My Wedding Day Part 3 – The Reception

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I can’t believe this series is almost over! Next week is my last post for my #jennajosephbridalexperience blog series. It’s been fun! Today, I’m sharing memories of my wedding reception. I’m writing a lot less, because I think the photos really say it all! It was one of the best nights of our lives, and Justin and I couldn’t have been more grateful for the people who shared it with us. We love each and every one of them dearly.

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After our first dance, Justin’s father welcomed all of our guests to the party. He gave one of the best speeches I’ve ever heard at a wedding, and I may be bias, but I am still getting compliments about his speech today! I’m lucky to have a father-in-law with so much swag!

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Then, Derrick opened up dinner with a prayer. I shot his and Tori’s wedding the June prior to my January wedding, and then they flew all the way back to California from Florida to celebrate with us!

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Dinner time! I seriously wish it was longer. I didn’t get to say hi to everyone! I hear that’s a normal thing, but I still wish I had been able to personally thank everyone for being there with us!

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My sister was my MOH and gave a speech with some sweet words, and some embarrassing. This is my “I can’t believe you just said that face….”

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And Tommie shared some words of wisdom I still carry with me today! Thanks Tom. I just shot his wedding, too! SO many newly wedded friends!!

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After Justin shared a dance with his mom, I danced with my new Dad #2 while Justin danced with his new Mom #2. It was a nice way to honor my dad, since he wasn’t there to dance with me. I know my dad would be proud of the new family I’ve gained and the new father figure I have in my life! No one could ever replace my dad, but Justin and his father sure do fill the hole I once had in my heart.

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Cake time! Justin’s absolute favorite dessert is Krispy Kreme donuts, so I had some gold edible dust sprinkled on them and we called it the groom’s cake! My coordinator greeted Justin when we first walked into the reception with a fresh donut as a surprise. It was perfect!

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This is Carla. She is one of the most amazing people I’ve been blessed to meet during my career and has become a true friend. If it wasn’t for her, my wedding wouldn’t have looked half as pretty! She did all of the florals and a lot of the decor. Thank you so much for everything Carla!

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And this one below is my Grandma! Love you…

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This is our… “We finished the cake backdrop!!!” face. Haven’t heard the cake backdrop story yet? Read it all here.

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And last but not least, a few photobooth favorites!! Thank you Kiandra Chun for taking these!

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Clearly, my enormous family (this is barely half of them) doesn’t listen when the sign says the photobooth works best with 5 or less! Haha.

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To catch up on the rest of the series, follow the links below:

Week 1: How I Asked My Bridesmaids
Week 2: The Two Most Important Words of Wedding Planning
Week 3: Finding A Wedding Venue
Week 4: Choosing My Vendors
Week 5: I Thought Planning My Engagement Session Would Be Easy!
Week 6: 8 Little Wedding To-Do’s That Weren’t So Little (…for me
Week 7: Effective Wedding Communication Changes Everything
Week 8: How I Set Up My Wedding Photos For Success
Week 9: My Wedding Day Part 1 – Getting Ready
Week 10: My Wedding Day Part 2 – The Ceremony

Vendor Love:

Ceremony Venue: Corona Del Mar Community Church
Ceremony Music: Marck McKay, Lindsey Cargill, Jullian Hernandez
Officiant: Steve Salomon
Reception Venue: The Wyndham Hotel Irvine
My Wedding Photos: Rachel Jay of France Photographers
Day-of Coordination: KC Designs
Styling, Florals, Calligraphy: Carla Kayes Floral Design
Bridal Hair: Jessie Kenney
Bridal Makeup: Raeleen B. & Co.
Groom’s Hair: Erin Heck
Tuxedos: Friar Tux
Bridesmaid Gowns: Rent The Runway
Custom Wedding Gown: Jennifer Sitchler of Eden Couture
Cake: Have Your Cake and Eat It
Cupcakes: Kiandra Chun
Donuts!: Krispy Kreme
DJ: Daniel Caban
Cinematography: Nearly North Visuals

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