It was a cold winter day but there was no shortage of warmth that came from the love that was shared on Holli & Johnathan's wedding day! The planning began in October for their February wedding day. From the moment I met them, I thought they were such a sweet couple. Their strength lied in their emotional connection and high level of communication. The bride and groom chose to marry in Flagstaff because the proposal took place at the summit of Mount Elden at 9,300 feet! Viola's Flower Garden provided the perfect backdrop for their wedding and I knew they were in great hands with the staff there.
Johnathan and Holli chose the 'Love Story ceremony' which included some unique rituals. Besides the sharing of their story, they wrote love letters to one another and placed it in a box with a bottle of bubbly to be opened on their 5th anniversary. The letters describe the good qualities they find in one another, the reasons they fell in love, and their reasons for choosing to marry. Upon opening it on their 5th year anniversary, they will replenish the letters and bubbly to be opened on their 10th anniversary and so on. We signed the marriage license during the ceremony with their maid of honor, the bride's sister, and the best man, the groom's brother. Playing in the background was the theme from 'Mission Impossible' - haha!! It was an intimate gathering. The bride and groom included a number of family members in the ceremony. The groom entered with his parents, and the bride entered with hers. Holli and Johnathan's parents both have long term marriages; 25 years on the bride's side and 30 years on the groom's side! I always appreciate it when a bride and groom take the time to write personal vows to one another as it adds so much depth and meaning to the ceremony. As they exchanged their vows, you could hear laughter erupting and see tears being shed by their family members. After the kiss, the newlyweds walked out gracefully to Colbie Caillat's 'I do!' Then they went inside to warm up and enjoy the reception! Photos by Monica Saaty Photography
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Sara and Andrew were married on a chilly winter day in February at Thornager's in Flagstaff, Arizona. The indoor setting with the forest backdrop was lovely and provided a welcome warmth. Their ceremony was contemporary, reflecting their feelings and their love for each other. There were many tender moments during the ceremony of course: when Sara's Father escorted her and gave her away to his soon to be son-in-law; the moment they faced their family and friends and words of dedication were spoken (the bride needed a tissue, so I gladly handed her one); their family and friends had tears of laughter throughout; the hands ceremony (the bride and groom held hands while words were spoken such as, 'these are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy'; lots of laughter of course, like when the proposal story was shared; the bride and groom chose to have the groom's father bring the rings forward; when the groom went in for the kiss, she started to laugh! After the ceremony, they had their Moms' sign the marriage license so that all of the parents were included in the big moment. Mr. and Mrs. B recessed to 'Across the Universe' by the Vitamin String Quartet and began their happily ever after!
Photos by Spangler Pics https://www.spanglerpics.com/ Simply Elegant Ceremony by Jen Paul of Life Passages A sweet couple who had an established 10 year relationship, already married in their hearts, Shea and Michael eloped at the Grand Canyon at Grandeur Point. The tenderness they conveyed was so heartwarming. Shea and Michael were on a journey of the entire Southwest with their wedding day being right in the middle. It was a lovely summer day and the conditions were ideal. There were plenty of witnesses nearby for the signing of their marriage license afterwards. Grand Canyon weddings are always spectacular and I was so happy to create a meaningful ceremony for their big day!
The video is by Pretty Please Photography. |
AuthorJen Paul, Life Cycle Celebrant, Ordained Minister, Wedding Officiant, Life Coach, Death Doula Archives
January 2025
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