Honestly, the number of memorable moments from Austin and Carly's beautiful Omaha wedding day are countless! The day was enveloped in such a spirit of joy, gratitude, and love. The couple placed priority on integrating their friends and families on their wedding day with special acts of service, like bartending for an hour during their reception! Such a fun way to interact with their guests and serve them as well. But what I remember most when I think back on October 17, 2020, isn't the beautiful colors or all the fun we had, its' knowing the day wasn't any random date but rather had a significant meaning to the couple. Carly had been praying over this specific day for years and here is her story:
"I've been praying about this day - my wedding day, but also this specific date for the wedding—for 7 years. We're getting married on my grandma's death anniversary, and she was the most important person in my life. When she died, I knew I wanted to find a way to incorporate her + her light into the day, and so 7 years ago, on October 17, 2013, I said a prayer asking God that God-willing if Austin and I were still together, we'd be able to get married on that date. I looked at the calendar on my phone to see when October 17 would be on a Saturday, and since then I've been praying for this man and this date. Thinking back on the past 8.5 years we've been together, and the uncertainty of 2020, it is such a gift that we are where we are. When I think about the "style" of the day/our wedding, all that comes to mind is "love." I want this to be a day bursting with love, joy, and God's presence. there doesn't seem to be any other way it will be because we will be together. There's not much more important to me than people and loving others. Austin just happens to be the easiest person to love, and I couldn't be more ecstatic to be his wife. It's been a hard year for everyone, and this has only reiterated to me what a gift it is to be gathered as family and friends and celebrate love and life. We have some of the absolute best friends and families who are joys and gifts to this world. We've been blessed with great people, and I just want everyone to know how loved and appreciated they are. Capturing small moments of happiness and laughter among loved ones will be wonderful."
Stories like these make me sit in complete awe of the opportunities I have when working with my couples. Every wedding near and far has a story that deserves to be beautifully told. There are deep meanings to why you choose what you choose on your wedding day and I find myself continually grateful and humbled by the chance to tell those stories and represent those meanings. On this day I remember meeting Carly first thing that morning and acknowledging the memory of her grandma and taking a moment to sit in that feeling together noting her grandmother's presence over the day.
Congratulations Austin and Carly, thank you so much for trusting me with such an important day in your lives.
Vendors Who Made Austin and Carly's Wedding Day Possible:
Photography - Jill Caren Photo with 2nd Shooter Hannah Cook
Videography - Alisha Cerny Films
Venue - The Diamond Room Omaha
Floral - Bouquet Omaha
Hair & Make-Up - Sara Naughton & Amanda Lee Artistry
Carly's Dress - Ready or Knot by Pronovias
Austin's Tux - Tip Top Tux
Rings - Nebraska Diamond
Cake - Amy's Cakes and Cookies
Catering - Elegant Edge Events
Entertainment - DJ Samec