Happy late Thursday, my friends! This post is wedding-centric in nature, so I do want to apologize if you were looking for something more “how do i secure my breasts so they stop bouncing”-oriented, as someone who visited the blog searched earlier today.
If you came here by searching “I’m trying not to fart so often,” well then… then I don’t really know what to say. I’m not sur-I mean, maybe don’t eat things that do that to- actually, I really just……… best of luck. Best of luck to you.
Ok, now to get to this post. Tell me you guys, didja get all your holiday shopping done yet? If you answered no, it’s ok me neither. ’Cause there’s definitely still time. ….. wait, right? There IS still time, correct? S**t. There is like zero more time, isn’t there. Maybe I’ll just stuff it down deep and engage denial for now, so I can write this post…
Heather of Heather Scharf Photography submitted today’s killer shindig and I’ve been so excited to feature it, you guys. And it’s not just because Heather’s awesome, even though omigodshesois. It’s because this bride is one of those triple threat brides. She’s got the looks, she’s got the personality and she’s got the – well, I don’t want to be crass… so I’ll just say she’s got the chutzpah to ride a freaking MECHANICAL BULL at her own wedding. That’s cojones-fueled, amigos. So I love her. Naturally. :)
The other huge reason I’ve been so excited to feature it is – do you remember that Dear TKB post “Let your haters be your motivators…” where a young woman and her fiance had had a child and now were getting crap for wanting to have a wedding? Well, today’s couple has the cutest little boy I’ve seen for miles, and they also had this wedding extravaganza with which I am obsessed. And it just goes to show, people with children are F**KING AWESOME AT WEDDINGS. Just fyi.
Here’s a bit from Heather:
No words can describe how amazing this wedding was…I guess if you knew Janay and Rory, describing them would be pretty close to how I would describe this day! It was full of horsing around, bull riding, costumes and of course a “Shot Bar” and “Margarita Bar”. Rory and Janay are known for their sense of humor and carefree approach to life. It was an honor to be invited as a guest but most importantly invited to capture this amazing day and witness the fun loving vows they gave. I have to admit, I did chock back a few tears when I saw Janay come down the stairs with her father to the song “Marry Me” by Train. She looked so beautiful and watching their son, Jeramy, and Rory wait for her at the alter was just touching. The details of the day were AMAZING! Holland Ranch is a rustic venue complete with a field of horses, a windmill, a man made lake and of course a huge barn filled with vintage beer signs and an old saloon inspired stage. The venue needs little to no decorations, but I absolutely LOVED the handmade signs done on Etsy, the Bridesmaids purses made on Etsy, and of course the handmade Vow book made on…Yes, you guessed it Etsy! Janay’s creativity really shined through with her idea of herding people to their tables with guests’ names on barn animal cutouts. One of the many highlights of the evening was Rory’s performance of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by the Rolling Stones, and let me tell you…this was American Idol final round quality!!
And here are a few words from our stunning bride, Janay:
Holland Ranch was the perfect venue for our guest centered and non-traditional wedding. It screamed rip roaring party and we knew it was the perfect place to throw one heck of a shindig the moment we stepped foot on to the gorgeous country property. The focus of our planning was 100% revolved around our guest as well as creating an out of the box experience. No speeches, no first dances, no garter/bouquet toss, no cake cutting, just a good time without the cookie cutter elements. Animal crackers and juice boxes were served on silver platters for our small VIP guests (children), beer boot mugs and the shot bar catered to our party animals and the margarita machines and mechanical bull got the attention of everyone else. We ditched the traditional guest book and had a video option attached to our photo booth. Why read guest well wishes when we can watch them over and over again for years to come?!
Dinner was served family style to incorporate Janay’s loud Italian family as well as to encourage our guests to interact with others at their table. We had quite a few children at our event so our goal was to incorporate them into the evening while giving their parents a chance to enjoy themselves and that they did! This was accomplished by giving each kid a custom embroidered tote bag with activities catered to their age, along with a kids table in a “No Adults” zone. The biggest hit among the kids (and parents since it seemed to occupy the small ones for quite some time) seemed to be the photo scavenger hunt. Each child was provided with a disposable camera and a list of items to capture throughout the night. Copies of all photos are being sent to every mini-photographer as our special thanks to them for helping us capture the evening.
Gnoshua (our traveling gnome) was visible during our ceremony and moved throughout the night by our wedding coordinator. At one point we found him on stage with the band after he was stationed at the shot bar for a period of time. Everywhere we looked, he was somewhere new and unexpected and we loved it! He definitely hit up the wedding hot spots of the evening. Matt & The One Night Band filled the dance floor and had kids and adults of all ages rocking out the entire night. The crowd went wild when the band pulled the groom up for a hit by the Rolling Stones.
Not only was the wedding packed with fun details and entertainment, it was also filled with meaning. Janay’s brother was a Marine killed in the Iraq war in 2004. In order to include his memory into our day, it was a no brainer to incorporate his favorite color, yellow into our color scheme. The two hawks soaring over the ceremony was a reminder that he was smiling down on us and was with us in spirit. We had an amazing time surrounded by the people we love and knowing our guests truly enjoyed themselves.
Advice for future brides… Something will go wrong regardless of how much time you put into planning. Qualifying and having the right team of vendors who can jump in and resolve problems is essential. Also, don’t be afraid to take a shot right before walking down the aisle. It totally helps calm nerves, especially if you dislike being center of attention. It also helps to get the party started right :)
Every woman deserves to have her man look at her the way Rory looked at Janay right here ↴
Ok ladies and gents, here’s the wee little treat I mentioned. I’ve been meaning to introduce him for a little while now, and enough of you have mentioned it to pretty much force it to happen. So without further adieu, a Living Moment in the Life of Bambino McPuppyPants…
:) I hope you liked it. If you did, tell me below if you’d enjoy seeing more of the munchkin, and I’ll make more videos. :)
So, tell me:
1. Omigod I know; I sound like a ridiculous ridic in the video with Bambino. But he needed a little coaxing to speak, so… well, I had to make the stupid sounds. Like a stupid. :]
2. Are you loving the succulents factor in this wedding??? I IS.
3. How cool is that bride? Riding that bull? I’d be so worried about my hair/makeup/undercarriage being revealed/barfing.
xoxo! - Alison
Heather Scharf Photography is a member of Vendor Love. Explore more of her work here, in our guide.
Photography: Heather Scharf Photography / Submitted via Two Bright Lights / Caterer: In Good Taste Catering, Inc. / Floral Designer: April’s Flowers / Reception Venue: Holland Ranch / Band: Matt Cross and the One Night Band / Equipment Rentals: Cathy’s Action Packed Fun Jumps