(All photos courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')
LaRaye and Andy's love story is one that takes my breath away. In fact, everything about this wedding, takes my breath away! This darling couple met when she was 7 years old and out 'Trick or Treating' on Halloween. Right then and there, Andy knew he was hooked...and all these years later, he married the 'love of his life...and the woman of his dreams'. This is the stuff dreams are made of! And we were lucky enough to be a part of their magical day.
LaRaye and Andy came to us with love in their hearts...a teeny tiny budget...and indecision as to whether or not they wanted to get married in 2011 or 2012. Once a decision was finally made, we pulled together their wedding in a little over 6 weeks. What fun!
Not surprisingly, LaRaye had already found her dream dress. It was hanging as a display in the window of a shop in LA...and, was NOT for sale. Well, LaRaye, being the amazing woman that she is, convinced the owners to sell it to her... and then, she had the designer make a few 'magical LaRaye' changes to her fabulous one-of-a-kind gown so it fit her personality and style perfectly. And fit her, it did! Without a doubt, this was one of the most spectacular dresses I've ever seen. Everyone is still talking about the InnCredible dress with all the feathers!!!!! And not just talking little feathers either...oh no, no, no, no, no! We're talking FEATHERS! Big, beautiful white ostrich feathers!
Our 'love birds' chose our 'Everything but the Dress' package and decided to get married in the historic 'Emmanuel Church' with lil 'Miss Jackson' in tow. A first for the National Park, I'm sure. To my knowledge, never before in the history of these churches has a dog been allowed inside, let alone, be part of the ceremony. But that was LaRaye. Everyone instantly fell in love with her...and from that moment on, no one could say 'no'. to our lovely bride-to-be.
LaRaye also did everything in a big way and with a flair and style unsurpassed by anyone else. She even had 9...count them...9 bridesmaids. Another first for the Emmanuel Church, I think. We had to arrange the ladies in two rows just to get them to all fit at the quaint little altar. But, no matter, the more the merrier for LaRaye! And, as you might imagine, all the gals were gorgeous, of course!
And, not to be outdone by the gorgeous women...the guys, were stylin' too. Our handsome groom, Andy, donned white buck shoes with no socks...'tres continental', don't ya think!!!! Oh, and LaRaye's brother, Cameron, wore the family tartan. I just love a man in a kilt, don't you!!!
Not surprisingly, LaRaye had already found her dream dress. It was hanging as a display in the window of a shop in LA...and, was NOT for sale. Well, LaRaye, being the amazing woman that she is, convinced the owners to sell it to her... and then, she had the designer make a few 'magical LaRaye' changes to her fabulous one-of-a-kind gown so it fit her personality and style perfectly. And fit her, it did! Without a doubt, this was one of the most spectacular dresses I've ever seen. Everyone is still talking about the InnCredible dress with all the feathers!!!!! And not just talking little feathers either...oh no, no, no, no, no! We're talking FEATHERS! Big, beautiful white ostrich feathers!
Our 'love birds' chose our 'Everything but the Dress' package and decided to get married in the historic 'Emmanuel Church' with lil 'Miss Jackson' in tow. A first for the National Park, I'm sure. To my knowledge, never before in the history of these churches has a dog been allowed inside, let alone, be part of the ceremony. But that was LaRaye. Everyone instantly fell in love with her...and from that moment on, no one could say 'no'. to our lovely bride-to-be.
LaRaye also did everything in a big way and with a flair and style unsurpassed by anyone else. She even had 9...count them...9 bridesmaids. Another first for the Emmanuel Church, I think. We had to arrange the ladies in two rows just to get them to all fit at the quaint little altar. But, no matter, the more the merrier for LaRaye! And, as you might imagine, all the gals were gorgeous, of course!
And, not to be outdone by the gorgeous women...the guys, were stylin' too. Our handsome groom, Andy, donned white buck shoes with no socks...'tres continental', don't ya think!!!! Oh, and LaRaye's brother, Cameron, wore the family tartan. I just love a man in a kilt, don't you!!!
Our fairytale princess arrived at the Emmanuel Church in a horse drawn carriage. Just what one would expect...right!
And the guys walked...LOL!
Once at the door, LaRaye froze...dead in her tracks! Not from 'cold feet' mind you. She was making this walk all by herself and it was a bit daunting, to say the least. But, with a few kind words of reassurance, and one tiny little push, she was walking down the aisle to meet the man she knew she would marry since the age of 7.
And waiting for at the altar was her 'Prince Charming'...
Their ceremony was very touching and personal. With family and friends as witnesses, our InnCredible couple were joined in Holy Matrimony by Pastor Ken. They couldn't have asked for a more magical day! And as an added treat, Andy's brother, Ryan, and sister-in-law, Meagan, graced the happy couple with a song they had written specifically for them.. What an honor! Let me tell you, there was not a dry eye in the church!
As the recessional song played, the guests went wild...shaking cute little ribbon wands and throwing kisses as the new Mr. & Mrs. Emmert walked down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife.
As the perfect ending to the perfect ceremony, all the guests gathered outside the church for a group shot with the happy couple. CHEESE!!!!
Our 'Special Thanks' to all the fabulous vendors who lovingly worked to make LaRaye & Andy's InnCredible dream wedding come true:
Ceremony Venue: 'Emmanuel Church'
Reception Venue: 'Coloma Country Inn'
Photographer: 'Stellasweet Photography' (Marjorie Branco and Anne Chadwick Williams)
Caterer: 'Beth Sogaard Catering'
Desserts: 'Beth Sogaard Catering'
Cake: 'Sierra Rising Bakery'
Carriage: 'Iron Horse Ranch'
Stay tuned...the 'Magical Land that is LaRaye' is coming up next. There is so much 'show & tell', it had to be its own separate blog post. So, don't miss it...it's gonna be a gooder!!!
Until next time....
Making YOUR wedding InnCredible!
'InnCredible Events'
530.919.4588
Thank your for your wonderful story and lovely pictures for LaRaye & Andy. It was a dream come true to be able to "be at the wedding" by reading their story and seeing their wedding pictures which showed LaRaye's beautiful mother, Linda, sister Koine', brother Cameron, and nephews Marshal & Edmund who were in the wedding party.
ReplyDeleteA fairy-tale wedding indeed and may everyone in this family live happily ever after.