If you’ve gotten married, you may understand me when I say that while IΒ loved the ceremony, our wedding reception was my favorite part of the day!
SoΒ we got married, and now it’s time to party! Brandon and I entered our wedding reception to theΒ 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,”Β Like I’m Gonna Lose YouΒ 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 asΒ 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 +Β 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 LaurΓ©nne Bride | Bridesmaid Dresses in “Dusty Rose” // Azazie | Druzy Earrings // c/o The Shinn Life
After the planned dances, came the food and theΒ fun!
Our wedding reception was the talk of the town for one reason –Β 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. π 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 ourΒ night at the boutique hotel, Graduate Richmond.
related posts
Our Wedding Ceremony //Β Boho Wedding Decor InspoΒ //Β Wedding Signs
You looked AMAZING and the pictures really captured the moments. Looks like so much fun.
❥ tanvii.com
The SMILES on your faces say everything!❤️
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!
Looks like y’all had the best time!! I love the photos!
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!
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
You looked AMAZING and the pictures really captured the moments. Looks like so much fun.
β₯ tanvii.com
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.
I love how you broke up each part of your wedding into separate posts! your reception was gorgeous (and of course, you were too!).
The SMILES on your faces say everything!β€οΈ
I can feel the positive energy! Looks like a beautiful moment
Oh my gosh, beyond gorgeous! Stephanie, you are so picture perfect! Your reception looks like a dream. <3
It sounds like you had an amazing reception! I got married in September and it was truly incredible. Our first dance song was Michael Bubleβs version of βCome Rain or Come Shine.β It speaks to marriage so beautifully and itβs honestly a gorgeous song (because Buble is incredible hahaha!) I love hearing about other peopleβs receptions! I would love to go back myself to enjoy that night!
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!
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
Oh my gosh, beyond gorgeous! Stephanie, you are so picture perfect! Your reception looks like a dream. <3
Aww looks like you had the best time. So happy for you <3
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.
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.
These photos are so, so beautiful. I adore your dress ππ
You are so dang cute. I loved our reception the most too – it was like a big party!!!
In love with the sweetheart neckline of your dress! Gorgeous!
OMG a s’mores bar?! That’s genius! Your wedding looked so fun!
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……
This is so beautiful!! Wedding makes my heart warm, you two look so lovely! And yes, agreed, receptions are the most fun!
This is so beautiful!! Wedding makes my heart warm, you two look so lovely! And yes, agreed, receptions are the most fun!
You look so pretty girl! I love all the details that you shared here…it makes me want to get married all over again.
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
You look so pretty girl! I love all the details that you shared here…it makes me want to get married all over again.
Your reception looks like it was so fun and also incredibly special!
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
Your reception looks like it was so fun and also incredibly special!
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
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
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!
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!
You can feel the joy radiating from these beautiful photos! Looks like a special day, congratulations π
You can feel the joy radiating from these beautiful photos! Looks like a special day, congratulations π
I love how you broke up each part of your wedding into separate posts! your reception was gorgeous (and of course, you were too!).
In love with the sweetheart neckline of your dress! Gorgeous!
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
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.
Aww looks like you had the best time. So happy for you <3
I can feel the positive energy! Looks like a beautiful moment
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
You are so dang cute. I loved our reception the most too – it was like a big party!!!
Looks like y’all had the best time!! I love the photos!
These photos are so, so beautiful. I adore your dress 😭🙌
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.
OMG a s’mores bar?! That’s genius! Your wedding looked so fun!