Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
some things are meant to be
take my hand, take my whole life too
for I can’t help falling in love with you -EP
Some brides say their wedding day was a blur, some say it wasn’t anything special, some say they felt like they were in a dream.
In planning our wedding, I had two mantras in mind: “Make it us” and “Whatever happens, happens!” So when the day came, I had zero doubts or worries and I was able to soak in every second of it.
The week leading up to our Friday evening wedding was the perfect amount of busy, sentimental, real, and exciting. Calvin and I had a couple of hours of tension due to the stress of the week, but that was to be expected. It gave me confidence that we’d be able to work through anything and showed me just how very much he wanted this day to be everything I had dreamed up. We had the happy reunions with family and friends coming in from all over the country; the last-minute runs to the store, the late nights, the sobbing sessions, the copious amounts of frozen chicken nuggets, the last-minute dress sewing. Ours was the 4th wedding of the year among our group of friends so we knew the drill and didn’t have many (if any) surprises leading up to the big day.
{If you’re looking for a plot twist, tension, or crushing moment in this story, you might as well stop reading here. I’ll save you the trouble and say it now: Our wedding day was perfect.}
All photos by the incredible down-to-earth Rachel Clarke.
I woke up Friday morning feeling awesome after a great night’s sleep. I gathered the last of my things from my room, packed my bags into the car, ran back in to hug my parents, and drove next door with my sisters to my grandparent’s home to get ready. Calvin and I had hoped the day would be rainy because we love rain and the soft lighting it brings. Our wish came true.
THE dress. I sewed it myself and will share that story at a later date. 😀
I had a friend do my hair and I did my own make-up… 4 times. I had practiced the look the week before but completely forgot how I did it when it came time to do for realz. This honestly was the moment of the day that I was the most nervous about and the only part of the day I felt was in my control and that I could potentially mess-up. It was my wedding face for goodness sake!
The groomsmen got ready a mile away and then came over to my grandparents’ house to pick up the girls.
My ladies prayed for us and for the day before I went to see my groom…
This was the most surreal, intense, can-hardly-breathe moments of my entire life. The rain falling gently outside, the click-clack of my shoes on the laminate floor, the incredible wave of this-is-it-its-really-happening when I emerged up the stairs and saw him standing there waiting for me.
I will be forever glad we did a private first look with our photographer (who happens to be a life-long friend of mine, so I had no problem being 100% myself in this moment). These images remind of us the raw emotions were were feeling as we were seeing, smelling, touching, and looking into the eyes of one-another for the first time on our wedding day. I’m intentionally leaving out the more sentimental pictures from this moment because they are so hallowed to me.
This room is where we spent our first awkward hours of conversation together the weekend he came to ask my dad if he could get to know me. He snipped thread ends as I sewed throw pillows and we answered get-to-know-you questions we had googled. I made my wedding dress in that room and I fell in love with it’s angled ceilings and crisp walls. It was the perfect spot for this perfect moment.
And speaking of ideal locations…
After picking sequin dresses and tuxes for our wedding party, I knew exactly the type of place where I wanted to take pictures; tall white columns on a non-brick building surrounded in greenery and clean lines. Yeahhh… my family thought I was insane to think I could find a place like that in our country town. But, we did! This gem of a home was just down the road and the owners were so kind to let us use it! I am absolutely head-over-heels for the way these photos turned out and have such beautiful memories of this hour.
Don’t I have the most gorgeous friends?
I love my sisters and I’m so thankful they love Calvin.
My friend Lexi and I put together the bouquets on Thursday from Sam’s Club bulk flowers. We included fresh mint and rosemary from friends’ gardens. I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted going into the flower arranging, but they turned out insanely perfect. My earrings I found on clearance at Claire’s for $1.50. 😀 My hairpiece I bought on Amazon for $20.
We love our Altoids! After wedding party pictures, we headed to the church for lunch and formal family portraits.
And at 4pm on the dot, it was WEDDING TIME!
Two of Calvin’s nieces, my sister Elsia, and our friend Hannah were our happy flower girls.
I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep it together walking down the aisle with my daddy, but we got enough tears out at the rehearsal that we were able to enjoy the real moment. 🙂
One of my prayers leading up to the day was that I would be able to remember the ceremony and be fully present during that once-in-a-lifetime 45 minutes. And I was! While we sang “In Christ Alone,” my favorite hymn, the sunlight broke through the clouds and poured in the windows. I was able to look around through my big happy tears at those who had joined us and praise the Lord for His incredible goodness.
My brother, 13 years younger than me, has been my best bud since he was born. He was our ring bearer and tried so hard to hold his tears back.
We’re MARRIED!! We ducked around the corner after the recessional to sit down because I was shaking with excitement and so, so, so, so happy.
Hugs all around!!!
I’ve been blessed with the most incredible in-laws!
Jordan’s been one of my best friends since summer 2005. She was such a huge support and joy to have in Atlanta when I was visiting all the time. She’s now engaged to an awesome guy who lives in Hawaii and I couldn’t be happier for her!
