Yes, it poured on Gretchen and Erin’s wedding day. But with umbrellas and cute rain boots, it was all the better. Mary Kate Mckenna, their wedding photographer, was kind enough to send these photos our way. Mary Kate Mckenna was lucky enough to have Kristi Odom second shoot for this amazing day. I LOVE umbrella shots!
Gretchen says, “We had been planning our wedding the day following my proposal to Erin. We were in Florida for two weeks and when I asked her, I said we should just enjoy the engagement, etc before jumping in. IMPOSSIBLE! The next day Erin has already found a dress that she “had to have” and I have already started building what would be our wedding binder.”
My favorite color in the World is green and when Erin and I met I asked if that could be a color. She laughed and agreed probably thinking that was the only request I would make. WRONG! (hehe) Our colors were clover green and chocolate brown.
One of my favorite moments of the day was the “first glance”. It was somewhat scripted as my bridal party was at the house (location of wedding) and hers joined us early for pictures. It was raining ALL DAY and when her party arrived, I stood with my back to their car under our doorstep while her party walked into the house. I could vaguely see Erin in the reflection of the glass walking up behind me with an umbrella. I was so nervous and already had tears in my eyes. She passed off the umbrella and tapped me on the shoulder. It was an incredible moment for me! Erin says on of her favorites was when the DJ announced us into the tent as Gretchen and Erin Randolph-Sullivan. We then joined our bridal parties on the dance floor and did a somewhat choreographed dance to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas.
The ceremony was incredibly unique and had every talking about it. Our goal was to make it extremely personal and not the usual “insert name here” wedding. People were all listening as secrets were revealed about each bride and sentiments were shared. Erin and I wrote and recited our own vows which had everyone in tears. There were also some jokes thrown in and even some audience participation. My Mom passed away 6 years ago and when she did her best friend, Kerry, stepped in as my “spiritual godmother”. We asked her to officiate our wedding not only because she is very close to us and knows us well, but helped add the element of personalization that we were looking for. (My Mom was her Maid of Honor and her wedding day happen to also have been Sapt 26th, same as ours!) Kerry, Erin and I wrote the entire ceremony. OH, I almost forgot. I wanted to do something that had NEVER been done so instead of the sand being poured into vases or the candles being lit, we had each bridesmaid or bridesmen (as we called them) carry one single different flower down the aisle and put it into the vase. Our parents and of course Erin and I did the same and by the end, there was a beautifully colorful and unique bouquet that we had all made. It was really special!
Funniest moment of the day…there was a bunch. I guess I was more nervous during my vows than I thought and when I had to repeat the part about being faithful I paused and forgot the lines. NOT INTENTIONAL but made for a funny moment. Erin at that point than made a face and turned like she was going to run. Our flower girl (who is 7) also walked down the aisle twice despite countless practices (such a showboater). 
Three adjectives to describe the day are…Wet, Romantic and Unforgettable! 
The design of the wedding was elegant yet comfortable. There was a nature feel with not only the color scheme but being on our Farm under white tents and by the pool. Inside the tent and in the middle of the dance floor was a pole. Hanging from the top of the pole at different sizes were large green and white lanterns with lights inside which looked like branches of a tree. It was a gorgeous sight! We wanted to create a wedding like no other. We have both been to so many and they are very similar. We tried to have many fun “surprises” for everyone and wanted to make some new traditions for others to share. We had 5 different wedding cakes, all diff flavors for people to choose. The cakes sat on the table with cookies and brownies and was a dessert buffet for whomever wanted it. We had two rubber ducky brides on “our” two tier carrot cake (I have a HUGE rubber ducky collection). Our centerpieces were each uniquely themed birdhouses as my Mom collected birdhouses and it was a “tribute” to her. There was the winery, the yacht club, the farmer’s market, the treehouse, the little chapel, the saloon, etc. Each table was different and everyone made sure to see them all. We even had a “riverboat queen” for our fave gay boys. :) (I think on of them stole it!) Haha! 
We wrestled with getting a wedding planner and eventually made the decision that we (I) weren’t going to want anyone else planning our day for us. It became a full time job and created more stress, but we handled it well and got through it together. How many people can say they planned the wedding with their best friend? I mean really. Every detail from gluing the numbers onto the centerpieces to making a making the bathroom baskets and hotel goody bags.
We also tried to use all local vendors to support the local town (Marshall) which is tiny. Our hairdressers, florist (Petals & Presents), cakes (Sheila’s Sweets), etc.
Sunday we took a different approach to the usual morning after brunch. We had a taco stand and a mechanical bull. It was amazing!
