The Ceremony

We held both the ceremony and reception at the same site, Newcastle Wedding Gardens. The weather was amazing, everything was in bloom, and rustic bird houses hung randomly from the tree branches.

                  Billy balls lined the aisle                                        Invitations custom made from Etsy

Right before the ceremony, my dad said he had a surprise for me. I turned the corner and there was a horse-drawn carriage waiting to take us up to the aisle. I've always had a love for horses, and for him to give me that was the sweetest, most heartfelt gift I've ever received. (Cue more tears)

The carriage took us around the property and up to the ceremony. Those quiet moments in the carriage, my dad's arm around me, are ones that I will always cherish. We could hear the music begin playing, "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles, and butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

My nephew holding the ring 'nest' which I handmade

We were then cued by my entrance song, "At Last" by Etta James, and the guests cheered and clapped as we rode up. I was greeted by a sea of familiar smiles that instantly made me feel warm and comfortable.

The ceremony was amazing. The reverend accidentally first introduced us as "Megan and Karen" which got a huge laugh from everyone, and of course that was his nickname for the rest of the night. We put together all of the wording (I promise I didn't tell him to say "Karen") and it was beautiful. Kevin was on the verge of tears through it all, while I was somehow serenely calm and collected. We caressed each other's hands, mouthed 'I love you' a few times, and never lost eye contact.

laughing after the "Karen" mishap

When the ceremony ended, we walked back to the carriage while "Everlasting Love" by Natalie Cole played. We then had a few moments to smile, hug, and breathe. There were chilled drinks in the carriage for us, so we toasted to our new marriage and giggled while staring at our new jewelry. It was perfect.

My mom gave me her original, vintage engagement band and Kevin's was made in Hawaii (where he's from)

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