When we first met Ryan and Kylie, they were engaged to be married and we spent a wonderful afternoon at Capitol Park taking photos with only the anticipation of what was to come. Even though we were over a year away from their wedding day, Kylie had already begun planning and included her most favorite Beauty and the Beast accents during the engagement session.
It was perfect, and also obvious that she would carry these cute touches through to the wedding.
As we arrived to the Timber Creek Ballroom, Kylie was a little bit nervous, but had a lot of support and help to get ready including mom, bridesmaids, siblings, and even dad waiting nearby for a first look with his soon to be married daughter.
Kylie's makeup was done, and she began to feel the part as she put the wedding dress on, and picked up the bouquet with a butterfly-a dedication to her late grandmother-only to turn toward oohs, ahhs and tears while the reality set in for everyone in the room.
After so much planning, talking, dreaming, and imagining, the day was finally here! Kylie was getting ready to marry the love of her life!!!
Just next door-separated by only a thin wall-and yet, it seemed as though they were miles away-Ryan was getting ready with family, groomsmen and a few nerves as well. This is always the hardest part-anticipating the end of the aisle, and the long walk that will ensue as the two are so eager to be reunited and become one. But there was still some time, so Ryan had to wait it out. Kylie had written a note delivered by her Maid of Honor-so at least he had something to calm him just a bit.
With only a few minutes until the ceremony, dad was ready to share a quiet first look with his beautiful daughter. The butterflies were building for Kylie, and dad was looking just a little nervous as well, as she approached. He was all smiles when he saw her, and it was a special once-in-a-lifetime moment shared between father and daughter-that I don't think either will forget anytime soon.
With dad ready to walk Kylie down the aisle, and everybody in their place, the music began, and Ryan stood before family and friends eagerly awaiting his bride-and probably hoping for some of those nerves to subside when she arrived.
It was just as he hoped. Kylie was beautiful as she walked down the aisle toward a teary-eyed Ryan. Not to worry though-Kylie was there, and her touch made everything just right. Ryan became so relaxed, that he was even able to pull off his ongoing joke by presenting a Ring pop when asked for the rings, only to be replaced by the real thing after having received a few giggles from his bride.
The relief and excitement was obvious as the two exited the ceremony to the sounds of claps and cheers. They were now Mr. And Mrs. Long! And everybody was so excited to have been there to witness the couples transformation!!!
The reception was beautiful. From the sweetheart table complete with a single rose in glass, to the creative centerpieces at each table, and of course the delicious dessert table-it was a perfect setting. After a delicious dinner, it was time to hear what some of the guests thought about this union.
The speeches were thoughtful, touching, and filled with tears. Try as he might, dad couldn't hold them back, and of course if dad cries, everybody cries! It was immediately obvious how many lives Ryan and Kylie have touched, and how important they are to so many people.
One of the most fun moments was the cake! We can never guess how a couple will go about this first act together as man and wife-and Kylie and Ryan certainly didn't disappoint!
There was plenty of dancing until the party ended! The DJ was awesome, and it was definitely a good time by all.
Thinking back on this particular wedding, the one thing that stood out so much was love. In all honesty, at many weddings with blended families, there can be hurt feelings, awkward relationships, and people who don't want to be in photos together. A true testament to this family was the fact that everybody was so loving toward one another. They included each other as family, no matter what the relationship-and that probably helps to explain how this couple turned out to be so cool too!
We want to wish a HUGE congratulations to this beautiful couple. They have an amazing kindness, and a genuine love to one another. They are young, and already have so much going for them. Together, they seem as though they will be able to conquer anything life sends their way.
Just as Belle proclaimed in Beauty in the Beast: “I want adventure in the great-wide somewhere, I wanted more than I can tell… For once it might be grand to have someone understand, I want so much more than they’ve got planned!” ...we do believe that Mr. and Mrs. Long will achieve that!
