the wedding | part 1

part 1: day of, pre-ceremony

our wedding was splendid; absolutely more perfect than we imagined. and it completely matched us. 

we both look back on March 18, 2016 with smiles and happy hearts, knowing we couldn't have had such an incredible day without all of the amazing people around us. to our family, thank you so very much for coming and traveling so far just to see us. we feel so blessed having you there. to our friends, you're amazing people and we are so thankful to have each of you in our lives. to our vendors, we couldn't have worked with more talented or gracious people. thank you for bringing our ideas to reality. 

we can't hide our wedding photos any longer because Johnny did a fantastic job! because we couldn't choose our favorites, i have divided this into two (2) posts, part 1 today and part 2 tomorrow. between the sections you will find commentary from both Jas and i. 

and over the course of the week we will continue to share more about our day including vendor reviews, the day of through the bride's eyes, the day of through the groom's eyes, the honeymoon and tips for anyone planning their own wedding. 

and now... for the pictures


getting ready with the girls:

Lexi: i love these girls so much and LOVE how their not-actually-bridesmaid dresses turned out! 

getting ready with the guys:

Jas: Malcolm, where the heck did you go? 
Lexi: Taylor, thanks for grabbing our wedding invitations for Johnny! you were a life saver

the extras:

Lexi: the bouquets turned out INCREDIBLE - thank you Allison. and the macaroons from Rania look amazing against the wedding invitations. plus, they tasted amazing with a coconut center. 

first look with Dad:

Lexi: this moment was so special because it was just with my parents. 

first look with Jas:

Lexi: i think was my favorite part of the day. he didn't cry like i hoped, but it was just he and i for a few minutes getting to enjoy our day.
Jason: when i was standing there waiting for her, i was freaking out. when i saw her, she was more beautiful than i imagined. ... i don't know, i was just really happy. 

we plan on sharing why we chose to have a first look in a couple of posts. 

first look with the wedding party:

this was the first time the girls had seen me in my dress or seen Jason. 

the space:

Park Tavern looked so bright and happy with Allison's beautiful table styling. and our DIY table number holders turned out so elegant. my mom was amazing, handwriting our menu on the mirror (that is now hanging in our apartment) and watercoloring the place cards. the night we strung them together was the same one Jas and Tucker fell asleep while we worked. those two bums. 

and the memorial table turned out lovely with the white frames and black and white photos of our loved ones who were there in spirit. 

the cookie table:

Lexi: this fabulous cookie table is a tradition in Pennsylvania, where my dad's family is from. my wonderful aunts and cousins were kind enough to bake ALL, yes, ALL, of these amazing treats especially for my wedding. they spent weeks making dough, baking and packing them up. then Aunt Cathy drove down, with all of them piled in the back of the van. i cannot even begin to express how much this gestured meant to me. my family is the world to me and i can't wait to one day repay the favor. you guys just let me know when you a need an extra hand making cookies! they turned out beautifully. 
Jas: damn, i want some cookies. these pictures are making me hungry again.


part 2 will include from the ceremony on and will be arriving tomorrow morning! if you were at our wedding, be sure to tell me which cookie was your favorite in the comments below.

venue: Park Tavern // dress: Carol Hannah from The Sentimentalist // veil: Korin of HelloKoin // nails: Lark and Sparrow // hair: Vera of Mint Salon // bridesmaid dresses: Esther Boutique // suit: Trio Custom Clothiers // ties/bow ties: The Tie Bar // photographer: Johnny Cheng Photography // flowers: Allison Song Co // officiant: Reverend David Hamilton // cake: Elieen Carter // map: etsy // map calligraphy: A Fabulous Fete // wedding invitations:  // macaroons: Macaronage by Rania