I can hardly believe our wedding day came and went in the blink of an eye. Everything was absolutely perfect and I am so happy that we did it in a way that was truly “us”. On Friday Tyler’s parents flew in, my dad met us in Orlando and we made our way to the courthouse. After way too much laughter in the church “chapel” we were married in the quickest 3 minutes of my life. The next morning (our wedding) was when it really all started to sink in. I headed to St. Cloud early in the morning to get my hair done and then went to my friend Tara’s house for her to do my make up. I got in my dress and before I knew it we were headed over to the park. The morning started off chilly in the 40’s but bye the time I was about to walk down the aisle I was able to take off my jacket and still be warmOur ceremony was beautiful and Tyler’s vows had me laughing the entire time. Only my true soul mate would start off their vows with “Melissa, I love you like a fat kid loves snickers”After the ceremony we took some pictures and then headed to Diane’s Tea Room in downtown St. Cloud for brunch, mimosas and delicious cake. It was so nice to have our family and close friends in such a relaxed setting. The speeches were heartfelt and funny, and just thinking about everything makes me smile, and before we knew it we were saying goodbye. As a photographer I am so fortunate to have so many wonderful, talented and amazing friends. My business partner at Stay Forever Photography, Jessica, drove all the way up from Jupiter in the morning and captured our wedding in her light, airy, romantic style. I was fortunate to capture her beautiful wedding a few years ago and I’m happy she was there to capture mineMy wonderful bestie Tara who did my amazing makeup also took pictures for us too in her vibrant, emotional, and colorful style. I love how well all of the styles just blended together to capture so many special parts of our day. I was also fortunate to have my friend Annie come down from Lake Mary and also take photo’s for us, she just started her business earlier this year and I love seeing how much she has grown already and the beautiful moments she captured of us. It’s crazy to believe it was 2010 when Jess and I captured your wedding! And yes only a photographer would have 3 photographers for a 20 person weddinghaha! A huge thank you to Michelle at Blue Grass Chic who I met earlier this Fall when we worked together on a styled shoot. She created the most vibrant, unique and original bouquet I have ever seen. It was everything I ever wanted and moreTo my now friend Allison, thank you for the beautiful signage and calligraphy, it was like you were inside my mind and everything turned out perfect. Another huge thank you to my friend Jamie with Southern Belle Cakery who made the most delicious wedding cake for our day! And to my “sister” Tamlyn, thank you for all of your help throughout planning this wedding and for the beautiful pieces you crafted for us on our day, but most of all for the beautiful speech you gave, you are so special to me and I don’t know what I would do without you in my life. Thank you to all of our family and friends that came out to celebrate with us, we love you all so much and we were so honored that you took time out of your weekend to celebrate with us, it meant the world.

And most of all a sweet Thank you to my husband for putting up with my “non” stress before the wedding (and while planning), for assuring me that everything would be perfect (as it was), and for your sweet vows that were perfectly you. I love you so much and I am so excited to share this adventure we call life with you.

Here are a few of my favorites from our wedding day. All photos by: Tara Libby Photography, Jessica Bordner Photography, and Penelope Anne Photography.

Dress: Mara Hoffman
Bouquet: Blue Grass Chic
Calligraphy: Allison Kathleen
Styling and Props: Colt + Coop Supply and Design
Jam Favors: HAITRU: Unique Gifts
Cake: Southern Belle Cakery

These slate stones were found last Christmas when Tyler and I were in Oklahoma with his family. We’ve used them in our home as coasters, candle holders, and even hot plates. I couldn’t think of a better way to incorporate us then to use them for our rings on our wedding day