Sometimes Halloween turns out to be all treat and no trick, like when Joshua and Julia had their first date. They have spent every day together since then.
While they were very attracted to each other, “that only goes so far,” said Julie. They both felt, as Josh told it, “What’s important is who we are as people, and Julie is the best person I know. She’s beautiful on the inside and out. She’s obviously gorgeous…she’s sweet, honest, funny, and has her life together—that really hooked me.”
Julie found Josh “sweet, honest, funny, and he makes me laugh. He loves the outdoors and adventures.” Most importantly to Julie, “He is very close to his family…I wanted someone with the same family values.”
Their compatibility and attraction to each other brought them to their engagement. Josh arranged for a lunch date with Julie and her mom. When Julie arrived for lunch, Josh told her he was called to work and rushed out. He was really heading outside to meet up with Julie’s dad. He returned in full military dress uniform and walked up behind Julie. He surprised her by tapping her on the shoulder. Josh describes the moment, ”with my hands shaking uncontrollably, I knelt down on one knee. I said some words that I can’t remember for the life of me, pulled the ring out of my pocket, nearly dropping it, and asked her to be my wife.”
Not long after, Josh and Julie were married. Going beyond simply documenting all the traditions and nuances of the wedding, their photographer inspired the couple’s most romantic moment of the day — instead of a “first look” photo, she suggested a “first touch” photo. Julie and Josh were in adjoining rooms before the ceremony. They opened a door and reaching out without seeing each other, they held hands. “It was nice to be able to touch and say I love you before walking down the aisle,” Julie reminisces.
Then, it was time to take that walk down the aisle for what Julie considers the high point of the day – exchanging vows in a beautiful ceremony officiated by Josh’s uncle.
Following the ceremony, the guests headed to the courtyard for cocktail hour where they were greeted with mini grilled cheese and bruschetta appetizers while they awaited the bride and groom. Preparing for dinner, guests were invited into the main reception room. Strewn with market lights, the large space with exposed brick immediately invoked the rustic theme. Pink, white, and grey décor was accentuated by the floral centerpieces. The florist used pink and white roses, ranunculus, and peonies to weave romance into the room. The delicate colors softened the rustic setting. When the bridal party and family picture sessions wrapped up, Josh and Julie headed in for their formal introduction. They were introduced to their enthusiastic guests, and that helped create an energetic ambiance. Josh and Julie shared their first dance as husband and wife to “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait.
Josh’s advice to other grooms is all about making the best of your reception. “You’re going to be pulled in many directions by many people, so make sure you and your bride take time out to eat your meal. And don’t forget to thank her parents during your thank you speech!” Julie suggests that brides “take it all in, as much as you can, and enjoy your special day.” Julie and Josh treated their guests to a delicious menu including harvest salad, seasonal fruit, Tuscan grilled vegetables and penne pasta with marinara. Entrees were grilled chicken breast with a lemon-shallot beurre blanc and carved beef cross-rib with horseradish cream. Friends and family were full, happy, and ready to celebrate. Traditional wedding cake was off the list for this reception. Instead, they went with three large cupcakes. The rest of the desserts were a flavor array of mini-cupcakes. Friends and family partied out the night out with the newlyweds, enjoying the professionally orchestrated event.
Josh and Julie built a strong team of wedding professionals ensuring their classy, romantic event was spectacular. They had the day of their dreams, followed by a honeymoon in Maui. Julie says the best way to have the time of your life is, “Don’t stress over the small things – things may not go as planned, but the day will be perfect!”
[Photography] H & Co.[Venue] Old Sugar Mill [Caterer] Jackson Catering [Dessert] Cupcake Magic [Flowers] Bella Bloom [Tux] Men’s Warehouse [Hair] SalonN [Makeup] Angelica Prado Makeup [Music/Entertainment] Extreme Productions [Invitations] Paper Divas
