If you’ve gotten married, you may understand me when I say that while I loved the ceremony, our wedding reception was my favorite part of the day!
So we got married, and now it’s time to party! Brandon and I entered our wedding reception to the Friends theme song. Everyone thought it was our first dance. It was super awkward and we’re still laughing about it. We set them all straight when “our song,” Like I’m Gonna Lose You began to play. This is “our song” because it was the track playing when Brandon told me that he loved me for the first time, when we had our first kiss, and when he proposed. So naturally it made sense for it to be our first dance as Mr. and Mrs. The moments shared during that dance were so special.
The father-daughter dance was up next, and my dad and I chose a song by Lindsey Stirling. The really neat thing about this selection was that I had introduced him to her music a year or so before, but actually purchased tickets to see her in concert right after the wedding! So we spent most of the time dancing just chatting about how excited we were for her upcoming tour. Brandon danced with his mom last, and they probably had the most sweet and sappy time of all! There was so much love in the room during these songs, and it was a blessing to witness everyone who had come to join us for the celebration.
wedding details
Photos // Virginia Ashley Photography | Wooden Wedding Signs // c/o Susan Atkins Style + Design | Tulle, Lights, Greenery, Florals + Wooden Arbor // handmade by friends | Chairs + Tablecloths // Riverwood Events and Catering | Naked Cake // Pearl’s Bake Shoppe | Taco & S’mores Bar // catered by my brother-in-law | Drinks // bartended by friends Emcee // family friend | Location // Pocahontas State Park | Makeup // c/o KK Shoaf Inside Out Beauty | Bride’s Eyelashes // Curly Willow Spa | Bride’s Hair // family friend | Reception Dress // Lulus | Wedding Gown // c/o Lillian West via Ava Laurénne Bride | Bridesmaid Dresses in “Dusty Rose” // Azazie | Druzy Earrings // c/o The Shinn Life
After the planned dances, came the food and the fun!
Our wedding reception was the talk of the town for one reason – the food. We chose a taco bar for dinner (catered by my brother-in-law) and a s’mores bar for dessert! Everyone raved about how delicious and creative it all was, and that made us so happy. I’ll be honest – I only ate a couple bites of taco, and didn’t even get to taste the s’mores (those bridal nerves are a bear), but I know everyone around me enjoyed them thoroughly.
Brandon’s brother (and best man) gave a really wonderful toast, followed by my sister (and matron-of-honor) whose toast certainly had me in tears. Everyone cheered and enjoyed more food, mingling and chatting about how delicious the tacos were.
After a few margaritas, people started to dance. We had a playlist filled with everything from Michael Jackson and Queen to Disney tracks and more. It was so fun to just let loose after the long day and all the fast-paced activities. This was my favorite part of the entire wedding. I eventually changed out of my wedding gown and into a shorter dress, since Brandon kept stepping on my train. 😂 Then I let loose and danced the night away!
We cut our beautiful naked cake, which was a gift from a friend of mine. Thankfully, B didn’t shove any of it into my face (I kept begging him not to), and a handful of people got to enjoy slices of that, along with the s’mores. Then it was time for our last few songs, and a glow stick send-off! We walked out into the freezing night and laughed along with all our incredible friends and family as they waved the glow sticks in the air to say “goodbye.” Then it was off to our night at the boutique hotel, Graduate Richmond.
related posts
Our Wedding Ceremony // Boho Wedding Decor Inspo // Wedding Signs
Tanvi Rastogi says
You looked AMAZING and the pictures really captured the moments. Looks like so much fun.
❥ tanvii.com
Donna says
The SMILES on your faces say everything!❤️
Kiara says
It sounds like you had an amazing reception! I got married in September and it was truly incredible. Our first dance song was Michael Buble’s version of “Come Rain or Come Shine.” It speaks to marriage so beautifully and it’s honestly a gorgeous song (because Buble is incredible hahaha!) I love hearing about other people’s receptions! I would love to go back myself to enjoy that night!
Hillary Conheady says
Looks like y’all had the best time!! I love the photos!
Kimberly Smith says
Aww these pictures are so beautiful! I totally agree – our reception was the best part of the day because all the stress from the ceremony was over & we could relax and enjoy!
Rach says
I just love hearing how your wedding was the best! The reception definitely looked fun! My reception was my favorite too and all I can remember was the dancing haha!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Tanvi Rastogi says
You looked AMAZING and the pictures really captured the moments. Looks like so much fun.
❥ tanvii.com
Anna English says
What a wonderful celebration! IT looks like it was a TON of fun, and I know y’all created some memories that will last a lifetime.
Liz says
I love how you broke up each part of your wedding into separate posts! your reception was gorgeous (and of course, you were too!).
Donna says
The SMILES on your faces say everything!❤️
Laura Adney says
I can feel the positive energy! Looks like a beautiful moment
Summer says
Oh my gosh, beyond gorgeous! Stephanie, you are so picture perfect! Your reception looks like a dream. <3
Kiara says
It sounds like you had an amazing reception! I got married in September and it was truly incredible. Our first dance song was Michael Buble’s version of “Come Rain or Come Shine.” It speaks to marriage so beautifully and it’s honestly a gorgeous song (because Buble is incredible hahaha!) I love hearing about other people’s receptions! I would love to go back myself to enjoy that night!
