Alicia and Tom battled a hurricane the weekend of their wedding, but a little wind and rain never threatened to dampen their spirits as they said their “I do’s” after many years together.
From the beginning, this couple was amazing. Alicia is one of the sweetest brides we’ve ever had. Eager to share her joy with everyone she came in contact with, she made sure to incorporate all of her young nieces and nephews in her wedding day. Many brides eschew having the flower girls and ring bearers get ready with the rest of the bridal party these days, but she encouraged it. Even when one of her flower girls was starting to melt down (it’s a loud and bustling affair getting so many women ready for a wedding, I don’t blame her), Alicia was quick to step in a help calm her (and her poor mother) down and reiterate that she was just glad they were there to celebrate with her. She is a truly beautiful soul, and that beauty emanates outwards and bathes everyone she meets with grace and love.
Tom was a little nervous as he got ready for the big moment. His nerves were compounded and then calmed when he was led, blindfolded, to Alicia and had his hair done by her. He didn’t trust anyone else and it was a great moment they got to share before their ceremony. After he left, he was significantly calmer. He sat pensively in an elegant armchair, waiting for his bride. As he arose and turned to see her, he nearly ran across the room to get to her. She was a vision in her dress with it’s illusion neckline, lightly laced fit and flare silhouette, and gorgeous smile.
After their first look, we ventured out for a few moments to get some outdoor couple’s portraits before the rain and wind threatened to sock us in for the night. The joy these two shared was palpable. They were thrilled beyond words to have reached their wedding day and start the rest of their happily ever after. They smiled, laughed, hugged and kissed; they couldn’t get enough of each other.
After we were properly windswept, we headed inside for bridal party portraits and then made our way to the ceremony. Alicia had a handkerchief that had a helpful message embroidered on it. It reminded her that there was to be no ugly crying that day. She listened. As she teared up while Tom shared his heartfelt vows to her, she gracefully dabbed away the tears with it. Tom listened too. His eyes welled and he couldn’t keep a tear from running down his face as Alicia made her promises to him. There may have been a tear or two behind the camera as well… After they sealed their covenant with rings and kisses, we happily made our way to their party!
It was a wonderful evening, filled with toasts, dancing, laughter and even a surprise! You see, it happened that Tom’s 30th birthday was the same day, and Alicia had commissioned a Flyers themed birthday cake. After they’d cut their wedding cake, she had them bring it out, to a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday. Slightly embarrassed, but truly touched, Tom blew out his candles, and kissed his wife.
We loved every minute we got to spend with this incredible couple, and we wish them all the best as they approach the halfway point of their first year of married life!
