Isaac and I have been planning our wedding on Lake Mirror in Lakeland, FL for almost 2 years. Honestly, I see now why most people after getting married, say they wish they’d have eloped. Planning a wedding is a ton of work, even more so when you choose a DIY wedding with several large scale projects, and then tack having a destination wedding – it made our wedding week a little hectic to say the least. 🙂

We had a beautiful week in Reunion Resort near Championsgate in Kissimmee, Florida. We rented a huge mansion-style home to house all the immediate family and bridal party members. With 14 bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, pool, swim up bar, water slide, huge kitchen, 2 entertainment areas, we were never without things to do. My parents and Isaac’s parents hung out on the balcony on the 2nd floor, and my little niece’s (Alayna) favorite spot was in the hot tub with her newest partner in crime Seton (Isaac’s nephew). While we were staying all together for the week, we were able to have the Bachelor/Bachelorette party, my boudoir shoot, Universal Studios Orlando, Disney’s Magical Kingdom, the rehearsal dinner (a BBQ for all of our guests with some live acoustic playing from my talented cousin Brent) and of course wedding type stuff (hunt down the UPS man for my flower delivery, the bridesmaid dress from Rent the Runway, make all the centerpieces, programs, bouquets, etc).

The morning of the wedding, I ended up asleep between my parents at 3am. I remember laying there half awake, about the mountain of stuff that had to be done the next day, submitting myself to allowing whatever to happen, and not even focusing on the excitement ahead. I was exhausted/nervous from the work, from everyone’s’ needs/expectations, and being extroverted all week.

The morning came, and my Matron of Honor was willing to take the first hair appointment with my MUA & Hairstylist, to give the other girls who stayed up late a little extra shut-eye. Before I knew it, I had my hair, makeup, and vows ready to go. That morning Isaac finished getting a final few items buttoned up (DJ songlist for the ceremony/dances, final payments to vendors, etc). Although we saw each other to get these things accomplished, it was never while we were made up.

Isaac was off to finish up everything at the ceremony with the boys, before I knew it, and I was being zipped into my dress (a used version of the Pisces gown by Badgley Mischka). The next several hours felt like minutes. I was shaking the whole 40-minute drive to Lakeland, trying to practice my vows without shaking. I remember feeling at the precipice of something life-altering, and indeed it was.

I recall admiring all the girls, and how gorgeous they looked in their dresses. Chandler, my maid of honor, was reminiscent of the glamor and talent of Billie Holiday. I had never seen Natalie (my future sister in law) so glamorous and girly. My mind stopped longest on my brother’s wife Jenni, who was the only one who didn’t want to wear the dress, but looked incredibly stunning and more happy than I could have ever hoped she would be in it. And then, there was my Dad, at his seat beside me. Handsome, polished, and softer than I’d been able to recall from my childhood. My Mom was dutifully by his side, and mine, quietly reassuring. Their commitment to me in that moment, and in the months/years leading up to that day, had been unwavering. I was hoping the next several steps down the aisle would be as perfect of a moment as I had hoped.

There was only a few minutes wait on top of the Loggia before we were to walk down. I remember asking, slightly frantically, if everything was okay, if people had showed up. Soon it was time, and the familiar “Fairy Foutain Theme” from the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time came flooding up the steps. My Dad did a great job walking me the long way up to the alter. Isaac was stoically waiting for me. I remember watching him as we approached, often diverting my attention to my Dad, my surrroundings, and looking for familiar faces in the crowd.

Our amazing friend Matt Polen (also husband to my Matron of Honor), was waiting to marry us. It was a little confusing to when my Dad was supposed to give his permission (we didn’t practice this part very much), so I’ve been wondering how that turned out on camera. I suppose what was more important is that he did give his permission. I handed over my bouquet, and it was replaced by the hands of the man I was about to marry. Isaac was polished and perfected. Though I was used to looking up at him, I saw him in a completely different sight. I was momentarily sad that he was so guarded, and removed from my reach, in efforts to keep his emotions at bay. There was never a moment to dwell on anything though, and soon it was time for our vows.

