Q Weddings | Bride’s Bouquet: Susie Kay’s Design | Hair & Makeup Artist: Beauty Therapy | Accommodations: Hilton Akron/Fairlawn | Entertainment: Pure Events Group | Photo Booth: In Focus Photo Booths LLC | Videographer: Work Shed Weddings | Film Processing: Photovision Prints