Although the previous days had predicted rain, the sunshine popped out just in time for all the warm smiles at Jaay and Whitani's wedding. Cherry Hill Event Center's beautiful park setting made a perfect ceremony background.
The Attire
Whitani, her mom, and her sister put on their finishing touches in the Cherry Hill bridal suite. Whitani's mom carefully buttoned up her satin A-line gown. The back of her gorgeous dress was adorned with cascading white buttons, and the front had a dazzling semi-sweetheart neckline. She clutched her classic, round, teal and purple bouquet - one that was very dear to Whitani - that included a flower petal from the her mother's own bouquet so many years before.
Jaay wore a grey suit accented with a mint bowtie and custom mint shoes. The boutonnieres were handmade by the couple to resemble a pinwheel.
First Looks
The couple’s first look took place in the park's gazebo. Jaay waited patiently for Whitani to get in place.
During this time they exchanged gifts. Jaay presented a personalized scrapbook to Whitani with a heartfelt love letter that brought tears to her eyes.
Whitani also decided to take a special moment with her parents for a first look as well, and gave each a handkerchief which had a hand written letter to them. I'm so happy she decided to do this because it created a truly special photo opportunity so many brides don't think to take advantage of.
Ceremony
As the processional started, Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You" spread love across the park just outside of the event center. Jaay was accompanied by her best woman, Shanae as she anxiously waited for Whitani to take her first steps down the aisle.
As everyone stood for the bride's entrance they heard:
"All of me Loves all of you Love your curves and all your edges All your perfect imperfections Give your all to me I'll give my all to you You're my end and my beginning Even when I lose I'm winning 'Cause I give you all of me"
- John Legend "All of Me"
Whitani's mother and father walked her down the aisle, and exchanged a heartwarming hug with Jaay.
The couple wrote their own vows to read during the ceremony. As Whitani read the words in the first line aloud her eyes filled with tear.
The couple chose to include a unity sand ceremony to symbolize their union as a new family, complete with their new last name lettered on the front of their vase - Kobey.
Reception
The wedding party made their grand entrance to "Let's Get It Started" by The Black Eyed Peas and everyone was ecstatic to welcome the newlyweds!
Afterwards, dinner was served by the Cherry Hill Event Center staff, followed by the couple's first dance and cutting of the cake. The rest of the night they enjoyed dancing and talking with guests. DJ Jonathan from Blue Diamond Events rocked the house with a personalized playlist - seamlessly mixed - full of everyone's favorite music. The selection was a mix of hip hop, R&B, and of course some country, Whitani's favorite.
Vendors
DJ & MC | Blue Diamond Events | info@bluediamond-events.com
Photographer | Blue Diamond Events | Amy Blevins | AmyBlevins@bluediamond-events.com
Venue | Cherry Hill Event Center | 2011 Corona Rd # 203, Columbia, MO 65203
Caterer | Upper Crust
Blog Post | Amy Blevins | Blue Diamond Events