Although Nikki + Jason eloped in heart-flutteringly-gorgeous Hawaii months ago, it’s their hometown vow renewal that’ll really take your breath away. From their symbolic sand ceremony, to the Mai Tai’s served at their gorg reception, every detail is tropical with a traditional twist. Sawyer Baird captured it all in THE VAULT, and every single moment is about to show you exactly why marriage matters!
From Sawyer Baird…Nikki & Jason eloped earlier this year in beautiful Hawaii and decided that they wanted to have a vow renewal in their hometown later on in the year for family & friends to celebrate their love story. When Nikki reached out to me about photography and looking for a place to for photos in a natural setting I knew the perfect spot, Cator Woolford Gardens, just a short drive from the ceremony location.
Amberly with Wrennwood Designs completely transformed the Decatur Corthouse into a beautiful space. From the florals to the beautiful relaxed layout of the space.
Along with all of the beautiful details Nikki also added a fun touch for her guest to have portraits done during the reception. It was seriously such a hit and fun addition to the reception.
From The Groom.. From the moment she walked into my life, God’s journey for us began. My curiosity about her on our first date started with a flicker in my heart. When I drove away from Parish, my heart grew warm and a smile appeared on my face. At that moment I knew she was very special.
From The Bride….I walked into Parish Cafe and saw the most handsome man with sparkling blue eyes. He looked at me from across the room with a magical smile. When I walked away from him that afternoon my heart whispered “he’s the one.”
534 days later…Jason and I were married at a sunset ceremony in Maui, Hawaii. It was a private ceremony that allowed us to solely focus on our love for each other. The beauty of Hawaii and the union of two souls painted a fairy tale picture. It was the happiest, most romantic day of our lives. We said our personal vows on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, ran around the beach embracing life and laughter as the wedding photographer captured each moment. We ended the evening returning to the location where our ceremony took place and danced to “Love of My Life” under the summer stars.
Four months later, we were so grateful to have a vow renewal and reception with family and friends to celebrate our marriage. The guests were served Hawaiian Mai Tai’s as they awaited our arrival. All of the joyful emotions came to life all over again as we said our personal love and commitment vows in front of our guests, followed by a symbolic sand ceremony with sand brought back from the oceanside. We ended our ceremony with a toast thanking our family and friends for all of the support, encouragement, love and laughter they contributed to our lives. The celebration was just as much about them, so we had a card made for each place setting that read “Together is a wonderful place to be.”
As for wedding details, everything mattered from the personalized vow book design to the hand painted floral vases to the monogrammed decorative pillows. We wanted the wedding to depict modern elegance with an overtone palette of grays and whites, yet portray our playful spirit, so we had a caricature artist draw guests throughout the evening and warm krispy kreme donuts served for a late night snack. Everything about the wedding reception was a reflection of us and was simply perfect. But, the best part about our wedding day was the realization that we married our best friend and as individuals, we are beautiful people, but when our lives are blended into one we form something more miraculous. Every day Jason and I are together is the greatest day of our lives.
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Photography: Sawyer Baird | Event Planning: Wrennwood Design | Floral Design: Wrennwood Design | Venue: The Dekalb History Center | Location: Cator Woolford Gardens