You never know how you’ll feel on your wedding day. All the excitement rushes to the surface and it’s hard not to be anxious, wedding butterflies are inevitable. As Erika put her dress on she felt them fluttering in her stomach (she was so excited to see Jim!), and even her dad tried to fight them off as he performed the ceremony… he forgot to give them time to exchange rings before announcing them man and wife! But in the moment that happened everything came full circle, their love was bound, and all the hiccups along the way ceased to matter. It’s one of the greatest feelings… to say your vows and then party down with those you love the most. And they did just that! (And it doesn’t hurt to hire a kick-ass wedding planner like Beth Bernstein to keep everything in check!)
Erika’s dress looked mighty good hanging in such a big window…
I couldn’t resist this back-lit shot, her gorgeous silk dress fit her so well.
The guys were getting ready in the building next door…
Beth helped Jim with his boutonniere.
First look!
Erika looked great under the arches.
And then we were off to one of my favorite spots (it’s so colorful!).
The bridal party was feeling feisty!
The guys…
The girls…
Lynn from Pollen did a great job on the flowers!
Beth had Jim and the gang lined up and ready to go.
Quick ring exchange!
And the kiss!
So cute!
Party time!
He can almost reach the cake…
Congratulations Erika and Jim!
Even I made a fool of myself in the photo booth…
Erika-Jim Photobooth from Bethany Fritz on Vimeo.
Second photographer: Dana Loftus
Hair and makeup: Solo Salon
Florist: Pollen
Ceremony location: Ravenswood Event Center
Reception location: Ravenswood Event Center
Event Planner: Beth Bernstein – SQN Events
Officiant: Thomas Bye (Father of the Bride)
Cake: Tipsy Cake
Caterer: Ravenswood Event Center
Dress: Bride and Bridesmaids – Elise Bergman
Accessories: Bride’s Necklace – Tammy Kohl – Takohl Custom Jewelry
DJ/Band: DJ Weaponry (Noah) – Style Matters
First Dance: Band of Horses – No One’s Gonna Love oYou
Father/daughter: Bing Crosby – Let Me Call You Sweetheart
Q&A with the bride:
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Erika: Seeing Jim for the first time and realizing this is it… also the reception post father daughter dance when we realized it was now just a fun party with all our friends.
What was your favorite detail?
Erika: There was not one.. but the attention to all details were amazing.. Beth having everything covered, Noah playing specific song requests at the perfect moment, knowing everyone was having fun, your attitude even when I was feeling stressed out pre-ceremony.
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
Erika: Me walking up with a cocktail about to enter the reception area to see people.. forgetting that bride and groom make an entrance… The look on Beth’s face, she threatened to take away my cocktail 😉
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Erika: A good planner you can trust makes all the difference.. enjoy every moment.. and try to keep some things simple! I was so thankful I had a dress that I could move in and take myself to the bathroom in.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
Erika: Honestly No! .. Jim and I even came home afterward and are so happy about that decision. After party cocktails and post event reflections were fun.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Erika: Kauai, HI