Going to the chapel...

I figure it's about time I get on with wedding recaps. We last left off with our first look and bridal party pictures at the winery. From there, we headed to the church- which is only about a 5 minute drive from the winery. My brother was once again was designated as my transportation- their Venza served perfectly for me to spread out my dress in the back seat.

As we pulled up to the church, we noticed people milling around outside, including our piano player. And quickly realized the church was locked. My mom had keys, but she wasn't yet there. Thankfully, our church is in a tiny town, and everyone who goes to the church has keys. A quick trip by two guests (thank you Brewers!) and the church was unlocked. I proceeded to hide behind the church so people wouldn't see me- and we took a few more pictures.

I do need to note that our ceremony was just family and close friends. As you'll see- our church is tiny. But it is the church I grew up in, not to mention the fact that it is gorgeous and over 250 years old. I couldn't imagine getting married anywhere else.

One of my favorites outside the church

Our other flower girl- my cousin's daughter
As we were waiting to walk in, she was being hilarious!
She said to my bridesmaids "This is my first time being a flower girl. I'm going to be in SO many pictures!"

A quick shot of church. From the back wall.
You can see just how small it really is!

Entering first from the front were our deacon, my lovely husband and his brother/best man. The rest of our groomsmen then escorted in the mothers/grandmother. 

Groomsmen Dustin with my grandma (and the only photo of her from my wedding- she left the reception early because of noise. I'm still a little upset I don't have more photos of her!)
Groomsmen Matt with my mother-in-law
Groomsmen Matt/my brother with my mom

 

 

After the mothers entered, they lit the candles up front then sat. My bridesmaids followed, one by one. And then the show stopper- and I wish I meant me! But no- our flower girls. They were seriously the cutest! We had been really worried that my niece wouldn't walk or hold hands with my cousin. But they were pros!

I mean seriously. Can it get cuter?

And then it was my turn! I wasn't at all nervous. The first look and photos before had really had calmed what little nerves I had. Seriously, I was more calm my entire wedding day than I had ever thought possible. I was just happy and excited. It was amazing to see everyone I love in one place- and walking down the aisle, I loved looking around and seeing everyone's smiling faces. Especially my soon-to-be husbands waiting for me at the end!

This first picture makes me so happy that we got married in this church!

The rest of the ceremony is a bit of a blur. Our deacon, who I have said many times in the past, is my dad's best friend. And his wife is my mom's best friend. I have known him for my entire life, and it was so wonderful to have him marry us. His sermon was interactive- and Doug kept messing up, which was hilarious. Caroline was also running back and forth between my brother and sister-in-law and yelling, "Hi. Hi. HI DOUG." So the ceremony was somewhat light hearted and fun- which was perfect for us.

I love the picture of us laughing

Before we knew it, reading were done, rings were exchanged, vows were said- and we were married!! And on our way out the door. We did a quick escape around the church as everyone lined up on the path in the back with the ribbon wands. These made for some of our favorite pictures of the day- and yet one more reason I love my church!

The ribbons and happy newly weds!

While this part of the day was only 30-45 minutes (we did a Catholic ceremony, but not full mass), it just makes my heart happy. Not only did I get to marry the love of my life (duh), but all those we love most were around us. And it was only about to get better at the reception!

Side note: We didn't really think about an exit after we went through the ribbon wands. So we had to walk back around and everyone just kind of milled around. It wasn't a big deal- but kind of awkward when we realized we didn't know what to do!

And sorry for the insane picture overload!