Emily + Jerod

Emily and Jerod were married at the gorgeous Harwelden Mansion on a perfect day in September. Light showers came and went throughout the day but as the time for their outdoor ceremony arrived the rain stopped and the sun peeked through the clouds ever so slightly creating amazing lighting and cool weather for an beautiful ceremony. Keeping with tradition, the bride and groom waited to see each other until the ceremony, Jerod even kept his head turned away looking at guests while she exited the side doors of Harwelden, escorted by her brother, and walked around to the isle so that they could see each other at the same time as she stood at the end of the isle. The moment they saw each other was well worth the wait, as the smiles that spread across both of their faces were enormous and infectious. Their happiness and excitement shone on their faces. Jerod’s brother officiated the ceremony, which was short and sweet, just like the couple had hoped and as they strode down the isle as husband and wife, they both were overjoyed!

After the ceremony the bride and groom went to the back of the mansion for a few private moments and I can honestly say I have never ever seen a bride so giddy, giggly and outwardly bubbling with excitement and enthusiasm about being married. Emily was literally bouncing around and twirling in circles for Jerod to see all of the parts of her dress, showing off her shoes, and gushing to Jerod about how handsome he looked and how thrilled she was to be Mrs. Helling! Usually during this time I try to be really quiet and out of the way but I was smiling so much and quietly giggling to myself that it was hard to be “incognito” while watching the two of them together. 

The reception kicked off with cocktails and the traditional first dances, including time when Jerod danced with both his mother and his new mother-in-law. Both mothers were glowing with pride as they watched their children get lost in each other as well as with all their guests that came to share in their special day.  There was dinner, served by the amazing Catering by Orr, cake and many toasts. The bride and groomed sipped champagne from stunning glasses used by Jerod’s parents at their wedding and before that, by his grandparents at their wedding some 50 (give or take a few) years ago. After that Emily slipped into her second dress, a champagne colored frilly party dress she found while purchasing her gorgeous sparkling wedding dress at Abelina’s. This is when the party really got underway…I don’t think left the dance floor for the rest of the night. She owned the floor, dancing like it was her favorite thing in the world. Emily and Jerod concluded the evening with some crazy dancing that just happened to leave them as the only ones on the dance floor! It was the perfect end to the perfect day. ~Lauren