The Big Day

May 21, 2011 The day we became Mr. and Mrs. Ellis!

I woke up really, really early. I think I was awake at 6 even though my alarm didn't go off until 6:30! Stephanie came to the house at 7 to do our hair.

Dad and Charles got all of us Chick-fil-a chicken biscuits for breakfast. Around 8 my friend Candace came over to do my make up. 

I think this is about the time Jason was getting up. His mom made him biscuits for breakfast. We texted a little bit throughout the morning but didn't talk to each other. I absolutely loved my hair and make up for the wedding! It was beautiful. I didn't even want to take my hair down or my make up off when it was time for bed! Mom, Lilly, and Kristen all had there hair done too. We were looking fabulous for sure! Finished product:

By the time everyone's hair was done it was time to go! We were trying to get to Flint Hill by 10:30, but we were a few minutes late. 

As soon as we got there we went to the bridal suite and found our beautiful bouquets! The bridesmaid's bouquets each had a butterfly in the flowers in memory of Nana because she loved and collected butterflies. 

Then we got dressed so we could take pictures. The boys arrived about 30 minutes after we did. Girls got to go first to take pictures. Jason and I didn't see each other that day until I walked down the aisle so we had to make sure he wasn't looking before we could come out to take pictures.

After we finished up our pictures, we headed back upstairs to the bridal suite to chill out while the boys had their pictures made.

Around this time the guests started to arrive. There was a sign out by the garden with our names and the wedding date. Inside the house we had blank puzzles for the guests to sign with all different colored sharpies. It turned out awesome! I loved reading everyone's notes to us when we got home.

Then it was time for everyone to go line up. Except me. I had to hang out in the bridal suite for a few minutes while everyone walked down the aisle. Finally it was my turn. I headed down the stairs to meet Daddy for our grand entrance! The wedding coordinator swung the back door open and told us to just stand there for a minute to make it dramatic! :) Everyone told me that Jason got tears in his eyes when he saw me, but I was too far away to see!

At the end of the aisle, Daddy gave me away and placed my hand in Jason's!

Brother Bobby, my pastor growing up, and Jason's pastor during his internship at Shadowbrook married us. He knows us both so well; he was the only person for the job! He did an amazing job at our ceremony.

Praying

The music minister from Shadowbrook did all the music for the ceremony. It was absolutely beautiful. He sang "When You Say You Love Me" by Josh Groban before the vows and "I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman during the lighting of the unity candle.

Jason's sisters did a reading for us during the ceremony. This was absolutely my favorite part besides being pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Ellis! After Papa and Nana passed away, my mom found some letters that Papa had written to Nana. A few from 1950 when Papa was working in Detroit and Nana was still in Tennessee and a couple from 1961 when Nana and my mom were visiting family and Papa was at home. Papa said some really sweet things in his letters to Nana. When I read them I knew we had to use them in our wedding ceremony. I am so sad that Nana and Papa couldn't be at our wedding, but this was a way to include them and honor the true love that they had for each other. I won't include the whole reading, but this is my favorite part:

"I sure do love you two more than I can tell you in words or deeds.
Home isn’t home without you two.  I can hardly wait until you call so I can
hear your voice even if you will be a long way off.  I guess it is me that
is the lucky one.  All this time I thought it was you but now I know
different.  I love you.'"

I can't read it without crying. I am so thankful that Jason's sisters were willing to help out with this aspect of our special day!!

Kiss the Bride

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Ray Ellis

Walking back down the aisle as husband and wife!!

After taking a bunch more pictures and getting a little something to eat we headed into the reception. The wedding cake and groom's cake were beautiful and delicious!! This was definitely the best cake I have ever tasted. The cakes were by Sweet Stuff Cakes.

We did our first dance, to "Then" by Brad Paisley.

Daddy and I danced to "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle. Jason and his mom danced to "The Man You've Become". After some more dancing and mingling with our guests we cut the cake!

We did the bouquet and garter toss. Charles caught the garter, so I guess he is next! After the party, we headed to the Limo while everyone blew bubbles at us!

Next stop.... the Ritz Carlton!! :)