Simple & Sweet
Sometimes weddings can be so overwhelming for brides and grooms. The long, drawn out planning and decision making, spending hundreds of dollars, the stress of everything working out as you want. It can take a toll on an individual as well as the couple. There really is something about a simple wedding can can be so refreshing.
Leilani and Joshua flew in from Texas to have a beautiful backyard wedding at the Mother of the Bride's home in the downtown hills of Ventura. She found her dress just days before the ceremony, exactly in her size just as if it were simply meant to be. The day couldn't have been more beautiful with a sunny sky and a warm breeze. I entered the home with Leilani having her hair finished up by her sister in the kitchen. I met and chatted with her mother, Cindy who was a delight. After meeting Joshua, the groom, we went over the small details about the marriage license and waited patiently for the bride to finish getting ready in the back bedroom.
The awning was dressed with white tulle from to top to floor, draped down and tied with purple ribbon and white flowers. A side table stood just off the deck with champagne flutes. The wedding cake from Sunflowers On The Square in Downtown Ventura was adorn with two loves birds, small white roses and baby's breath. The bride's bouquet with a simple arrangement of white lilies, white roses and greenery, tied with tulle and purple ribbon.
As the music started, Leilani walked around the corner escorted by her father. She seemed giddy and nervous, but all smiles. As they reached the alter, the music faded and our ceremony started. It was a beautiful moment, seeing young love blossoming in front of my eyes. As they sealed their vows with a kiss, the wedding seemed to be over as soon as it started. The family all gave each other hugs, we finalized the paperwork and they started their celebration. They were officially Mr. and Mrs. Williams.
The simplicity of the day spoke volumes to me, that love and marriage can be so complicated at times. But it's always nice to be reminded that it doesn't always have to be that way. It can be as simple as saying "I love you" to brighten up your loved one's day. A small gesture can really turn things around. And a simple wedding can be just as meaningful, if not more so, than a huge ceremony and reception. Either way, you still get to join your best friend and life partner in a life time of love.
