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Real Weddings
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Sarah & Josh
Broadway baby marrys her leading man.
By Christine Galt
Sarah Turner and Josh Mertz were a match from the start. They met in 2004 during a national tour of Troika Entertainment's "Crazy for You." She was Irene and he was Lance, lovers who tie the knot at the close of the show after a seductive rendition of "Naughty Baby."
Three years later, Sarah went to Arizona to see Josh in a second tour of "Crazy for You." He professed his love by pulling her onto the stage and offering a familiar refrain: "Every day you teach me about real love. My cupcake, my redhead, my naughty baby, my sweet, embraceable you."
Josh, 36, and Sarah, 31, shared the spotlight again in October. This time it was for their wedding ceremony at St. John Catholic Church on the Creighton University campus in Omaha. The celebration continued with a retro-themed reception at the Scoular Building Ballroom.
Sarah grew up in Omaha. Josh is a Wisconsin native.
"She's a girl who's seen the world," Maureen Turner said of her daughter. "But she never considered any place but home for her wedding."
Sarah wore a 1950s-inspired tea-length dress with three-quarter-length sleeves created by Mary Adams, a vintage seamstress in New York. Sarah's hair, makeup and bubble veil matched the period.
"She looked like a silken cupcake," Maureen said of the bride. There was only one problem: "When it came time to sit down, my skirt came up to my nose," Sarah said, laughing at the memory of the fullness of the crinoline.
Vintage vocalist Michael Walker serenaded guests as they entered the ballroom, creating a supper club atmosphere.
Peacock feathers - a symbol of good luck and well-being - were incorporated into the reception centerpieces, as well as the bridal bouquet and the groom's boutonniere. Sarah even carried a peacock feather purse, a treasured find in London.
Guests dined on TV dinners of mashed potatoes, pot roast, green beans and macaroni. "It really came off better than I imagined," the bride's mother admitted. "The caterer found aluminum trays and we personalized them. People loved it."
In true Broadway fashion, Sarah and Josh performed a Johnny Cash and June Carter duet. Then Sarah surprised Josh with a sultry rendition of "Fly Me to the Moon."
"I was afraid that I wouldn't get through it, that I would start crying," Sarah said. "But that's who we are. A couple of cheesy performers."
The couple's engagement photos - enlarged like Broadway playbills - were used throughout the ballroom.
The cake was topped with a miniature replica of the Chrysler Building and iced with an outline of the NYC skyline.
Sarah created a photo display of seven important women in her life and baked a signature cookie for each that was given to guests as a party favor. "It was really touching," Maureen said.
"Nothing was taken for granted in this wedding," the bride said.
The dance portion of the evening began with a video clip of a Rolling Stones concert on a giant screen. "That was the best," Sarah said. "The floor got packed. You couldn't move."
Sarah and Josh took a brief honeymoon to the Hudson Valley in upstate New York. They relaxed, went to a spa and indulged at the Culinary Institute. They plan an extended honeymoon in Italy.
As for the wedding, Sarah says she wouldn't have done anything differently. "The excitement for me was seeing it come together and watching everyone enjoy it."
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Chelsey
& Mike
Ceremony doesn't skip a beat
By Christine Galt
Chelsey Williams, 22, dreamed of getting married near a creek and riding a horse into the sunset. Instead, she opted for exchanging vows in a garden and nuzzling a Chihuahua.
As it turned out, the pooch made quite an impression as she trotted down the aisle in her pink tutu during Chelsey's marriage to Mike Zimmerman on July 26, 2008, at the Fountains Ballroom near Glenwood, Iowa.
The pooch was on her best behavior - until nature called. "She pooped halfway down the aisle," Chelsey recalled. "That was kind of embarrassing."
And not likely to be forgotten by Mike and Chelsey or their guests.
The couple's colors of azalea, yellow and chocolate brown reflected their personalities - optimistic and upbeat.
Two weeks earlier, Mike, 23, had undergone surgery to correct ventricular tachycardia, or rapid heartbeat, a condition he had had since high school.
"It was kind of a letdown for him," Chelsey said. "But he's not the type to let that affect him. A challenge like that either makes your relationship stronger or tears you apart."
It was a case of the former for the Zimmermans.
Mike's sister, who is stationed in Iraq, was unable to attend the ceremony. Still, "everyone was upbeat, young and old," the bride said.
Chelsey's grandma, intent on sticking around for the couple's first dance, was surprised when the beat swiftly changed from Big and Rich's "Lost in This Moment" to the early '90s rap "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-a-Lot.
The newlyweds, to the surprise of their guests, had choreographed a routine to the popular hip-hop song.
"We wanted to do something a little different and fun," Chelsey said. "Everyone got a kick out of it."
Also for fun, the groom's cake was topped with Basketball Barbie walking a Chihuahua and dragging Dr. Ken down the aisle. Chelsey plays basketball at Dana College in Blair, Neb., and Mike is a pre-med student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
They currently live in Omaha, but expect to move to Des Moines once they graduate so Mike can attend podiatry school.
