My Wedding Day Part 3 – The Reception
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.
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!
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!
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!
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….”
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!!
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.
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!
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!
And this one below is my Grandma! Love you…
This is our… “We finished the cake backdrop!!!” face. Haven’t heard the cake backdrop story yet? Read it all here.
And last but not least, a few photobooth favorites!! Thank you Kiandra Chun for taking these!
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.
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