Jake and I have found something so amazing....neither one of us ever thought a life like this was ever going to be possible. It sounds super cliche, but finding your soul mate is an unimaginable experience.
We set forth on the marriage road with a small and simple wedding in mind. (Or at least I thought) Jake happens to be friends with everyone, and truly enjoys being with all of his friends and family. So, this made our small wedding, "grow" just a bit. I wanted to express my feelings and thoughts during this time of my life so that I'd always have the memory of how it all happened.
The theme that stood out for me was a deep maroon, khaki and black. These are all colors in our home and ones that we all like. Your second wedding is so fun to plan because you learn what's important and what's not. I wanted to make sure my centerpieces were ones that I could in decorating around the house. (Instead of beign stuck with 17 matching glass vases with nowehere to put them)
Another theme that came about through the planning process was, Coca Cola. Jake loves Coke and has entire kitchen dedicated to it, so I thought if we could casually have coke in the decorating theme as well it would tie everything together.
My cute sister-in-law made the cutest labels for the coke bottles that all the guests went home with.
When talking about the ceremony, Jake and I both decided that saying our own vows what what we wanted to do. I have to admit, I'm so glad we did, it made it so special.
I used one of my connections at Rickenbackers and arranged the room for the ceremony and reception. It was gorgeous, the room was big enough for both reception and ceremony, there was a Bride's room, and the atmosphere was really fun.
When we talked about our ceremony and what we wanted, the thought of bridesmaids and groomsmen really stressed me out. I didn't have Julia as my Maid of Honor at my first wedding, so having her this time was a no-brainer. When thinking of a Best Man, Jake suggested Carter. He said he'd love to have the little guy be his Best Man. So naturally having Braxton walk me down the aisle fit perfectly.
The boys did so well. The night before we rehearsed (Jane and my mom both stood in as Jake because he was still working late) The first few times down the aisle, Carter pulled the funniest faces and gangsta-type moves. I was so nervous that during the real ceremony he'd pull those stunts too....but I was pleasnatly surprised that both Carter and Brax behaved so well.
We said our vows in front of our closest friends and family...Jake's were on his phone because he's not as good with memorizing things as I am. :) But there was a surprise for me....he wore his glasses. I absolutely love him in his glasses, but he doesn't. That morning he didn't tell me, but he had his glasses in his pocket so that I was surprised.
Walking down as a family...officially.
There was a huge turnout, even though we tried to narrow the list so that things were budget friendly and simple.
Brothers....
The Eskelsen Fam.....I'm so excited to be a part of this new family. They have so easily embraced the boys and I.
The new step dad.
I love my family, we've been through so much together...it's amazing to see how much has changed.
Carter was so excited to sing us a song that he wrote all by himself at the wedding. It was precious.
The besties....
Happy Day!
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