Jenny + Garald | 10.20.12 | Best Day Ever...

On Saturday, October 20th at 3:30 pm, in the cozy little village of the Amana Colonies, one of my dearest (and oldest) friends married her best friend & love of her life - and it really was the Best Day Ever...

Best Day Ever

It was a gorgeous Saturday in rural Iowa - the sun was shining and there was a slight nip in the air...a perfect fall day.  As we walked into the lower level of the Iowa Theater Artists Company, we were greeted by soft lighting, smiling faces, wooden beams, colorful mums & music quietly playing in the background...a room so cozy and full of anticipation.  As soon as the guests were all seated, two of Jenny's brothers stood at the front and began strumming their guitars, softly singing their own amazing acoustic rendition of the song "Lullaby" - instantly, the love in the room was palpable.

The ceremony, performed by Jenny's dad, was full of countless little moments both funny & sweet that made it so unique to Jenny & Garald.  The couple was beaming the entire time they stood up in front of all their guests, proclaiming their love & loyalty while the rest of us couldn't stop smiling & wiping our happy tears...one of the most touching exchanges I have ever witnessed.

Lorenson + Rivers

Ceremony | Jerry & Jeff getting ready to sing

Gorgeous bride heading down the aisle with her father

The beaming bride

Making it official 

After the ceremony we had about an hour until the reception officially kicked-off, so our friends all took a walk down the main drag - past the Amana General Store & other charming buildings in the quaint little village to find the nearest bar. Luckily there was one just down the street in the Ox Yoke Inn - a 73 year old German & American restaurant, famous for serving up their dishes "family style."  Gathered together in the small back room that played host to the bar, new & old friends caught up on life & shared laughs over glasses of wine and some fine Iowa-brewed beer.  It felt good to be together again.

Amana staple | Ox Yoke Inn

Amana General Store | Visit there if you want to buy good cheese curds

Iowa-brewed | Ox Yoke Inn

After our pit stop at Ox Yoke, we headed over to the reception, located inside the amazing Festhalle Barn - a beautiful, decades-old converted barn located right next door to the Theater...

Lots of love & laughter were had in this barn

There was a buzz of happiness as guests walked into the barn, which was decked out top-to-bottom with personalized touches that represented the couple.  Painted signs adorned the walls, a homemade wooden cupcake tower held the beautiful & tasty variety of cupcakes, photos of the couple sat along side candles & mason jars (my fav!) full of flowers in the center of the tables, beautiful lanterns hung from the rafters giving off a soft glow, and small rocks had been painted to read "Rivers Rock 10.20.12" signifying the couple's newly shared last name.  

One of the most unique touches of the reception was a small table area that had a sign hanging above it which read "Heartfelt Wishes" - nails & string formed the pattern of a heart on the sign, a basket of small cards sat below for guests to write their best wishes for the couple, then hang them with mini clothes pins on the heart strings - such a neat idea!  It was apparent that preparing for this wedding had been a labor of love, and if there were any hiccups along the way it was completely unapparent to anyone in attendance.

Inside the barn | So beautiful

Amazing rustic hanging lanterns

Centerpieces | I ♡ mason jars

Heartfelt wishes

You have my whole heart for my whole life

Handmade cupcake tower | Cupcakes were adorable & delish!

Head table | Amazing slide show backdrop & handmade touches

Jenny & Garald's wedding was one of the best, most meaningful celebrations I have ever been to.  Not just because of the amazing love & commitment of the couple and their families, but also because it brought together some of my favorite people in this world.  It was one of those incredible occasions that are too few & far between, where you get to be with those people who know you the best & with whom you laugh the hardest. Those friendships that have somehow withstood many years & many miles, yet pick up right where they left off.  Being together in that barn, celebrating two people we love and respect, was truly unforgettable.

10.20.12
Best Day Ever

Me with the gorgeous bride & handsome groom | Congrats again to Mr. & Mrs. Rivers!

15+ years of friendship | Standing strong