Clare and Brian had one of my favorite engagement sessions of the year. To say that I was excited about their wedding would be an understatement. These two are just fun. Clare laughs so easily around Brian, which is pretty convenient for him since he managed to break his foot two days before the wedding and spent the night before the wedding in the ER. He had a cane with him on the wedding day. They took it in stride (no pun intended!).
The ceremony and reception was held at the Carriage House at Rockwood Park in Wilmington, Delaware. The place is gorgeous with its stone walls, exposed beams, and beautiful gardens. Quite the hidden gem! The ladies got ready upstairs. Clare has the most perfect ringlets and I’m so glad she rocked her curly hair for the wedding.
I love that Clare and Brian did a first look. It gave us some time to take advantage of the grounds.
Although the day turned out to be incredible, the ceremony was held indoors (because you just never know with the weather around here). The most special part was that Clare’s father officiated for them, something that was incredibly special and touching to Clare. It was his first time officiating a wedding and he did an incredible job despite his nerves and emotions. Clare is a talented singer herself. The family must have it in their genes because her sister, Mary, blew everyone away as vocalist during the ceremony. It was beautiful.
The reception was held downstairs in the Shipley Room. Browns, reds, and greens accented the room.
The bridal party was announced. Clare and Brian were originally going to do a choreographed dance to “Concrete and Clay”. This plan had to be scrapped due to Brian’s foot but they still looked like they had a blast shuffling out there til the bridal party came out to join them on the dancefloor.
The toasts were great. Molly, Clare’s sister, talked about their courtship and first date 8 years ago – Clare obsessing about her outfit and Brian showing up in sweatpants.
The rest of the evening with filled with good food, drinks, laughter, and lots of dancing. Mary and Clare broke out their “Single Ladies” routine and Clare’s dad showed us a few moves himself. Such a great time!
Clare and Brian, congratulations! You two are the greatest! Seriously.
The sidewalks in the street
The concrete and the clay beneath my feet
Begins to crumble
But love will never die
Because we’ll see the mountains tumble
Before we say goodbye
~ Unit 4 + 2, “Concrete and Clay”
Ceremony musicians: Dave Sanders, Tim Brey, and Mary Callaghan
DJ: Tom Thornton
Cocktail Hour Guitarist: Chris Grunwald (GRIZ)