The newlyweds honeymooned in Jamaica, but Mike was back in the hospital as soon as they returned.
"We were really lucky nothing medical happened in Jamaica," the bride said.
All in all, everything worked out. "I thought it went perfectly," Chelsey said. "Of course there were little ups and downs, but I couldn't ask for a better wedding."
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Rishling Siblings
Quadrupling the I do's
By Christine Galt
One after another, they said their "I do's." For siblings who have always been close, sharing a wedding day seemed like the natural thing to do.
So they did - in August at Indian Creek Golf Course in Omaha. The Rishling siblings - Lisa, Linda, Josh and Laura - shared the ceremony, the reception, the cake-cutting, the bouquet toss and the memories.
The idea began as a joke a year ago at Thanksgiving dinner. The more the family and their future spouses talked, the sweeter the idea became.
For Lisa Rishling, 33, and Carlos Esparza, 33, the wedding highlighted a 15-year relationship that produced three sons whom they cherish.
Laura Rishling, 25, and Phil Malone, 26, had been together nine years and had a daughter, Mailey.
Linda Rishling, 30, and Jeromy Nielsen, 33, were high school sweethearts who married in September 1997, had a son and separated. Five years later, they rekindled their romance and decided to remarry.
Josh Rishling, 28, and Theresa Griffin, 26, began dating in April 1997. They are expecting their first child in June.
Cliff Rishling walked each of his daughters down the aisle.
"My father was pretty emotional and out of breath by the last one,'' Laura said.
Theresa Griffin was escorted by her father, Alan Smith.
The wedding colors were red, black, silver and white but each groom and each bride personalized their attire.
The couples' children participated as flower girls and ring bearers.
The wedding's unique circumstances attracted national media attention, including a 4 a.m. appearance on "Good Morning America" the day of the wedding. "I was really nervous," Theresa recalled. "We only had two hours of sleep and we were exhausted."
The interview and the ceremony went smoothly. "We were just so happy,'' Laura said. "I cried through the vows and the first dances."
To commemorate a favorite pasttime, the grooms' cake was decorated with logos of favorite NFL teams. The men playfully crouched in a three-point football stance and raced to be the first to toss his garter.
The reception was so large, "we ran out of food,'' Laura said. "It was a huge event." The turnout was twice the number expected. By the end of the reception, the food crisis was forgotten.
Linda said her favorite part of the wedding was celebrating it with her siblings and loved ones.
For Linda, "It kind of felt like it was out of a movie or something. It was just so beautiful, it didn't feel real.''
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Lauren & Derrek
Finding love across the pond
By Teresa Forbes
A trip across the pond sealed the fate of Lauren Chivers and Derrek Krummel, high school acquaintances who fell in love in England.
"We knew we were right for each other when we took a trip to England after our senior year. Derrek got to see where I grew up and meet all of my friends and family," Lauren said.
Lauren, 24, was born in Basingstoke, about 50 miles southwest of London. She came to the United States when she was 8 after her father was transferred to the United States for business.
Derrek, 25, grew up in Hancock, Iowa.
The pair met during their junior year in Atlantic, Iowa.
England has played a significant role in their relationship. New Year's Eve 2006, Derrek went to Instow Village, where Lauren was visiting family during the holidays.
"It was pouring down rain when I saw Derrek waiting for me on the coast of Instow," Lauren recalled. "He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him."
But before he popped the question, Derrek had sought permission from Lauren's father.
The couple celebrated their engagement with family and friends at a costume party.
Lauren and Derrek were married in an outdoor ceremony May 24, 2008, at Thompson Alumni Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. They chose Omaha for its proximity to their respective hometowns.
The couple's wedding blended English and Yankee traditions like hats, horseshoes and hydrangeas.
Clocks set to Omaha and London time were set on tables, and elegant signage noted the distance between Omaha and Basingstoke and other towns that held significance for the couple.
Several female guests wore hats in keeping with British tradition for social occasions.
"We didn't ask the ladies to wear them, but they knew it was going to be a mix of English and American traditions," Lauren said. "The English ladies carefully transported their hats as carry-on luggage."
Lauren and Derrek symbolized the blending of their lives in a sand ceremony using granules from the beaches of Cape Cod and Instow Village. At the conclusion of their vows, guests showered the couple with lavender and hydrangea petals held in pretty paper cones hung from the backs of chairs.
Guests received favor boxes filled with American cookies made by Derrek's grandmother and English tea bagged by Lauren's mother.
An aunt from Basingstoke presented the couple with horseshoes, a symbol of good luck in England.
For Lauren and Derrek, the highlight of the wedding involved pianists Tony Bohnenkamp and Jared Hall, both of Des Moines. "They played classical music for our outdoor ceremony, including the traditional British hymn, 'Jerusalem,' " Lauren said.
