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Courtney and Michael’s Backyard Barn Wedding
Posted on February 24, 2021 by Ariana Baio
How did you meet?
We met when I was 13 and Michael was 18. He joined the fire company that my dad and brother volunteered at and was friends with my brother. We saw each other at firehouse parties and gatherings, but never really said anything more than “hi.”
Michael proposed to me the same day that he graduated from the police academy. We went to an overlook near our house at Round Valley Reservoir after his graduation ceremony and took some photos. During the photo op, he got down on his knee and popped the question. I began to cry and of course said, “YES!”
Our colors were burgundy and navy. We had a very rustic theme with hay bales for chairs during the ceremony, mason jars filled with burgundy, white, and blush pink roses on top of wood rounds with navy votive candle holders surrounding the mason jar for our centerpieces, and mason jars for guests glasses for the night, as well as their favors. We were also sure to incorporate two fire pits and outdoor games as those are things we enjoy ourselves. Our cocktail hour included Chick-Fil-A (one of our favorites), dessert included a donut wall displaying Krispy Kreme donuts (another favorite), and we ended the night with the delivery of pizzas (one of our other favorites).
I always wanted to get married in a barn. My dad always wanted a barn on his property. When Michael and I got engaged and discussed a barn wedding with him, he took that as an opportunity to build a barn, which is where we got married. My dad really turned my dreams into a reality when building and decorating the barn for our ceremony and reception. He took my vision and brought it to life, and I could not have asked for a better venue than the one that my dad built for me.
Our cocktail hour included Chick-Fil-A (one of our favorites). Our menu included beef burgundy, chicken Francaise, and chicken parmesan, as well as penne vodka and cavatelli with broccoli. Our desserts included cake, cupcakes, cookies and donuts from Krispy Kreme. Our cake was a naked vanilla cake with vanilla icing. We also ended the end with pizzas.
My gown was a fit-and-flare. It was a V-neck with a low-cut back. It was covered in sparkles and a really beautiful design all throughout the gown. This was the first dress that I ever put on—I thought it was too good to be true so I continued to try on others. At the end of the appointment, I asked for that first dress back and when I put it on I knew instantly that it was the one. I felt like a bride and felt so beautiful in it. I knew it was perfect for me and I could not leave that day without saying yes to that dress.
My favorite moment was turning the corner and seeing Michael standing there at the altar. That is when it really hit me that I was finally getting to marry the love of my life and the person that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. My other favorite moment was standing up there with him and just soaking in all the love we have for each other, as well as all the love our guests have for us. It was truly just a special and magical day.
I really wanted Chick-Fil-A and Krispy Kreme at our wedding!
The day was perfect. Obviously, I’m sure things went wrong or not as expected, but I was way too focused on marrying the love of my life that I did not even notice.
“Then,” by Brad Paisley.
Advice to other brides?
Planning gets overwhelming and stressful, but trust me when I tell you that it is all worth it. No matter how much stress or worry you put into the day when the day comes you’re not even thinking about any of those small things. All you’re thinking about is getting to marry your best friend/your person/ the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. The day flies by, so soak it all up and enjoy every moment because it truly is the most magical and best day of your life, but it goes by in the blink of an eye.
Planning gets overwhelming and stressful, but trust me when I tell you that it is all worth it. No matter how much stress or worry you put into the day when the day comes you’re not even thinking about any of those small things. All you’re thinking about is getting to marry your best friend/your person/ the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. The day flies by, so soak it all up and enjoy every moment because it truly is the most magical and best day of your life, but it goes by in the blink of an eye.
the details
Hometowns
Annandale
Reception Location
Backyard Barn
Photographer
Officiant
Celia Milton
Bride’s Gown
Eddy K CT251 from Three Graces Bridal
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