Calvin’s groomsmen are some of the best guys out there.
We took some time for portraits between the ceremony and reception. I am THRILLED with these amazing photos!
Shoes came off so I could rest my feet before dancing!
Reception time!! We were blessed to have the party at a barn close to our house.
The main design elements for our reception were bunting, gold-painted hula-hoops with ferns, low lights, green and gold vinyl table runners, abundant greenery, and black accents! The theme was “Tacos, Tuxes & Toasts” 🙂
Phone photo that shows the awesome detail on the tortillas— they were branded with our wedding’s logo! Apparently the word spread far enough for the hotel staff in town to have heard about the “wedding with the branded tortillas” lol.
The cake was really yummy! We had so many kind people help us decorate the barn! My dad and Uncle Scott gathered the leaves and branches in the rain that morning for the tables and Great Uncle Ray and Aunt Debra did an amazing job crafting the gold hoops with greenery. They turned out SO much better than I could have dreamed!
The tassels we added to the tablecloths made me so happy!
My sister gave the sweetest speech! She included lyrics from one of my favorite songs, “Dancing in a Minefield” by Andrew Peterson.
We went dancing in the minefields
We went sailing in the storm
And it was harder than we dreamed
But I believe that’s what the promise is for“I do” are the two most famous last words
The beginning of the end
But to lose your life for another I’ve heard
Is a good place to begin‘Cause the only way to find your life
Is to lay your own life down
And I believe it’s an easy price
For the life that we have found
Calvin’s brother Nathan gave a great toast! Then it was time for pinatas!
This is Cami and Topher, who got married in June, and Cami’s little sister Ellie. We love these people so much.
We had such a great time watching everyone break the pinatas! My dad made them and boy were they strong!
Caleb is one of Calvin’s best friends and Lauren, his wife, was our AMAZING wedding coordinator! Everything went perfectly under her watch!
Our photographer and her fiance! We’re excited they’ll be living close by after their wedding. 🙂
Jordan helped us choreograph a dance to “How Deep Is Your Love” by the BeeGees. 😀
My daddy and I danced to “Olivia” by Phil Keaggy.
Calvin and his mom danced to “Boogie Shoes” by K.C. and the Sunshine Band.
It was so special to have these chums there!
Surprise fireworks! We had such a perfect evening, it was hard to leave! But the party continued without us!
Apparently my littlest brother was the last one on the dance floor late into the night. 😀
My amazing parents! They made sure this day was p.e.r.f.e.c.t. and it completely was!
We were blessed with a honeymoon in Port St. Lucie, Florida! The weather was perfect and we were so happy! Still are. 😉 It was an 8 hour drive to the beach the day after the wedding and we spent most of the drive talking about how amazing our wedding was (well, and how much we love each other. ;)) and going over all the details that worked out so providentially! Friends and family, food, gold, and smiles everywhere. We are so blessed.
CONGRATS and BEAUTIFUL WEDDING! <3
<3 Olivia, this is so beautiful and perfect! God truly blessed your wedding day 🙂 I am so happy for you! Congratulations to you both! Thank you for sharing this special post and beautiful pictures. Lots of love and blessings 🙂 x x x
These are beautiful images!! Congrats on your wedding, Olivia! It was beautiful looking!!!
I was so delighted to hear how wonderful your wedding was, and how good you felt for all of it too, Olivia! Seeing the pictures is so fun…they’re just stunning. Many blessings on your new life together!! 🙂
Aww! It looks like it was perfect! So gorgeous and elegant. Thank you for sharing it with us 🙂 Was your wedding day your guy’s first kiss?
SO happy for you and your new husband, Olivia!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos from your wedding. They’re all so incredibly stunning. God bless!! 🙂
Ah I’m SO happy for you and Calvin! All of the photos are so you. <3
Your wedding was so beautiful! God blessed and it is evident! Of all the pretty elements of that day, I gotta say I really loved your cake topper. So pretty and something you could keep as a treasured keepsake of that wonderful day you were married.
Thank you so much for sharing your special day Olivia! It was absolutely stunning! Made Dan and I feel we were there to enjoy the day with you. Hugs and kisses! Can’t wait to meet Calvin!
This was absolutely beautiful! I am so happy for you and can’t wait to see as you blossom into the homemaker and Godly woman you’ve already proved to be! Congratulation and I pray your union stay strong and filled with every ounce of love!
I’m so happy for you!! It looks like everything turned out fantastic. Your dress is just stunning. I remember how difficult (and expensive) it was to find a modest dress for my wedding, I wish I had had time to make mine.
So happy for you, Olivia! It looks like it was a wonderful day. 🙂
SO excited to finally see pics! I can tell you two are soooo happy 🙂 Thanks for sharing the picture and the events of your big day. Wishing you many happy times ahead!
