One wedding...two ceremonies
One wedding...two ceremonies
One of the biggest questions I've gotten from people after they see my wedding photos is why I had two different dresses. The answer is simple, we had one wedding with two ceremonies. These ceremonies were each unique and held special meaning.
Early on in our relationship, Chase and I knew we wanted an LDS temple marriage. This was so important to us and it was a goal we both held close.
Chase and I met in June of 2017. We went on our first date about a month later. A few short months after that, on October 21 Chase popped the question.
Immediately after the proposal we chose to be sealed in my favorite temple in Manti, Utah. Although we were prepared for this journey of keeping the commandments and doing what we needed to do to be worthy, I couldn't help but feel a sinking feeling thinking about that day.
Chase grew up in the LDS church and has a family who is still very strong in the church. I was a convert and got baptized when I was 18. Since getting baptized I dreamed of the day I would be sealed to my eternal companion. These dreams were filled with good feelings, thoughts, intentions, but knowing my family couldn't be in the temple for the most important day of my life was anything but good feelings.
I've always been very close with my family, especially my dad. In 2010 my dad was very sick. He was in end stage liver failure and given two weeks to live. While he was sick I could see his life slipping away. He came closer to death with each passing day. I could see death in his eyes. I could hear it in his voice. He was scared. We were all scared. My father no longer looked like the strong, energetic dad I once had. He was extremely frail and lost his ability to walk. The biggest blow to my heart and soul was when he could no longer remember who I was.
After being on the transplant list for about two months a miracle happened. The day my father was schedule to go on dialysis because his kidneys were also beginning to fail, he received the gift of life.
The date of his liver transplant, November 2, 2010 now etched into my heart forever. The road to recovery was long and one of those most difficult things I've ever been through.
Imagining life without my father was heart wrenching. I would think about all of the things he would miss. The monumental moment in any girls life is was stuck out the most, walking me down the isle at my future wedding. Fast forward to 2017 after getting engaged, those same feelings came to the surface. I would be getting married in the temple without my dad by my side.
Because of these feelings I knew I had to do things different.
I know a lot of people who have a temple wedding will do a ring ceremony. For those who don't know a ring ceremony is an exchanging of rings outside the temple. It's done so everyone who couldn't go inside the temple for the sealing can be there. There are so many ways to do a ring ceremony, but for me I wanted it big. I wanted it as close to a traditional ceremony as possible. This was for me, but most of all for my family.
After a lot of thought and brainstorm planning we decided to do two completely different ceremonies on two different days. I wanted them each to have their own style and design, their own meaning and memories.
On Friday, March 16, 2018 we got sealed in the Manti, Utah temple. It was an amazing day. The sealing was beautiful, the weather was perfect and most importantly our family and friends were inside and outside of the temple supporting us. After the sealing we took photos before heading back to Saratoga Springs, Utah where Chase's family lives. That night we had close family and friends over for a catered pasta dinner. It was a more intimate event where we were able to catch up with everyone, especially people who we haven't seen in a while who traveled to be there.
The following day, Saturday, March 17, 2018 we had a very traditional wedding. That morning I was able to get ready with my sisters, my mom, along with Chase's mom and sister. We had our make up and hair done together to get ready. It was so much fun being able to spend that special time with them. The ceremony was that afternoon. We had everything a traditional ceremony would have, bridesmaids, groomsmen, my father walking me down the isle before giving me away and of course Chase was able to "kiss the bride." Following the ceremony we took more photos with family and the bridal party. After this we had a reception complete with food, fun, dancing and cake. It was a perfect day and a perfect ending to an amazing wedding weekend.
In the first stages of planning I thought doing the wedding this way would be too stressful, but in the end I feel like giving the ceremonies their own day actually relieved stress. We were able to focus on each day and what it meant. Both days held such a significant meaning to both of us and our families. We were able to have everything we wanted all while making everyone feel loved and included. It also allowed us to live more in the moment of things and not feel rushed. I would highly recommend this style of wedding for anyone who is in a similar situation. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Danielle
One of the biggest questions I've gotten from people after they see my wedding photos is why I had two different dresses. The answer is simple, we had one wedding with two ceremonies. These ceremonies were each unique and held special meaning.
Early on in our relationship, Chase and I knew we wanted an LDS temple marriage. This was so important to us and it was a goal we both held close.
Chase and I met in June of 2017. We went on our first date about a month later. A few short months after that, on October 21 Chase popped the question.
