Cider Gallery Wedding | Lawrence, KS | Jenny + Chaseton

Vow books were cradled in Jenny’s hands as she excitedly stood behind her highschool sweetheart, her soulmate, her groom. The ladies by her side, her bridesmaids, stretched out the train to show her beautiful gown in all its glory.  Chaseton, looking straight ahead, knew his future was right behind him. The love of his life. His bride. A short countdown stood between them and their first look at each other as bride and groom. A breeze over the river rustled their hair and shook the leaves of the trees that shaded the two from the summer sun. Time went so slow and fast at the same time. 3…2…1. Chaseton turned around to see his beautiful, teary-eyed bride and like popping a bottle of champagne, the emotions bubbled over as the two gushed over how beautiful they looked and how happy they were to see each other. Though Jenny had claimed she wouldn’t cry, she pulled out her handkerchief made from her mother’s wedding gown to dab her cheeks dry as she passed Chaseton his vow book. They noticed each other’s details – his cuff links, his tie, his shoes, his hair, her makeup, her dress. Once they were ready, the two opened the small notebooks that contained their handwritten vows to each other. They took turns sharing their forever promises to each other as the wind continued to sweep through the riverwalk they stood on, drowning out all noise except the words of the person they would marry in front of their friends and family so soon.

The first look was one of the many moments I had the honor of witnessing on Jenny and Chaseton’s wedding day! The first location was the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lawrence Downtown! I had a great experience with the staff when I stopped by a couple weeks before the wedding to scout some locations. Not only does the hotel have access to a riverwalk right along the water (talk about a dreamy spot to view a sunset!), but every hotel room has a view of the water. We even found a bright catwalk for Jenny’s getting ready photos in her gorgeous J. Lynn Bridal gown and stunning hair and makeup by The Hive Salon. I am so happy with how these spots looked as backdrops for such exciting moments leading up to the ceremony! After the sweet, special first look moment on the riverwalk and some wedding party shots, we all headed to Cider Gallery! I can’t tell you how supportive and helpful the wedding party was – every groomsman and bridesmaid was so excited for Jenny and Chaseton and assisted with making the day run smoothly.

If you haven’t been to Cider Gallery in Lawrence, you are missing out. Cider Gallery is a beautiful, brick venue that showcases talented artwork on the walls and has a romantic, intimate courtyard right outside. I couldn’t get over the pretty stone wall that stood behind a circular altar with gorgeous floral arrangements by Owen’s Flower Shop that continued down the aisle in pockets of baby’s breath flowers. Inside, classy dinnerware, signage, decor and lighting worked together to set the scene for a celebration of Jenny and Chaseton’s marriage. 

There are so many moments I won’t forget. I won’t forget how you could hear a pen drop as everyone stood and watched Jenny approach her groom step-by-step on her own. I will never forget Anna with Bel Amour sharing Jenny and Chaseton’s love story to their guests so they could be reminded of how deep Jenny and Chaseton’s love is for each other before they become husband and wife. I won’t forget when Jenny and Chaseton started back down the aisle and walked hand in hand for the first time as a married couple! 

DJ Connection kicked off the reception with a grand entrance and Mr. and Mrs. Holdman’s first dance as husband and wife! Then The Mad Greek served up a dinner to die for. From the salad with the house Greek dressing to the mouthwatering gyro, the entire plate was so delicious! I enjoyed chatting with guests while photographing the party, hearing about how special Jenny and Chaseton are as individuals and how they are truly meant for each other. So many guests were from Jenny and Chaseton’s hometown in Illinois and while the bride and groom made sure to thank the guests for their travel, I could tell the guests didn’t mind at all. It was a small sacrifice to see two beautiful souls get married!

I loved seeing Jenny and Chaseton dance the night away with their favorite people, fueled by the delicious cake by McLain’s Cakery! Before we all knew it, it was time to light the sparklers and send off the newlyweds. In a romantic Taylor Swift fashion, sparks flew as the guests lit the path for Mr. and Mrs. Holdman to slide into the getaway car (see what I did there, Swifties?) and wave goodbye to their friends and family. It was truly a magical ending to such a gorgeous wedding day!

Jenny and Chaseton, I remember meeting you at Java Break on a cold night for your wedding consultation. I remember having a hard time containing my excitement as you told me about your love story and your wedding plans so far. I was so invested from the first moment! I treasure you both and it isn’t lost on me how special it was to document your engagement and of course, wedding! I noticed every detail and loved seeing you two have the time of your life as bride and groom! Congratulations on your marriage, it’s only the beginning! Now comes all the married life fun! I can’t wait to hear about your adventures as Mr. and Mrs. (including adventures with your pup Dexter too)! Here’s to many years of happiness and endless love! Thank you so much for hiring me and trusting me with such a once-in-a-lifetime day. Cheers to the Holdmans!

 

With so much love,

Jenny

The Vendor Team:

Venue: Cider Gallery
Attire: J Lynn Bridal
Hair+MUA: The Hive Salon
DJ: DJ Connection
Officiant: Bel Amour
Catering: The Mad Greek
Dessert: McLain’s Market Lawrence
Florist: Owen’s Flower Shop
Second shooter: Jaycee Hill Photography