a day to remember-- 06.08.18

Regardless of what any forecast said, June 8th, 2018, was an exceptional day for an outdoor wedding. Not a single cloud was in the sky, and it was ninety-six degrees out and sunny, unlike what any weatherman predicted. Luckily the ceremony was at six in the evening, so it wasn’t too hot. The venue was absolutely beautiful, with its rich architectural history. It was originally constructed as a dairy barn in the early 1900s, renovated in 1951 as a bed and breakfast, and again in 2016 as the wedding venue it is to this day. The original salt-glazed block silo was transformed into a circular wine cellar and bar. I ran over to touch the silo, it was cold and rough, just like I thought it would be. The rustic, dark wood flooring looked beautiful in contrast to the light crystal chandeliers that were spaced six feet apart on the ceiling. The light that showed through the french doors on the opposite side of the room demanded to be seen. The smell of pine and oak trees made its way through the under cracks of the vintage white doors that led out to this beautiful brick patio, which was our dancefloor for the evening. The freshly cut grass spanned over the whole yard, which was immense. The altar was prepared and ready in the far back left corner. Trees like towers, so big and hovering over the whole backyard it seemed. Though we were grateful, since it shaded us from the sun. The Brownstone, which sits on five acres of land, creates a space where people can celebrate life’s events together, and in this specific case, my oldest sister’s wedding.

This day was special for so many reasons, and Tatum looked absolutely stunning in her boho styled wedding dress, that matched her personality so well. It was white, obviously, and beaded so intricately. She wanted to feel dreamy and effortless on her special day. The boho dress achieved a style that evoked a sense of wonder and whimsy. The graphic lace and light-as-air fabric were combined to create a simple silhouette that pleased Tatum, and everyone who saw her in it.

The day could not have panned out more perfectly, considering everyone and everything arrived on time and the weather was breathtaking. There were seven of us bridesmaids and the same amount of groomsmen. We had a pallet of nudes and light pinks and purples, with different designs of dresses that fit every girls’ needs and desires. It reminded me of the color samples of lipsticks the makeup lady had on her arm. The groomsmen wore shorts, and their suits were khaki. Everything and everyone matched so beautifully together, especially with the greenery Tatum had chosen to put in her and her bridesmaids’ bouquets. This was it, I thought. This was the most beautiful wedding!

It was crazy the time we had to get there for everything though. There was hair to be done, makeup to be put on, and nails to be painted. We got to The Brownstone at 8:30 in the morning, just so all the girls could get through all of the different stations on time. It was such fun and I cherished every moment of it. We were not rushed at all, which was a wish of Tatum’s. In fact, we had time to sip coffee, share stories about the bride, and open some gifts. We were all gathered together in a circle, in the basement of the venue, in the bridal suite. Laughter made its way down the halls and up the stairs so that everyone in the building could hear. I thought this would be the best chance to talk to my sister-friend before things got really busy, so I reached over and placed my hand on Tatum’s shoulder to grab her attention.

“Hey T, I gotcha something for today, and I want you to open it.” She looked at me with big eyes, implying that I did not have to get her anything.

“It’s ok, I wanted to.”

Tatum unwrapped the little box halfway and already knew what was inside.

“Oh my goodness, you did not!” laughter and shock filled her voice.

“I wanted to get you something that represented our bond as sisters. Maddie is already wearing hers.”

“They’re just like the bracelets we had when we were little, just prettier and more mature looking.”

I told her to look again because there was more left in the box, and the second time she laughed even more.

“Clairen! I cannot believe you got me this. I would have never bought this for myself, but it’s actually so cute.”

This time she opened up a little black lingerie set, for her special evening with her soon to be hubby.

After the exchange, Tatum and I shared a hug that was so long it could last a lifetime. It made me tear up because, in a way, it was going to have to. This was the day we were giving her away. We made our way back to the circle and acted like we had our shit together, but we really didn't.

At one point throughout the day, a later part, I helped my bible teacher, who happened to be the groom’s dad, put lights up on the back patio. I think it is safe to say he did all the work, considering I am shorter than most people. He thanked me for taking time away from the girls, which made me feel helpful, even though I didn’t do a whole bunch. What he didn’t know was a break was much needed from the bridal suite, since I nearly choked on all the chemicals being sprayed. Once Mr. Current, was finished hanging the lights, he dismissed me. I got called back into the bridal suite right after, because Tatum had gotten into her wedding dress, and was planning on doing a first look with all of her bridesmaids. Later she did a first look with my dad and Caleb as well.

