Moving.

This wedding. It moved us in ways we hadn’t before. Every detail, guest present and word spoken that day was so incredibly touching, it made our hearts feel so many things. So many amazing and touching things. “Sweet, compassionate and generous” do not even come close to describing Mandy and John Albert, or any guest present at this wedding for that matter. Every aspect of those words and more made this day what it was.

Love. Family. Memories. Those not present but always with us.

We arrived to Rip Van Winkle Gardens that afternoon and were greeted with the biggest hugs and smiles. Mandy was as kind and calm as could be, but who would expect anything else from someone like her? Even though the anticipation built as the afternoon moved on, she remained collected and brave, even to the point of getting dressed outside, as recommended. And she did it all, like a boss. You go girl.

As the ceremony began, everyone along with John Albert anticipated seeing Mandy for the first time and when she rounded the corner, she blew everyone away.  As they exchanged rings and vows, the sun set behind the Jefferson Home in the quaint garden and on we all moved to the reception on the lake, but not before snagging a few photos of the newlyweds by themselves for a few minutes. After sharing their first dance as husband and wife, it was time for Mandy to have her own dance with some very special people in her life. Sweet Mandy lost her father when she was young, but her father/daughter dance was one she’ll never forget. All the men in her life stood up to share a dance with the beautiful bride, each taking turns holding her close and making her smile and ending on a high note with her father-in-law making her laugh as he swung and twirled her. John Albert’s mother, a Hawaiian native, was thoroughly surprised for her mother-son dance when Over The Rainbow played for all to hear. Many great memories and moments trailed into the sunset and onward through the night as they partied on and danced away.

We have had the privilege of watching these two vow to be at each other’s side through thick and thin and grow old together. None of this could’ve been done without all of the hard work of Cassie Southern Fete, Mia of Root Floral Designs, Phat Hat, Carly from Blue Coiffure and so many others who came together to put on such a great event. Congratulations to Mandy and John Albert!

To see our full write up on Rip Van Winkle Gardens check out our exclusive webpage here.