Immediately after the proposal we chose to be sealed in my favorite temple in Manti, Utah. Although we were prepared for this journey of keeping the commandments and doing what we needed to do to be worthy, I couldn't help but feel a sinking feeling thinking about that day.
Chase grew up in the LDS church and has a family who is still very strong in the church. I was a convert and got baptized when I was 18. Since getting baptized I dreamed of the day I would be sealed to my eternal companion. These dreams were filled with good feelings, thoughts, intentions, but knowing my family couldn't be in the temple for the most important day of my life was anything but good feelings.
I've always been very close with my family, especially my dad. In 2010 my dad was very sick. He was in end stage liver failure and given two weeks to live. While he was sick I could see his life slipping away. He came closer to death with each passing day. I could see death in his eyes. I could hear it in his voice. He was scared. We were all scared. My father no longer looked like the strong, energetic dad I once had. He was extremely frail and lost his ability to walk. The biggest blow to my heart and soul was when he could no longer remember who I was.
After being on the transplant list for about two months a miracle happened. The day my father was schedule to go on dialysis because his kidneys were also beginning to fail, he received the gift of life.
The date of his liver transplant, November 2, 2010 now etched into my heart forever. The road to recovery was long and one of those most difficult things I've ever been through.
Imagining life without my father was heart wrenching. I would think about all of the things he would miss. The monumental moment in any girls life is was stuck out the most, walking me down the isle at my future wedding. Fast forward to 2017 after getting engaged, those same feelings came to the surface. I would be getting married in the temple without my dad by my side.
Because of these feelings I knew I had to do things different.
I know a lot of people who have a temple wedding will do a ring ceremony. For those who don't know a ring ceremony is an exchanging of rings outside the temple. It's done so everyone who couldn't go inside the temple for the sealing can be there. There are so many ways to do a ring ceremony, but for me I wanted it big. I wanted it as close to a traditional ceremony as possible. This was for me, but most of all for my family.
After a lot of thought and brainstorm planning we decided to do two completely different ceremonies on two different days. I wanted them each to have their own style and design, their own meaning and memories.
On Friday, March 16, 2018 we got sealed in the Manti, Utah temple. It was an amazing day. The sealing was beautiful, the weather was perfect and most importantly our family and friends were inside and outside of the temple supporting us. After the sealing we took photos before heading back to Saratoga Springs, Utah where Chase's family lives. That night we had close family and friends over for a catered pasta dinner. It was a more intimate event where we were able to catch up with everyone, especially people who we haven't seen in a while who traveled to be there.
The following day, Saturday, March 17, 2018 we had a very traditional wedding. That morning I was able to get ready with my sisters, my mom, along with Chase's mom and sister. We had our make up and hair done together to get ready. It was so much fun being able to spend that special time with them. The ceremony was that afternoon. We had everything a traditional ceremony would have, bridesmaids, groomsmen, my father walking me down the isle before giving me away and of course Chase was able to "kiss the bride." Following the ceremony we took more photos with family and the bridal party. After this we had a reception complete with food, fun, dancing and cake. It was a perfect day and a perfect ending to an amazing wedding weekend.
In the first stages of planning I thought doing the wedding this way would be too stressful, but in the end I feel like giving the ceremonies their own day actually relieved stress. We were able to focus on each day and what it meant. Both days held such a significant meaning to both of us and our families. We were able to have everything we wanted all while making everyone feel loved and included. It also allowed us to live more in the moment of things and not feel rushed. I would highly recommend this style of wedding for anyone who is in a similar situation. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Danielle
Beautiful pictures! We've all come such a long way since middle school. Best wishes to you and your husband on your new journey.
ReplyDeleteI know right! Good old Brinley Bruins :) Thank you so much! Hope all is well!
DeleteStunningly beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteThanks friend! So happy you guys were able to come!
DeleteI love, love, love this blog. I think this will give some great insight on many areas that you're passionate about. You're an incredible writer & many looking for information in these areas will be drawn to come back for more.
ReplyDeleteYou're wedding was absolutely amazing! I loved that you could enjoy each day as it's own special event! Hope it was all that you imagined it to be. It was definitely one that will never be forgotten.
We're soooo blessed to officially have you become part of our family.
Love you tons!
Gorgeous pictures. I'm blown away by that gown. The color, the handkerchief skirt, the style. O.M.G.!
ReplyDelete