Wedding Week: the ceremony

It was truly important to both of us that our ceremony reflect us as a couple. We aren't very religious, so we opted to have a judge officiate our ceremony {p.s. his name was Michael Jordan ... is that awesome or is that awesome?}. We wanted to keep things short and sweet - stick to the important parts.

Our ceremony was held in the courtyard of our wedding venue - Ivy Room. I loved that our guests didn't have to move locations between the ceremony and reception - and the gorgeous courtyard stole my heart! Despite the small chance of rain in the forecast we were able to make it outside for the ceremony {happy dance!!} and didn't see a drop of rain all day! I tried not to stress about the weather, but it's really hard not to. 

Right before the ceremony was probably the most anxious part of the day for me. I seriously could not sit still and was pacing outside of the bridal suite - stupid nerves! Once we were lined up ready to walk, my attention turned to my father ... {he was more nervous than me} major pep talks were needed! 

We had a harpist and a violinist play for the ceremony. The bridal party walked down the aisle to Air On G String. I walked down to the traditional {but lovely} Canon in D.  The recessional was Stand By Me. My dad {true to form} cried the entire way down the aisle and as a result, there was not a dry eye in the house. 

After a short welcome by the judge, we exchanged some personal messages we wrote for each other. I will forever remember these. We then recited somewhat traditional wedding vows that we wrote together and then exchanged rings. We sealed the deal with a kiss and then - we were married!!! 

btw: {at one point earlier in the ceremony I went in for a kiss - I got caught up in the vows!! - and it was awkward}.

isn't he the cutest? i think so too :)