Mo+Boy Tie the Knot: The Ceremony

[One of my sister's favorites (and mine!) of us walking up the aisle together.]

Our ceremony was 7 minutes long. I know that it was 7 minutes long because my Uncle recorded it and the entire video lasts 15 minutes. That means that it took longer for everyone to walk down the aisle than it did for the actual ceremony! It was short, sweet, personalized, and our good friend officiated. Perfect.

[Our officiant and friend, who let me dress him up in a red bow tie. Doesn't he look cute?]

The boy's brother and cousin walked down the aisle, in addition to his parents.
My family followed.

[My sister and popo (grandmother)]

[My sister and niece]

[My cute parents! My Mom had the cutest outfit on that my sister helped pick out--photo by Rosanna]

And then it was our turn.

[On my way to the arbor, my dress caught on a rock, and all my fears about my train ripping off came rushing back to me. You'll be happy to know that I won and the rock lost!]

[Here I am checking out the crowd--oh good! People showed up!]

[We met in the middle.]

[And linked arms down the aisle to join our family.]

[We started off with the story of how we met, and then took turns reading the vows we wrote. My sisters and Mom told me after that it was hard to concentrate because there was a huge wasp caught in my train and they were afraid it would come up and bite me once I moved. They love me.]

[In a lot of the photos, I am inexplicably laughing while everyone around me is completely still. Apparently something was really funny during this moment.]

[We also exchanged rings, which proved physically difficult for me. Here I am, attempting to put his ring on.]

[...still trying...]

[I ended up just shoving it on the pinky finger. Okay, okay, let me try again.]

[Um, I think we need to call Tiffany and ask for the ring to be re-sized...]

[Here he is just putting the ring on himself. Probably not my best moment, but definitely memorable.]

[ Never mind the technical difficulties, we were married! I now pronounce you married! You may now hug and kiss each other.]

[And it was over, just like that! We walked back out together, ready to party.]

[ That's my Baba (Daddy). Welcome to the family.]

My sister's dresses: Jenny Yoo
My mom's outfit: Kate Spade

[Photos by Jessamyn Harris and Sheri Tennison Berg for Jessamyn Harris Photography]

Can't get enough?
I got ready, and then my Mom drove me to the venue, I saw the love of my life, ogled details here, and slightly panicked before the ceremony.

Mo+Boy Tie the Knot: Pre-ceremony

[Welcome basket, filled with fan programs and ribbon wands]

[We had ten mason jar arrangements by the talented Rae Florae]

After our first look and a quick glance at everything in the tent, I went back in hiding to the bridal trailer, aka, dumping ground for all my crap and place where I could silently freak out. I typically read about people wanting to come and see the bride before the ceremony and the bridesmaids having to shoo them away, but I actually didn't have that problem at all and had a good amount of time all by myself. Luckily my two girlfriends and sisters kept me company up until the venue coordinator came by and told me "it's 5 until the hour, but not that many people are here. What do you want to do?" (Remember this post about being late?)

I didn't have to say anything, my sister answered for me: "10 minutes, or we're starting whether or not people are here." With 10 minutes to go, my friends went to go sit down, and my sisters went to make sure all the programs were passed out and that people were making their way to the ceremony area. In my head, I thought there were maybe a couple people sitting down, but there was actually a lot of hustle and bustle outside with a good amount of people.

[My godmother and her sister, shading themselves with umbrellas.]

[My cousin (she's holding the basket) made these incredible ribbons wands for people to twirl during the ceremony. There is an origami rose at the top of the dowel and she made each and every one!]

[Punch and pink lemonade were available before and after the ceremony. The amazing team at Crown Point Catering made the punch bright red and the lemonade pink to match our colors.]

[The boy was chatting it up with his boy posse from school.]

[The guitarist strummed softly in the background.]

[Our fan programs were being read (thank goodness). Side note: This DIY project was the most time consuming. I sent my design files to greenerprinter.com and had them printed on 5 x 7 kraft board. I then had to tape the two sides to a popsicle stick, and because I like to torture myself, tied a bow around each one.]

Meanwhile, back at the trailer...I stood in front of the mirror amidst all the empty boxes that used to hold stuff for the wedding.

For a brief moment I felt really insecure.

I have too much bling on, why did I decide to wear so much jewelry? My earrings are really big, I wonder if they look too obnoxious. This doesn't look like what I envisioned, maybe my dress should have been more flowing? What if I'm all dressed up like this and there are two people sitting out there?

I heard a voice outside. "They're ready! Time to line-up!"

Well, too late to worry about anything now.

I picked up my train and walked out to join my family in line.

[Photos by Jessamyn Harris and Sheri Tennison Berg forJessamyn Harris Photography]