The Wedding (our 1800registry.com blog)

The Big Day!

Rachelle and Chris finally exchanged "I do's" in an intimate, romantic ceremony with their closest friends and family members surrounding them. On July 22, 2011, they began a new chapter in their lives. As hoped for, the "rustic, elegant, fun" feel to their big day was achieved through amazing decor and personal touches at every turn. Sunflowers were everywhere! Alongside the ceremony chairs tucked inside blue jars, decorating the huppah from top to bottom, and on each and every reception table at the Fearrington Barn, even on the three-tiered wedding cake. During the ceremony, while Rachelle's five bridesmaids stood behind her (resplendent in their gorgeous blue dresses) and Chris's four groomsmen stood behind him (dapper in three-piece dark suits and ties that matched the bridesmaids dresses), Rachelle and Chris faced each other while they said their vows. Chris was seated so he could look into Rachelle's eyes while they exchanged vows.

Rachelle and Chris took a few pictures in the field just outside the barn during the cocktail hour, while guests enjoyed an "adult lemonade stand"--sweet tea with sweet tea vodka and lemonade--a perfect beverage to cool off with in the southern heat and humidity. Entering the barn to "Purple Haze" in honor of their alma mater, East Carolina University, Rachelle and Chris danced their first dance to Rascal Flatts' "Won't Let Go." (Trust me when I say there was not a dry eye in the house watching them!) Then, guests were invited to eat the buffet lunch of a mixture of southern favorites like mac and cheese, fried okra, seafood, steak and an assortment of fruit and cheeses.

The best man, both maids of honor, and both fathers all offered heartfelt toasts to the happy couple. Afterward, Rachelle and Chris cut their cake (fun-fetti, Rachelle's favorite flavor!) and made their way throughout the crowd dancing, talking with friends and family, and enjoying themselves. At the end of the reception, guests lined up and blew bubbles into the sunshine as Rachelle and Chris made their way out only to be greeted by one more surprise: Toyota and The Braun Corporation gave Rachelle and Chris a 2011 Toyota Sienna with a BraunAbility conversion. They drove off, ready to begin their happily ever after.
The day after their wedding, Rachelle and Chris flew to Las Vegas, where they stayed for one night (courtesy of Mandalay Bay), enjoyed dinner and a show (The Lion King, tickets also courtesy of Mandalay Bay). The next day they flew to Los Angeles for their flight to their ultimate honeymoon destination: Fiji. We'll provide a few fun honeymoon details and photos for you when they return!

Post by Jennifer Glatt, 1-800-Registry Wedding Planning Manager