Rebekah Joy
http://www.moreradiance.com
Yay! I’m so excited to see pictures! You had an absolutely gorgeous wedding! I love all the details. 🙂 Congrats, and may God bless your marriage richly. 🙂
-Vicki
http://www.basicallybeautifulblog.com
Yay!! I’ve been looking forward to wedding pics! 🙂 Such a beautiful bride! I love the green/gold theme! I think my favorite photo was you sitting in his lap and him kissing your shoulder. And your bare feet peeking out!! 🙂 Everything about your wedding was gorgeous! I love how you had it in your head “whatever happens, happens,” but your wedding day was still perfect down to each detail! 🙂
Congratulations again!!
And I love the new Fresh Modesty!!!!
These photos are so beautiful! I’m so happy for you and I wish the two of you a lifetime of happiness! I’ve been reading this blog since 2010 and it’s been so great to see you experience each new stage of life. Congratulations!
Truly breathtaking Olivia! I was one of those brides who’s day went by in a flash. That’s OK though because at the end of the day I was married to the one whom God chose for me. God bless for many happy years ahead!
GORGEOUS photos and beautiful wedding!! Congratulations– wishing you and Calvin the best!
Wow, what beautiful wedding! You can see the Love shine through in everyone:) So glad you had the perfect celebration! Wishing you many happy years together. You look like soul mates truly. So happy for you. Thank you for sharing. God’s blessings, Stephanie and Steven Means
Your wedding was gorgeous <3. Thank you for sharing it with us. Those tortillas WIN as most awesome unexpected touch ever, hahaha! And the picture of your little brother was so touching. What a sweet relationship you two must have! I loved all of these pictures so much, but especially the one of Calvin holding you in all that green while you are kissing <3.
These are photos are SO unbelievably, stunningly gorgeous and perfect!!! It’s so amazing that you sewed your dress; it’s so lovely and elegant, the detail is incredible, and it looks professionally-made! I am so very happy for you. You and Calvin are such a beautiful couple! And that part about your brother fighting back tears is the absolute sweetest. I love how happy you look in all these pictures!
Olivia, your wedding looks absolutely gorgeous! I’ve followed your blog for years and so have eagerly anticipated these pictures. I love how classy, yet simple, your wedding was. And I’m also impressed that when you made your dress, you also considered how you would feel in it, how comfortable it would be, and what your man would prefer. Very inspiring for my own wedding someday. I’m glad your day was so beautiful, and wish you all the best in your marriage!
Love this post with all the pictures! I do think my favorites are the ones in the street, by the rock cliff. Very neat! And many, many congratulations on your wedding!
Oh my goodness, I literally cried. Wow, what a beautiful wedding, congratulations!! You look so happy. Praying for your new marriage 🙂
Olivia,
Your wedding looks like it was amazing! I am so glad you had such a wonderful time! Also, thank you in general for all the influence you have had as an inspiring example for me and many others. I also think the new website is tasteful and fresh.
My fiance and I are planning our May wedding, and I have two questions for you since your wedding was so beautiful and you seem to have had such a meaningful and enjoyable time.
1). If you don’t mind my asking, what was the budget and cost for your wedding? We are in the process of finalizing a budget, and I would like to know how much a wedding such as yours would cost.
2). What is your best advice for the wedding and/or marriage? I would appreciate hearing any thoughts you have.
Congratulations on such a wonderful day and best wishes for a marriage even more wonderful! =)
Lydia
Congratulations, Olivia (aka Mrs. Williams! Woo hoo!). I’m so excited for you. What a blessing to see your Christ-centered wedding. I was really struck by the purity of it all! May God bless you in your marriage and bring both of you closer in your relationship with Jesus!
I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t seeing any wedding updates, then I saw that you moved your blog! I’m so glad I got to see this! Every detail seems so perfect, and beautiful. I didn’t tear up at my wedding, but seeing these pictures, and the emotions on everyone’s faces, I teared up! God has truly blessed you and Calvin with each other, and I pray he continues to bless you throughout the years. Congratulations Mrs. Williams! <3
Wow! Gorgeous wedding, Olivia! SO happy for you, and Calvin. Best wishes, and God bless you two. 🙂
You guys look like the absolute coolest couple. 🙂 Congratulations!!! May God bless you even more abundantly.
Maggie 🙂
What a beautiful wedding! Congratulations from Colorado!
Congratulations from Colorado! What a beautiful wedding!
Wow. I got emotional just looking through your photos. You can see true joy shining through! So happy for you!!
What a beautiful wedding! I love, love, LOVE the photos!
I teared up at the photo of your precious little brother trying to hold back his emotions. What a special bond you must have! So sweet! I am very happy for you and encourage to see a young, godly woman being blessed by the Lord! Congratulations!
what a beautiful wedding and emotional photos!
God bless you and your husband!
I am So Very Happy for you. Greetings from Ukraine)))
The pics are absolutely amazing. Be happy. And may your marriage shine for the glory of God.
I loved your wedding style!
I loved your wedding style!
I love the pictures! Where did you get your bridesmaids dresses?
Aw, thank you! We made them! 🙂
Congrats!