Has it nearly been a week since these two said I do?? I can’t believe it.
This wedding is special to me because Nicole has been a dear friend since she moved to my hometown when we were in 7th grade. We’ve done so much growing up over the years, it’s crazy that now we are both married! It’s been so fun to “hold her hand” through the years, and a huge honor to take pictures of her and Matthew. He counterparts her so well. 😃
I started the day with the ladies at the salon, and stuck with them all morning since the gentlemen got ready in different locations.
We had lunch at the Nokes household (Chick-fil-A, of course), and that’s when the magic started. Nicole slipped into her dress with the help of her bridesmaids, and instantly was a beautiful bride. When her dad came in to see her, that’s when the emotions ran high. I’ve never come so close to crying on this wedding day, because the love between Nicole and her family was completely evident. There is something so touching about the oldest child, and the only daughter, getting married.
The rest of the day flew by once we headed to the venue. We took all the portraits we could at this moment, because Nicole and Matthew wanted to wait to see each other until she was walking down the aisle.
After some portraits, Matthew and Nicole had a first “touch”. Again, I almost cried because of the tears that came to Nicole’s face after touching Matthew’s hand. PS, I love the “lock and key” on their flower arrangements!
The Lodge was decorated with a deep country purple mixed with a vibrant red Coca-Cola theme. The feel was fun and fitting, as Nicole and her dad had a love for grabbing a bottled, cane-sugar Coke on daddy-daughter dates. Bottles collected from those dates were part of the décor.
Then it was ceremony time! Matthew’s father officiated the ceremony, and he did a great job. Some of my favorite moments were when the ring bearer crawled down the aisle, and when the Father of the Bride gave a touching “charge” to Matthew. Again, more tears. ☺️
Then just like that, they were married!! They quickly walked over to the reception area of the venue to cut the cake, and their first few moments as husband and wife were as genuine as ever.
Of course, taking a selfie is a must.
And check out Matthew’s groom’s cake, which was in the shape of the Superman logo (and if you know him, this wouldn’t surprise you). 😄
What a fun memory to have dad sign the marriage license!
After the group portraits came my favorite part: taking the couple out, just the two of them. I just love how her bouquet stood out!
The first dances were lovely. Matthew and Nicole sang their song to each other, as did Mark and Nicole in the father-daughter dance. Both were fun, both made me teary-eyed.
Now the tosses were hilarious. Nicole’s bouquet toss was a pretty typical toss, with a cute catcher of the bouquet.
But Matthew’s was classic: when he tossed the garter, NONE of the boys went for it. And it was a Superman garter, who wouldn’t want that!? 😃 Quickly after it fell to the ground, one of the guys picked it up, and saved the moment. 😄
After some mingling, it was time to head out. I think they learned that birdseed can be a little painful if put into the wrong hands, but it made for some funny pictures. 😁
And then they were off! I can’t wait to hear of their honeymoon adventures. And I can’t believe they are officially Mr. and Mrs. Bowen. Congrats a million you two!
Venue: The Lodge at Lake Wedington
Photography: Andrea Barnett Photo
Videography: Solo Jackson
Bridal Bouquet/Groom Boutonniere: Siloam Flowers
Bridesmaids Bouquet/Grooms Boutonnieres: DIY
Bridal Hair Stylist: Marie Newberry of Savvy Salon
Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Wedding Cake: Confectionally Yours, Ft. Smith Arkansas
Groom’s Cake: Harps
Coordinator: Tammie Murray
Officiant: Dewayne Bowen (Father of the Groom)
Special thanks to Stephen, my husband, who was my second photographer. He did a great job!
To see the rest of the photos, go check out http://andreabarnettphoto.pass.us/bowenwedding2015 .
Xoxo,
Andrea