Oh goodness, where do I even begin? It’s impossible to put into words just how special this day was. First, this family: Ivey and I grew up in church together (her brother and I were in the same grade) and I was always secretly jealous of their BEAUTIFUL red hair. Appearance aside, though, I don’t think you’ll ever meet a family more close knit or with bigger hearts. Ivey’s mother, Melissa, delivered my twin boys and is probably the only reason that I survived my pregnancy. I walked into her office crying nearly every day at the end there, and she met me with open arms and, quite literally, let me cry (sob, complain, etc.) into her shoulders. There is no doubt in my mind where Ivey gets her beautiful heart and passion for serving others.

Ivey herself is a NICU nurse and is just as beautiful inside as on the outside. She was never boy crazy; instead, she guarded her heart until the right man came along. That man was Michael. A Captain in the army, Michael is incredibly kind, goofy (in the BEST way!) and loves, loves, loves his wife. The look on his face when he saw her for the first time had me in tears. I wish I could say that that was the first time I cried that day, but it’s not. It started waaaay earlier and I’m not even ashamed.

As for the day itself, I daresay it was perfect. Ivey and Michael chose the newly-renovated Illges House in downtown Columbus (this was their first wedding!) and we couldn’t have dreamed up a more perfect venue. Every square inch has been carefully and beautifully curated – the exposed walls upstairs are AMAZING and I love how they chose to be more creative and fun with their interior, rather than stuffy and more traditional.

Ivey and Michael were married in the St. Luke Chapel, the same place as her parents, and guests enjoyed homemade southern food and music at the outdoor reception. They entered the party through the traditional saber arch, and then used said saber to cut the cake!

Anyway, I’m rambling. But y’all, it was perfect. Ivey and Michael, thank you so much for including me in such a beautiful time in your lives – cheers to a lifetime of bliss!!

SHOUTOUT TO SOME AMAZING VENDORS!:

Floral Design: B. Anderson Floral Design
Venue: Illges House
Coordination: P. Hasting Design
Bride’s Dress: J. Andrews Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Skirts: Revelry
Rentals: Outdoor Events
Catering: The Farmhouse in Ellerslie
Cake: Tara van Etten
Music: Cracker Jack Prize