Brian + Caitlin // wedding
We could not have asked for a more wonderful wedding day. Brian and I are both so lucky to have family and friends that care so much for us. We can’t thank everyone enough for helping us to celebrate our big day – especially our parents. It was a day we will never forget and always cherish. The night before our big day, I spent the evening with my mom, Brian’s mom, his sisters, my sister and my childhood best friend in the bridal suite at the Holiday Inn. We ate snacks and watched one of my favorite movies Father of the Bride with Steve Martin. I’ve always said that’s what I wanted to do the night before my wedding. The next morning I had the best time laughing and drinking mimosas with all the ladies while Brian was supposed to be getting ready with the men-folk. I came to find out later that Brian had forgotten to pick his tux up. I don’t know what he thought he was going to wear that day. But he got it all figured out in the end. It felt like the morning flew by and before I knew it, it was show time.
At the church I started to feel anxious. I hadn’t seen or talked to Brian in over twelve hours at that point and was dying to see him. At the very last minute I made the decision to ditch my wedding shoes. I thought I had broken them in enough to wear them, but I just knew I couldn’t make it a whole hour of just standing in them. I decided to wear my white and gold sparkly flip flops instead - which proved to be the best idea I’d had all day. When the church doors finally opened and I saw Brian waiting at the end of the aisle I lost it. I was shaking and on the verge of crying. I cry at everything – especially weddings. But I knew I had to keep it together for my own or I would never make it through the whole ceremony. Marrying my best friend, surrounded by our family and friends and a priest that Brian had grown up with, was the most incredible experience of my life.
After pictures with the bridal party, Brian and I had some time to ourselves when we got to see the ballroom before anyone else. It was a magical moment for us to just take it all in and bask in our newly married moments. The ballroom was absolutely stunning if I say so myself. Once the reception got started, we got the chance to taste the amazing food and cake. My mom and I had found some silver decorations from my grandma’s wedding cake and we asked The Cake Shoppe to incorporate them into my cake. We had our first dance that ended with our bridal party busting a move with us. We had a special anniversary dance as well for Brian’s parents since it was their anniversary after all. The rest of the evening was spent dancing the night away with our family and friends.
Our wedding day was the most spectacular and unforgettable day of my life. The only regret I have is that it flew by way too fast and that I didn’t take more selfies! ☺ Even with a few mishaps and last minute changes to the plan, it was a perfect day. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us and I look forward to the adventures that come our way with my best friend by my side.
Details: Ceremony venue: St. Bernard Catholic Church, Peoria IL Reception venue: Holiday Inn & Suites, East Peoria IL Event design: Create-A-Scene and I Do Events, Washington IL Wedding Coordination: So-Chic Events Bouquets, boutonnieres and other florals: Gregg Florist, Peoria IL Wedding dresses: David’s Bridal, Chicago IL & Peoria IL Headpiece and veil: David’s Bridal, Chicago IL & Peoria IL Shoes: Nina Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal, Peoria IL & Bobbie’s Bridal Peoria IL Bride’s hair: Grace Konsky – The Parlor, Morton IL Bridesmaid’s and flower girl’s hair: Rachel Brackensick & Erica Turney – The Parlor, Morton IL Tuxedos: Seno Formalwear, Peoria IL