A few weeks ago, we called on couples, planners and photographers to help us bring more diversity and inclusiveness to the pages of Bridal Musings.
And our call was answered.
Immediately after our post went live, the lovely Taylor Sturges of Taylor'd Events got in touch, to say she had the most beautiful same sex wedding to share with us. Carrie and Clare's romantic wedding day, photographed to perfection by Two Bird Studio.
(And how fitting that we're sharing it (coincidentally!) on Pride weekend here in London and Pride Month in the US!)
With the help of Taylor'd Events, Carrie and Clare created a day that was pretty and personal, with an abundance of bright blooms and an array of incredible food.
Their outdoor ceremony was intimate and thoughtful, with a friend officiating and special music, while their reception was an al fresco feast, with signature cocktails, tear-jerking speeches, and dancing into the night.
We'll be sharing their stunning wedding film (also by Two Bird Studio) on the blog tomorrow, but first up, swoon over their dreamy day, and read Carrie's words on how it all came together (and their VERY SPECIAL wedding week surprise!)
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Love Story
We were introduced by mutual friends in fall of 2008. Carrie proposed to Clare in August of 2010 at their favorite spot on Lake Michigan.
Our wedding in three words? Personal, intimate, and fun!
Our Wedding
We were initially a bit hesitant about the idea of having a gay wedding in Idaho. When you think about the most progressive states in the country, I wouldn’t say Idaho jumps out at you.
But the Wood River Valley is such a special place to Clare and her family, that when push came to shove, we couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else.
Reaching out to different wedding planners in Sun Valley was a bit like dipping your toe in a cold pool. Should we tell them it’s a gay wedding up front and give them the chance to decline, or should we just assume they will be ok with same sex marriage and happy to help?
We decided to just make it clear from the beginning that we were gay by including a few pics of us in the initial email inquiries. When we heard back from Taylor at Taylor’d Events, we knew we found the right person.
You could literally just feel her excitement in the email. The second we read it, we knew we found the right person for us.
The Venue
The Hideaway is a beautiful home in a very private setting….the second we stepped foot in the back yard, we were sure we found the right place.
The Photography
When we described the wedding we wanted to Taylor, she showed us a few photographers she thought we would like and we immediately fell in love with Two Bird Studio.
After watching our wedding video, we were literally blown away. They are absolutely phenomenal and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
The Flowers
This is a good question for our wedding planner, Taylor Sturges.
I have no idea what kinds of flowers she put in the bouquets and the centerpieces, but we received so many compliments on our flowers (from people at the wedding and also people who saw the pics)
The Ceremony
We were married by Carrie's best friend Liz LaTour.
And music was provided by the amazingly talented (and Grammy nominated!!) Edie Carey as well as Rose Cousins.
One of the most amazing things that happened at the wedding was when Carrie surprised Clare with a song she commissioned Edie to write and perform at the wedding.
The Music
Processional was just some sweet guitar music by Edie Carey
Recessional was ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered' by Stevie Wonder
Our DJ is a friend of ours, Caroline Thompson and she kept the dance party going all night…literally I think she went two hours over the amount of time we asked of her, and the dance floor was packed the entire night.
The Decor & Details
Taylor took care of all of the decorations….and really, the flowers, the setting, and the gorgeous food were all we really needed.
The Budget
We ended up spending about 30k when you factor in travel and all the little things that are so easy to forget.
We had just over 70 people at our wedding and our entire goal was to make it personal and warm. We wanted it to feel like a celebration of the love we have for each other and also a celebration of the amazing family and friends we have accompanying us on this journey.
Our most costly areas were the caterer (so worth it!) and the venue (also money well spent!)
The Refreshments
As signature drinks, we had Bees Knees (vodka based cocktail) and Apple of my Eye (bourbon based cocktail) and we also served beer and wine.
And as catering, we did food stations.
Favourite Moments
Hmmm. So many to choose from but if I had to pick some of my favorite moments, I would say that the speeches made by our dads were pretty awesome.
Our wedding was a little unique in that I was PREGNANT at the wedding….just entering my 2nd trimester, so we were able to make that announcement to people during the wedding week.
That was pretty special. How many lesbian weddings involve a shot gun element!
Advice for Other Couples
Don’t get lost in the small details. Relax, breathe, and remember to enjoy yourself.
What a wonderful wedding day. We do love a foodie wedding around here, there were so many pictures we couldn't squeeze in, but we were hungry just looking at them! And how pretty are the flowers?
Thanks so much to Two Bird Studio and Taylor'd Events for sharing this special wedding on us. And a massive thank you and huge congratulations to Carrie and Clare, on sharing not just their big day, but their big news too!
Have you got a chic and unique wedding to share with us? Check out our submission guidelines here.
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