The words still pierce my heart “I promise your dreams will be my dreams. I promise no matter where our adventures take us, My soul will be your home. I promise you the freedom to always be yourself, and to do the weirdest most uncomfortable things to make you laugh. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life, until death do us part. This is my solemn vow. I give this ring to you, my beloved, my friend, my husband. Whenever I see this ring, I will remember the cherished bond we have created here tonight.”

I hate to admit, but I don’t really remember the kiss. I know I have my Uncle Terry Swann to thank for catching so much of our wedding on video. I cannot wait to be reminded of all the things I know I’ve begun to forget. There are times I must pinch myself now to try and remember how things happened. It felt so good to get so many hugs from all of our family, and just the amount of fun that we saw everyone having. It felt really rewarding to be partly responsible for that. 🙂

Our photographer got some of the most beautiful photos of our day, and I cannot wait to share them all! I couldn’t believe the weather we were blessed with either. It was partly sunny, and a perfect late spring temperature you’d have to wait until Mid-May to get in Ohio. There was the smallest cool/sexy breeze as well, creating a most romantic evening.

When we entered our reception, I was so overwhelmed and excited by how good it actually looked! We had wanted cozy, not empty. We wanted coordinated, but not gaudy. We wanted guests to interact, not be weighed down by trying to make conversation. We had been a little late too arriving. We had initially planned on a half hour for the private wine tasting/presentation our caterer was doing for us (a competition between Australia and America for the best wine of the night!). When he asked us if we wanted him to condense it, we had said yes without thinking. Luckily it was a fantastic idea! Most people had poured themselves a nice portion of each kind without realizing they had less than 5 minutes to drink it before our presenter moved onto the next wine. From Australia, we had a 2013 Cabernet – Merlot from House of Cards in Margaret River, WA and a 2013 Verdehlo from Talijancich in the Swan Valley, WA. From America we had a 2014 Pinot Noir from Block Nine in Nappa Valley, CA and a 2015 Rose from Gold Hill, OR. The effects of the wine tasting made everyone loosen up at lightening speeds, and caused everyone to mingle happily early on. The Lakia side of the family (thank you Uncle Dan and Cousin Mindy) hoisted me up for a impromptu family photo. 🙂

It was a marvelous night complete with the most hearfelt speeches from my Dad, Isaac’s Mum, the Best Men, and Maid of Honors. I am, again, so happy that they were caught on tape. My Maid of Honor (Chandler), go so many compliments on her serenade to me (her biggest fan)! Isaac and I, had our first dance to Avalanche City’s “Love, Love, Love”. My Dad and I managed to sweetly dance to “My Little girl” by Tim McGraw, before busting a move into “My Girl” by the temptations (a remix I carefully crafted a few days before the wedding). Isaac danced with his Mom to “You Lifted me Up” by Josh Groban, until my Mom and I joined them for the ending after she becconed us over.

The cake cutting was sweet. We had the best dancing! Alayna (my neice) was passed out along a group of chairs. Kevin and Matt P. were best friends with everyone. Heidi and Rhiannon took turns sporting the flower crown they stole from the flower girl (Alayna). Eric, Matt G., and Daniel managed to squeeze a few keg stands of our Kentucky Burbon Barrel Ale in. Isaac insisted we take the 3 foot balloons with us home on the party bus. Isaac and I still managed to have a quiet few moments in the hot tub when we returned to the mansion. It was pure bliss, and full of moments I will never forget. There are several mishaps that happened along the way, and details I would care to forget. However, all-in-all, I loved our wedding day. I feel terrible that it has now been paled in comparison to the 4 month honeymoon backpacking trip Isaac and I have had. However, I know when I get home, slip back on my engagement/wedding ring we’ve kept in storage, I will have a daily reminder of the commitment, time spent with family/friends, and the beauty and lovely chaos of our wedding. I cannot thank everyone who participated, or sent love from miles away, enough!

Thank you for making our Wedding one of the most memorable times in our lives.
Cheers,
Kelsey & Isaac