Part Two Celebration Date: October 4th 2021

Back in March of 2020, the world was rapidly changing around us and no one knew what to do or what the future would hold for weddings. My dear friends, Claire and Ian, were set to be married on March 20th and they ended up setting the stage for the rest of the year and much of 2021 as well. Claire affectionately coined the phrase, “I Do Day,” as the mini exchange of vows that took place in 2020. We borrowed not only her phrase, but their zest for life, love, and the joy of getting to celebrate not once, but twice! Needless to say, their positivity and love helped carry not just them, but us, through the coming months.

Now, over one year later, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting them again for their grand part two celebration at none other than Bavaria Downs. This was their dream venue and they decided to book it for a Monday night because they knew their friends and family would not only attend, but show up ready to celebrate. And celebrate they did! The morning of their big celebration, Claire’s sisters played into their love of Frozen and surprised her by reenacting the sauna scene upon seeing her in her dress for the first time. With “you-who’s” sung through the mini little window, Claire doubled over in laughter and that joy continued throughout the day. Meanwhile, Ian and his father exchanged a meaningful whiskey toast before he ventured out on the grounds for their first look. I swear the sun shone a bit brighter once the two met and everyone in attendance could feel their joy from around the property. Then it was time for a beautiful ceremony celebrating their marriage, the coming together of loved ones, and the fact that they could all finally have this great big party all together! Joel, of Westwood Church, officiated once again and we all had beautiful flashbacks from their March 2020 ceremony along the lake. After the two danced off into the sunset, we all met back inside for some heartfelt toasts and a lot of fun dancing. Claire had dreamed of a sparkler send off, so everyone made their way outside on the perfect fall evening and lit their sparklers in celebration of the happy couple. Watching them run up and down the aisle as their friends and family cheered made me remember how important it is to celebrate every moment in your life, big and small. Lucky for Claire and Ian, they got to do both.

Amazing Vendors: Bavaria Downs (venue), 651 Studio Floral (florist), D'Amico (catering), Harvest Film Co (videographer), BHLDN (dress designer), Steve Madden (shoe designer), Olive and Piper (jewelry designer), Atmosfere (suit designer), Laura Westrem Artistry (hair and makeup), Kelsey Wolfley Designs (invitations), Lars Larson (dj)