We try not to play favorites but Mariah and Larry sure do hold a soft spot in our hearts! Throughout their entire wedding planning process, we kept finding more “no way, you too?” moments with them, sharing a love of Disney, and more recently our dog babies, we became better friends than I think we both expected! But who better friends to ask for than Mariah and Larry? These two sweethearts are genuinely some of the kindest people we know! So today I’m really excited to tell you all about their incredible wedding day and all the fun moments we shared with them!
The best way to start any wedding day, in my opinion, a huge hug! I’m a total hugger, so when Tom and I walked into the hotel suite in the morning and saw Mariah absolutely beaming, we couldn’t help but give her a big squeeze! The room was an explosion of beautiful bridesmaids, pretty dresses, makeup, hairspray, all things girly! I was in my element, but Tom headed downstairs to meet up with Larry and the guys! Already excited about the wedding because of my love of Mariah and Larry, the day only kept surprising me with more things to be excited for, and with this crew of makeup artists and videographers, I was left questioning if this day could even get any better! Well, of course, that answer was YES, because of their first look!
So picture this, a warm fall day, you’re at the top of an enormous hill with a calm breeze and the sun is making everything look like it’s painted in gold. It was a scene right out of a Nicholas Sparks novel! Tom and I drove up the hill separately, Tom with Mariah, and me and Larry. We both got to experience two sides of their anticipation, which was a fun change of pace because most of the time we spend our morning the opposite way! It was obvious to see how excited they were and we both knew how sweet the moment was to come! With a giddy dance from Mariah and a tap on the shoulder, Larry turned and the look on his face said it all, even his eyes were smiling!
After wandering through trails in the woods and to the highest peaks of the hill with Mariah, Larry and wedding party for photos, we made our way back down to the ceremony space. All of their family and friends sat waiting to see Mariah make her way down the aisle. The short few minutes I spent with Mariah and her dad right before the ceremony was my favorite part of the day. Being a “fly on the wall” and being able to see what a strong bond they shared was really special and was an awesome reminder of what the love of a parent means!
A live singer accompanied Mariah and her father on their walk to the altar, only adding to the picturesque scene. The rolling hills plus such an elegant wedding party, what a view! The beautiful bridesmaids in their flowing gowns, the guys in their stylish gray suits, and Mariah’s dress, incredible, it was so timeless and romantic. Also, keep in mind she rocked sneakers all day, I loved her for it, and I’m sure her feet did too! Everything about their ceremony was breathtaking, the aisle was lined with verses from Corinthians 13, and the white drapery adorning their arbor blew in the wind as they exchanged rings. Larry’s wedding band is extra special because it was picked together on a recent trip to Hawaii, and made from Koa wood, a treasured and valuable hardwood that represents integrity and strength.
Following the sun-drenched ceremony, guests made their way to the barn in the valley below. It was just as romantic as the ceremony was, string lights, chairs decorated with pearls, and it smelled heavenly in there with all of the bath and body works candles burning (just when I thought I couldn’t love Mariah more she busts out my favorite scents!) I loved seeing so many photos from our super fun engagement session, and Tom and I were thrilled to see a special one hung up of their super sweet fur baby, Archer! After everyone was treated to some very touching toasts and heartwarming first dances, we all dug into a delicious buffet and then were treated to a gourmet donut bar! Even though we wished it wouldn’t end, when it came the time, sparklers sent the newlyweds off!
Mariah and Larry, we wish we could celebrate with you every weekend! Tom and I love you guys and could not be happier for you both, congratulations!
Florist – Bride’s Stepmother
Makeup artist – Makeup by Nicole Marie
Hair – Meg and Danielle Artistry
Dress – Allure Bridal
Caterer – Michael’s Fine Food and Spirits
Music – Jones Tones
Officiant – Bride’s Uncle Kim