On a beautiful breezy day in April, all of Brianne & Donnie's loved ones gathered together again....to watch these two renew their marriage vows to each other. The Ceremony was held at St. Matthews Church, a church that they have recently found a home at. The grounds were quaint, charming, tidy....the inside of the church was lovely...with wood benches, natural lighting, and a lovely alter with delicate stenciling around the cross.
It was such an honor for me to be a part of this special day, being Brianne's Cousin, I had been in their Bridal Party ten years ago. I was able to participate again this time as their Planner and again as a member of the Bridal Party, a true honor.
Bri and Donnie had mentioned to me years ago that the really wanted to renew their vows on their 10 Year Wedding Anniversary...it was special for them to say those words again to each other, have their precious daughters be a part of the renewal, and celebrate again with their family and friends.
Bri looked beautiful, classically beautiful. Her dress looked as if it was custom designed for her outward appearance but also her inner spirit as well. As a little girl, I remember Bri loving "Anne of the Green Gables", she had a large victorian print that hung in her bedroom, as well as these amazing porcelain dolls...she was to me, the definition of sophistication and classic beauty.
It's a remarkable experience to see all of these qualities she had as a child still evident on the day she renewed her vows to her husband on their ten year wedding anniversary.
And then there's Donnie, not only incredibly handsome and charismatic....but also never holds back expressing the overwhelming love he has for Brianne and the two beautiful daughters they have together.
Prior to the Ceremony, Bri and Donnie had agreed to a "First Glance" in the church. Everyone was cleared from the church for the exception of Donnie who stood at the front, facing the alter....the organist who happily agreed to play music for this moment, and the photographer...capturing their expressions.
Bri walked down the aisle once again, as she did ten years ago...approaching her groom at the front....but this time it was different...the love they share.... the security and comfort they have....the confidence in themselves as individuals and as a couple....had all multiplied, ten fold.
And additionally, this time around they had two precious daughters to add to the mix. Shortly after Bri had walked down the aisle....Gracie and Ellie came excitedly bouncing down the aisle, their curls flying....so excited to greet Mom & Dad at the alter.
And there they stood...
...ten years later....
...united once again...in front of all of their loved ones....
To simply take a brief moment out of the hecticness of daily life to say....
I Love You. I Need You. I Cherish You.
And at the very end of the service they were accompanied by their daughters as they walked down the aisle again...filled with more love, more hope, and joy.
Following the service, was time to celebrate, in a big way! The reception was held at the historic "The Landmark" in Mesa inside their "Heritage Hall." It was important for Donnie and Bri to host their reception at a place that was special and meaningful to them. They love "The Landmark Restaurant" and dine their often with their girls. They love the character of the building, and delight in the warmth of the homemade food.
The room couldn't have been more perfect for Brianne's style...classically elegant and beautiful. It was intimate in size with beautiful wood floors, vintage looking gold chandeliers, and a big grand stage.
Breathtaking...
The Centerpieces were constructed by J.Starr Florist: Renata Hodl. When we met with Bri at the venue for a walk thru...we decided that the overall "feel" we were going for was "Downton Abby Inspired." Therefore it only seemed fitting that we keep the look...formal, clean, and romantic. The centerpieces were created of large displays of babies breath in sleek glass black vases.
Outside the entrance of the Landmark, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places....stood the happy couple.
The stage was transformed into a feasting table for Bri, Donnie, their girls...as well as both sets of their parents. The table was backlit was special lighting to create on overall glowing effect.
Smitten...
Bri wore pearls around her neck and in her hair and lace upon her feet.
They each gave very heartfelt toasts to their family, friends, and their daughters...thanking everyone for being apart of their lives, their journey, their story.
After dinner, the dancing began, Bri and Donnie danced again to their song..."Feels Like Home to Me" by Bonnie Rait.
And then things got WILD....tons of fun was had by this group!
As the night ended...a new chapter began...A new chapter with more love, more patience, more understanding. Congratulations Brianne & Donnie...what an inspiration you are to many.
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Photography: Still Life Studios, Matt Wheeler
Venue & Catering: The Landmark
DJ Services: AZ Celebrity DJ, Juan Sandoval
Florist: J.Starr Stylized Weddings, Renata Hodl
Planning: J.Starr Stylized Weddings, Jennifer Starr
*Special Thank You to Melissa Jonovich, for day of coordination and design set up*
Love this. So sweet.
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