There were two pretty smug bridesmaids at this wedding. Bethany and Angela were pretty proud of themselves. Why? Well, they were happy that their matchmaking had worked. Worked so well that Shane and Cari were getting married. I suppose you can call that successful matchmaking… I guess.
Cari has been a close friend of mine for 25+ years. To see her walk down the aisle and marry her best friend was AMAZING. It was so cool to see her just beaming in a way that I have never seen her beam in the quarter century that we’ve known each other. Not only that, but Cari was so grateful for this day. She knew how blessed she was and she was able to enjoy every moment. It. was. awesome. I think she really enjoyed the fact that Shane is already leading in their relationship. I saw him pause to pray with her about 4-5 times throughout the day. They were focused on getting married for the right reasons and maintaining that healthy relationship. It was so cool to witness.
Take a look at Shane and Cari’s big day:
Shane and Cari decided to do a first look session so that they could do all their photos before the wedding and not have any waiting between the wedding and the reception. Here is Shane’s first glimpse of his bride. What a smile! I think he said moments after that, “I LIKE it!!”
Shane works at a train yard. He knows more about trains that I even knew was possible. SO… we had to do a little train-side posing for the photos. Is it just me or do these groomsmen look pretty hardcore?
Speaking of our little matchmakers. This is Angela juggling the bouquets, and this is Bethany looking on with her signature laugh. Good work ladies! And VERY impressive circus skills, Angela!
This group of bridesmaids treated Allison and I like we were part of their group. I LOVED these ladies. I knew most of them already, but it was also cool to make a few new friends.
Um…. Shane? Cari? you guys are kinda breathtaking. Seriously! You’re an absolutely STUNNING couple! (And that’s why all the passing cars were honking at you…)
Instead of a unity candle or sand, Shane and Cari poured salt. It’s similar to the sand, but all one color. They then prayed together and then had their prayer group from church come up on stage and pray with them.
Here is their prayer group joining with them as part of the salt pouring. It was a VERY cool element of personalization for the wedding.
Fun fact: birdseed, if thrown correctly… can actually hurt someone. Should I say correctly, or incorrectly??? Oh, and Lafayette Limo has some FANCY-SCHMANCY cars!
The decor at the reception was all DIY and very pretty. The cake was made by Cari’s mom who is quite the master in the kitchen. She did a lovely job.
Thanks to Allison for shooting this photo of me with Hanni and Cari, two ladies I’ve known since Kindergarten.
Shane and Cari, CONGRATULATIONS! It was so fun to be part of your wedding day. Shane, I’ll spare you all the threats, because I know you’re going to take amazing care of my girl. I wish you many, many, many happy years. Stay in touch!
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