Olivia + Jake

He was the man in uniform, called to attention by the awe of seeing his bride enter the sanctuary. She swept up the aisle on her father’s arm, with a smile as stunning as her full gown. Watching Olivia and Jake get married a few weeks ago was, for me, like looking through the box of photos from my parents’ own wedding. It had to be the uniform, of course. (And the sweet way Jake gazed at his bride.)  My mother married into the Navy. Olivia was marrying into the Air Force. She and Jake looked so classic and so happy shedding the nerves and coming back down the aisle together. Even at the glorious country club party that followed Jake and Olivia’s wedding, the uniform was a reminder to me of all the sacrifices that those who serve and those who marry them make. I spent a lot of time with that old box of photos last year. My parents were celebrating their 50th anniversary. I imagine the day that Olivia and Jake open up their own box and are transported over decades, back to the day their marriage was brand new. The ceremony took place at East Cross United Methodist Church in Bartlesville, followed by a reception at Hillcrest Country Club. Family friends helped turn the club’s ballroom into a beautiful wonderland of soft tulle and yellow lights and colorful table bouquets by Flowerland. DJ Connections kept the tunes coming and the crowd dancing until it was time for the couple’s departure. What a party! Olivia and Jake are off in a burst of bubbles. Congrats to a beautiful couple and our best wishes for a long life together! _ Kelly