Kimberly Smith says
Aww these pictures are so beautiful! I totally agree – our reception was the best part of the day because all the stress from the ceremony was over & we could relax and enjoy!
Kim says
These pictures are just priceless! I always love looking at wedding photos and it looks like y’all had a blast at the reception!
xoxo,
Kim
Summer says
Oh my gosh, beyond gorgeous! Stephanie, you are so picture perfect! Your reception looks like a dream. <3
Lee says
Aww looks like you had the best time. So happy for you <3
Kait | Slumber & Scones says
It looks like you guys had so much fun! I totally feel the same way with wanting to go back and live mine over and over.
Lily says
Awe, so sweet! Looks like y’all had a blast! I remember our wedding like it was yesterday, and we are coming up on 8 years married now! Time flies.
Indya | The Small Adventurer says
These photos are so, so beautiful. I adore your dress 😭🙌
Taylor Mobley says
You are so dang cute. I loved our reception the most too – it was like a big party!!!
Lauryn Hock says
In love with the sweetheart neckline of your dress! Gorgeous!
Tonya Morris says
OMG a s’mores bar?! That’s genius! Your wedding looked so fun!
Delia Atenea says
Oh my gosh Stephanie! That sparkle in your eyes!!! I can tell you guys are so in love and full of joy! And the song from “Friends”?…..you better stop because I’m thinking I totally should of done that!!! Now I can see why the reception was your favorite part! You’re making me so emotional by the way……
theeyetraveler says
This is so beautiful!! Wedding makes my heart warm, you two look so lovely! And yes, agreed, receptions are the most fun!
theeyetraveler says
This is so beautiful!! Wedding makes my heart warm, you two look so lovely! And yes, agreed, receptions are the most fun!
Nataly says
You look so pretty girl! I love all the details that you shared here…it makes me want to get married all over again.
JASMINE VARGAS says
Everything looks so beautiful. I also don’t blame you that your reception was your favorite. I’m sure the reception is the best for every bride lol
Nataly says
You look so pretty girl! I love all the details that you shared here…it makes me want to get married all over again.
Deborah says
Your reception looks like it was so fun and also incredibly special!
JASMINE VARGAS says
Everything looks so beautiful. I also don’t blame you that your reception was your favorite. I’m sure the reception is the best for every bride lol
Deborah says
Your reception looks like it was so fun and also incredibly special!
Deanie says
Looks and sounds like it was such a special and memorable celebration!! As it should be!! As a wedding planner for over a decade, I always recommend that couples have a “quiet meal” together before entering their reception. Otherwise, like you sadly did not get to enjoy or really even taste your wedding food. You will cherish these photos and memories forever!
Xo, Deanie
Deanie Michelle
Deanie says
Looks and sounds like it was such a special and memorable celebration!! As it should be!! As a wedding planner for over a decade, I always recommend that couples have a “quiet meal” together before entering their reception. Otherwise, like you sadly did not get to enjoy or really even taste your wedding food. You will cherish these photos and memories forever!
Xo, Deanie
Deanie Michelle
Amanda says
Your reception looks SO fun– everyone is having a great time! Your entire wedding looked beautiful, I love seeing how your special day came together!
PS- We’re going with a taco bar too!
Amanda says
Your reception looks SO fun– everyone is having a great time! Your entire wedding looked beautiful, I love seeing how your special day came together!
PS- We’re going with a taco bar too!
Carmen Edelson says
You can feel the joy radiating from these beautiful photos! Looks like a special day, congratulations 🙂
Carmen Edelson says
You can feel the joy radiating from these beautiful photos! Looks like a special day, congratulations 🙂
Lauryn Hock says
In love with the sweetheart neckline of your dress! Gorgeous!
Rach says
I just love hearing how your wedding was the best! The reception definitely looked fun! My reception was my favorite too and all I can remember was the dancing haha!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Liz says
I love how you broke up each part of your wedding into separate posts! your reception was gorgeous (and of course, you were too!).
Lee says
Aww looks like you had the best time. So happy for you <3
Lily says
Awe, so sweet! Looks like y’all had a blast! I remember our wedding like it was yesterday, and we are coming up on 8 years married now! Time flies.
Taylor Mobley says
You are so dang cute. I loved our reception the most too – it was like a big party!!!
Kim says
These pictures are just priceless! I always love looking at wedding photos and it looks like y’all had a blast at the reception!
xoxo,
Kim
Laura Adney says
I can feel the positive energy! Looks like a beautiful moment
Hillary Conheady says
Looks like y’all had the best time!! I love the photos!
Indya | The Small Adventurer says
These photos are so, so beautiful. I adore your dress 😭🙌
Anna English says
What a wonderful celebration! IT looks like it was a TON of fun, and I know y’all created some memories that will last a lifetime.
Tonya Morris says
OMG a s’mores bar?! That’s genius! Your wedding looked so fun!
Kait | Slumber & Scones says
It looks like you guys had so much fun! I totally feel the same way with wanting to go back and live mine over and over.
Delia Atenea says
Oh my gosh Stephanie! That sparkle in your eyes!!! I can tell you guys are so in love and full of joy! And the song from “Friends”?…..you better stop because I’m thinking I totally should of done that!!! Now I can see why the reception was your favorite part! You’re making me so emotional by the way……