Right before we went downstairs to walk out for the ceremony all the closest women to the bride came into a room and prayed over her. . Prayer is such an intimate thing. We all had our hands reached out, touching Tatum. We all had the chance to speak words of life and encouragement and wisdom over this bride to be. This is something I want to experience on my wedding day as well.

When the time came for the ceremony to start, I began to grow very nervous, excited nervous. I had invited the boy I was talking to for months prior, and knowing he was in the audience with our friends and family gave me feelings of excitement I could not yet verbalize at the age of fifteen.

We were waiting in a hallway in the basement of the Brownstone, where we would walk to a door that took us outside to a rocky staircase, that led us up to the ceremony that awaited us. The sun was just beginning to go down, which painted the most beautiful silhouette over the cornfield to the left. Tatum, Maddie, and I had on our matching sister bands and wore them as anklets. I was near the end of the line, where Tatum placed me, and I leaned over and whispered ever so quietly,

“Tatum, you are an absolutely stunning bride.” I looked up at her, only to see tears already in her eyes,

“Clairen, thank you! And thank you for being a part of this day.”

The music began to play, and the walk began. The girls walked barefoot, on the perfectly green, freshly mowed lawn, and the smell of the outdoors flooded my being.

The music stopped, and all heads turned towards the bride. The opening of the bridal chorus started to play. Down the aisle, she walked, and I could not believe how beautiful Tatum looked. When the music stopped again, and she was standing next to Caleb, her soon to be husband, my papa came forward, with his bible in hand.

“Friends and Family, we are so thankful that you are here to join us today, for the marriage of Caleb and Tatum.”

The ceremony began after we all bowed our heads and prayed, thanking the Lord for the beautiful day and the gift of marriage. The ceremony was the most intimate I have ever seen. They both had handwritten vows to each other, which they spoke aloud in front of everyone. They exchanged the rings that were brought down by the two ring bearers, my youngest brother, Mikenley, and Caleb’s nephew, Isaac. Once the exchange was over, Papa walked towards them again, but this time said something a little different.

“By the power vested in me, I now proclaim you, Husband and Wife. Caleb, you may kiss your bride.”

He did so, placing one hand on her lower back, and the other on her forearm. The pastor held up his hands, bringing the crowd to their feet, and everyone clapped because now the two were made one.

Tatum and Caleb left with identical smiles on their faces, and their bridal party followed after them. In his excitement, Caleb made sure not to step on Tatum’s long, white dress when running towards the front of the building. The crowd was ushered inside of the Brownstone where the newlyweds would enter in soon, to start the indoor/outdoor reception.

This reception was unlike any I have ever been a part of. Buffalo Wild Wings was served. There was a cookie bar. Everything was so unique and catered to this couple. It was ridiculous, but also just like Tatum and Caleb, to put on such a fun event.

The Maid of Honor and Best Man speeches were so sweet and sincere. Both did a great job of being humorous, and both knew the bride and groom so well. Caleb’s brother Colby was his Best Man, and my older sister Maddie was Tatum’s Maid of Honor.

Once everyone finished eating and all the speeches were done, everyone headed outside to the dance floor. People stayed out there for hours, dancing and having loads of fun.

The boy I had invited to the wedding had asked me to dance with him and I had butterflies the whole time. I was glad to experience the day with him by my side.

Maddie and our worship pastor even performed a song for Tatum and Caleb’s first dance as a married couple. It was absolutely beautiful, and it made Mama cry. There was a flower toss, and one of the young girls from my church caught it. She was so happy.

The end of the night came so fast, and we all made a tunnel with sparklers for the highschool sweethearts to walk through. Then they hopped in their car, which was already packed, and had the phrase, “Just Married” written on the back of it. They received so many goodbye hugs and kisses, as they were sent off on their honeymoon to Costa Rica. I went to sit on the porch swing on the deck, and I thought to myself about the day as a whole. He came and joined me after he helped my dad put away tables and chairs. I admired him for staying late and helping my family. I don’t know if it was the wedding that had me all in my feels or what, but at that moment I knew I wanted to marry him. Big feelings for such a young age, I know. We just sat together in awe of how perfect the day was, but we were exhausted. The day was perfect. Intimate. It was just what Tatum was wanting. And it is a day no one will ever forget!