Heart and Soul

We got Lars and Natasha's invitation today! They are doing something similar to Margaret and Chris in that they are asking that guests RSVP online instead of sending in a card. Now Matt and I can start planning our trip down south with Kevin, Sam, Ryleigh, Jeff, and Anthony!

Book of Love

We got Margaret and Chris's save the date today! It's really cute and fits them perfectly! One of my favorite things is that they aren't doing a formal invitation, but using their website to collect RSVPs.

Here's their postcard save the date:

front

back

Dykeman Rundown

The Rundown

Ceremony
Venue: outdoor
Type: non-denominational
Colors: periwinkle, blue, and gray
Music: guitar
Maid of Honor: Rosa and Helen (bride's sisters)
Best Man: Alek (groom's brother)
Bridesmaids: 4 (blue dresses)
Groomsmen: 3 and 1 groomsmaid
Flower Girl: no
Ring Bearer: no
Officiant: justice of the peace
Programs: no
Bouquets: floral
Boutonnieres: pocket squares
Walk down the aisle: mother and father of the bride
Bride & Groom position: standing in front of altar
First reading: no
Second reading: no
Gospel: no
Vows: traditional

Reception
Venue: outdoor/indoor
Attire: semi-formal
Music: band
Cocktail hour: yes
Open bar: yes
Guestbook: no
Escort cards: tented business cards
First dance: All of Me by John Legend
Father-Daughter dance: no
Mother-Son dance: no
Bride & Groom table: sweetheart with two adjoining tables for wedding party and dates
Speeches: mother and father of the bride, mother and father of the groom, maids of honor, and best man
Centerpieces: floral
Table labels: numbers
Menus: no
Dinner: plated (marinated steak, stuffed chicken breast, Israeli couscous)
Cake cutting: no
Bouquet toss: no
Garter toss: no
Favors: no

Dykeman

Today we went to Erik and Sophie's wedding at OceanCliff in Newport, Rhode Island. It was a gorgeous day and wonderful celebration of our friends' love and commitment! OceanCliff is located right on the water in Newport and Erik and Sophie opted to have their ceremony outside. The altar was right in front of the water, so the guests were looking at the ocean, which made for some beautiful pictures. The ceremony was non-denominational, performed by a justice of the peace, and included a handfasting ceremony. They held one another's hands and the officiant wrapped ribbons around their wrists after reading different vows. Once the ceremony was complete, the ribbons are tied off and, when taken off their wrists, make an infinity symbol. It was something I had never seen done before and I really liked the whole ceremony. It's actually where the term "tying the knot" comes from. For music, they had a simple acoustic guitar being played which was beautiful and fit the venue really well.

Immediately after the ceremony, the cocktail hour began outside on the patio. There were passed hors d'oeuvres and an open bar with plenty of seating on the patio and surrounding grass. After the cocktail hour we were ushered indoors to the dining room for the reception. The dining room had two walls of large windows which made the room bright and gave everyone amazing views. After the newlyweds were introduced and had their first dance, the band played a few songs while rolls and salad were served. Both the bride's parents and groom's parents made speeches, followed by Sophie's maids of honors (her sisters who rapped) and Erik's best man (his brother). The main course was delicious (Matt had the steak and I had chicken) which was followed by their scrumptious wedding cake. (I got a chocolate piece, but there was also vanilla, both with buttercream frosting.) The band was great, but because it was so nice outside it was hard to stay indoors. Unfortunately Matt and I (and everyone else) forgot sunscreen so we ended up slightly burnt. Matt was able to enjoy a Cuban cigar on the patio with the groom, groomsmen, some friends, and the groom's father as well. It was a wonderful day which was followed by an after party at the Viking Hotel which included another open bar and snacks.

Congratulations to Erik and Sophie! We're so happy for you and wish you a marriage more beautiful than your wedding!

Here are the pictures that Matt and I took during the day:

escort card

escort card

escort card (inside)