Not the car we took on the honeymoon. (But wouldn't that have been cool?)
Did I ever tell you that Jesse and I got married in a country-western bar in downtown Orlando?
Well, we did.
Neither of us listen to country music. Or frequent country-western bars. (We don’t have anything against country music. Jesse’s family even went through a country phase when they lived in Texas. Apparently, it just didn’t stick.) I do have a thing for some 1990s-era Garth Brooks, though, I must say.
The real things was, we loved our church in Orlando. We felt like we had family there. But this wasn’t a church with stained glass windows and pretty polished wood floors. This was a church that met in a movie theater on Sunday mornings.
On Wednesdays, we met in a bar downtown. We drank chai lattes and ate cookies and talked about God and art and life. It was nice.
:08 (Eight Seconds) outside, the day we got married
Jesse and I thought—movie theater? No. Country-western bar downtown? Sure. Why not?
The wedding was on a Wednesday night, and it was part of the regular church service, and everyone was invited. There are lots of people wandering about in the world who saw us get married but have no idea who we are. I kind of love that.
This guy? I have no idea who he is. In fact, he may have been asleep. That’s okay.
He was probably closing his eyes in reverence and appreciation. Oh, actually, he really may have been praying.
People much more creative than I am decorated:
Going to the chapel...er, bar...
I got ready upstairs with the gals:
On the left, Robin, wonderful dear Robin, our neighbor; the mother of my flower girl; and the gal who did my hair, nails, and makeup for FREE.
The big event:
Wouldn't be complete without the big matching Pabst signs and a giant screen so everyone could see.
That was almost seven years ago...
And here we are, watching Jeopardy! and hating on winter and making empty threats of putting Oliver up for adoption (when he’s being particularly bad). You don’t start your marriage in a country-western bar in downtown Orlando and expect it to be anything normal. Whatever it is, though, I love it.
7 Comments
Oh goodness! It’s perfect. And I NEVER knew that about your wedding. I’m just…well, let’s just say you made my Friday.
Thanks, Erica!
Aw, the wedding at 8 seconds! I remember that. Caitlin and I went together. It was a totally unique wedding for an amazing and unique couple. I love seeing some of the pictures. You make a most beautiful bride!
I’m so happy we got to have so many friends there. I only wish I could have spent more time with everyone! (Those darn pictures took a long time!)
Honestly? That is one of the coolest weddings I’ve ever seen. It’s very Country Gothic, at least in the pictures.
I got married outside in Acadia National Park. It also was witnessed by many people who had no idea what was going on. When we kissed, a group of people riding by on their bikes rang their bike bells for us.
It’s one of my favorite memories.
Thanks Cherie! I love your wedding story too–how cute that the bikers got to “participate” in a way.
I love this. I love this so so much.