WEDDING DAY!!! The majority of the photos below (all marked) were taken by Shane and Tia Brant of Images by Brant. Please feel free to check out their other work!
www.imagesbybrant.com
It was an hour ride from where we had gotten ready, to where the ceremony was to be held....and I must say, the limo ride?...Amazing! It was the perfect opportunity to blast music, sip on some Martinelli's, and just soak in the feeling of celebration with those dearest. And my 9 year old nephew, who is very dear to my heart, got to come along for the ride...and guess what was the highlight of the weekend for him? Of course... ;-)
Once in downtown Portland, we took some family photos...
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| The Carter Family. |
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| My mother, sister, brother and I. |
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| With my Dad's side of the family, including step siblings and my grandmother. |
And then to the ballroom we went!!!....
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| A memorial table, honoring my dearly loved Granddads (Granddad Isherwood (on the right) passed in 2009 and Granddad Laing (on the left) passed the week before the wedding) and Paul's dearly loved father (who passed in 2007). |
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| Hidden away in the bridal suite, I started to become very nervous. |
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| The room was cleared to give Paul and I a moment to be still, and soak in what was about to happen. |
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| Paul whispered a few last sweet somethings before he was swept away, not to see me again until I was walking down the aisle. |
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| After Paul left, Gabby helped me place my veil (I purposely saved this in order to not complete the bridal look until moments before I was to be walking down the aisle). |
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| To calm my jitters down, my bridesmaids joined me in some very heartfelt prayer. This moment was very raw and genuine, and remains very dear to my heart. |
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| Shannon and Nick lined up, ready to go! |
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| Cash, our ring bearer, ready to go! |
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| My dad giving some last minute comfort and Daddy advice. |
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| And the quartet began to play!!!... |
After stealing a few minutes away for ourselves, we returned to the bridal suite to share a special moment with just the bridal party and immediate family. Nick shared a piece of his heart and from the bible about the significance of humility and service to one another in marriage, and the incredible example Christ gave for us to follow. In a symbolic manner, Paul and I then took turns in washing one another's feet.
Having joined one another emotionally and spiritually, it was time to make it legal!!
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| Awaiting our entrance into the reception. |
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| Upon being announced back into the reception as "Mr and Mrs Carter!!"....Cassius came running up to embrace me. (My nephews....gahh!...I love them.) :-D |
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| Our dessert of choice was Cheesecake (made by Lisa!) with a topping bar. |
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| We also had an Italian soda bar (two of Paul and my favorite things: cheesecake and Italian sodas)! |
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| Everything was going according to script, until this moment...(I was confused at what Paul was doing).... |
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| And then I (and obviously, Gabby) began to understand.... |
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| Paul surprised me with a song! |
"This is my friend, this is my beloved...." Song of Solomon 5:16
