Nicole and Chris's Relaxed Intimate Wedding

From the Bride: What I loved most about our wedding day was honestly what set our day apart from others, and that is why we made our day exactly how we wanted it, despite typical customs. We took a slightly less conventional schedule for our day and made it just what we wanted. We wanted an intimate, special ceremony for the two of us, not wanting the ceremony to be overshadowed (because it truly is all that matters at the end of the day!). We also still wanted to celebrate BIG with all of our friends and extended family. We are high school sweethearts, together just short of eleven years by our wedding day, so there are a lot of people that mean a lot to the both of us from over the years, and we wanted to include them too! So keeping it small and intimate, but also not leaving anyone out..... tricky huh?? So we sent out 2 separate invitations actually! We also did not have a wedding party. We kept our ceremony small with just our closest friends and immediate family. Friends and family that would have been in a wedding party were those invited to the ceremony. We then had a small cocktail hour & dinner afterwards to give us max time to visit and celebrate with those closest to us. Then, that evening, we had a large separate party where EVERYONE was invited. The party was more casual, many people changed into more comfortable clothes, and everyone got to be involved in cake, hors d’oeuvres, drinking, and dancing! A LOT of dancing! It was the best of both worlds!!

Oh! And my next favorite/unique part was that we were able to include our big fur baby boy (85lb yellow lab) as our ring bearer! He was perfect and even gave a couple welcoming kisses to our guests on his way down the aisle to us! I think my favorite moment was actually our first dance. Even with keeping the ceremony small, I felt like Chris and I were constantly pulled apart to take pictures or visit with various family/friends. It’s just busy & flies by so fast! We love to dance and Chris is one that frequently pulls me in to slow dance at random times - even when I’m embarrassed and fight him not to! I thought it would be awkward with all eyes on us, but at that moment, even after all of our extended family and friends arrived, watching us, I felt like we were the only two people in the room (“tent”) and the whole world just stopped for a moment. I remember feeling so incredibly happy and comfortable dancing in his arms as if we were back in our kitchen and I know that is something we will always have for years to come :)

From the Groom: My favorite moments of the day were at the beginning of the ceremony. I loved walking out of the barn with the sun in my face and seeing all of my loved ones sitting between the rows of grapes and then standing up in front of everyone and looking back and seeing our puppy walk down the aisle with my best friend. Then my bride was revealed when the door opened, and I couldn’t look away. The sun was catching on the jewels on her dress. She was actually glowing. I thought at first, that it was my imagination until I figured that it was an actual glow.

Photography: Sharin Shank Photography, (2nd Photographer)- Becca Novak | Location: Robards | Venue: (Getting Ready and Reception) Private Residence (Ceremony) Farmer and Frenchman | Florals: J' Petals | Caterer: (Cocktail Hour) Farmer and Frenchman (Dinner) Bauerhaus Catering | Cake: Bauerhaus Pastries | Rentals: Bauer’s Tents & Rentals | Hair: Ellie Schmitt - Salon One | Bride’s Attire: Ella Park Bridal | Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Credits: (Film Lab) The Find Lab