For the reception, they cranked it up a notch with a dueling piano routine. "It brought everyone to their feet for the whole evening," the bride said.
The newlyweds spent a week at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri with family and friends from England.
"We don't get to see them often, so it was great" being together, Lauren said.
The Krummels are making their home in Kansas City, Mo.
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Tina & Zach
The
father of the bride creates a perfect panorama for Tina
and Zach's scenic Underwood, Iowa, wedding.
Photos:
LM Photography
Flowers: Hy-Vee
Bride's Gown: Thomcyn's Formal Attire
Rentals: Gibbs Rental
Band: Dave Barger and the Master Jammers
Tina
Bonacci couldn't imagine a more beautiful setting for
her wedding than her parents' rural Iowa home.
Her
dreams came true Sept. 8 2007, when she and Zach Dice
exchanged their vows in an afternoon ceremony against
a backdrop of rolling hills and late-summer hues.
The
ceremony was conducted on a platform specially built
by Tina's father.
After
the ceremony, the bridal party and guests moved to the
family's two-story barn for a picnic feast and
dancing to music by a live band.
The
bride and her attendants got ready for the ceremony
in an upstairs bedroom of the farmhouse.
"My
most memorable moment", the bride said, "was
watching Zach below, greeting our guests and trying
not to look up in the window."
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Jenny
& Joel 06.23.07
Berlin
World Cup kicks engagement into high gear
Ceremony
Location: Cathedral of the Risen Christ, Lincoln
Reception Location: Country Club of Lincoln
Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Jim Hjelm
Tuxedos: Custom-tailored black Italian tuxes,
Emsud's Expert Alterations in Lincoln
Makeup: In-home Chanel makeup application by
Claudia Messineo of
Lincoln Bride and Mother of the Bride Hair: Devonna
Primavera of Lincoln
Bridal Party Hair: Tranquility Salon in Lincoln
Bride's Ring: Tiffany-style with round diamond
passed down from Joel's late father ; Borsheim's
wedding band Groom's Ring: Two-tone brushed-andpolished
titanium band with diamonds
Flowers: Mike Hillis of Hillis & Company,
Lincoln
Caterer: Country Club of Lincoln
Cake: Donna Roehrs of Lincoln
Soloist: Steve Kocher of Chicago, friend of the
groom
Instrumentalists:
Summit String Quartet of Lincoln
Organist: Dave Schmidt of Lincoln
Trumpet: Tom Kelly of Lincoln
Reception Music: Pam and the Pearls of Omaha
Photography: Geoff Johnson, Omaha
Videography: Special Images, Omaha
Transportation: VIP Limo of Lincoln
Invitations/Programs: Paper Panache in Lincoln
created a neutral palette of off-white letterpress on
pure cotton rag paper by Elum.
Graphic Designer: Carla Roscoe of Moon Design
in Lincoln helped with design of menu cards, ceremony
programs, seating chart and monogram.
Rentals: United Rental and AAA Rents & Event
Services
Travel Agent: Melissa Blue of Blue Hawaii Vacations
in California
Wedding Planner: Tracey Fricke of Special Occasion
by Design in Omaha and Maryanne Heiser, mother of the
bride
Favors: Heart-shaped butter cream sugar cookies
with white frosting
Oprah
Winfrey once referred to St. Patrick's Church in
downtown Chicago as "the place to meet your match."
Jenny Heiser and Joel Pilka would agree. Both were invited
and felt compelled to attend a block-party fundraiser
for the historic church. Jenny and Joel bumped into
each other, chatted, and ultimately exchanged phone
numbers. Three months later, their paths crossed again
at a black-tie fundraiser and they agreed to get together
the following week.
The
rest, as they say, is history.
Jenny
left Chicago to pursue a master's degree in advertising,
marketing and communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
but maintained a long-distance relationship with Joel.
After two years of dating, Joel proposed.
"I
was in Germany for a conference. The World Cup soccer
competition was in Berlin that year and Joel decided
to fly in with friends to see some of the matches,"
Jenny said. After meeting up in Berlin, Joel took Jenny
to a quaint Italian bistro in a quiet alley.
"Our
candlelit table was outside on the cobblestones,"
Jenny said. During the meal, Joel excused himself. When
he returned, he moved his chair aside, looked at Jenny
and proposed. "I threw my face in my hands,"
she said. "I was so emotional I don't exactly
remember what he said." After dinner, they spent
the rest of the night walking the streets of Berlin
yelling, "We're engaged."
Exactly
a year after proposing, Jenny and Joel were married
June 23, 2007. The ceremony was held at the Cathedral
of the Risen Christ in Lincoln, with the reception at
the Country Club of Lincoln.
The
atmosphere of the day was vintage garden with a contemporary
feel inspired by romantic overtones and summer neutrals
using garden greens, whites, off-whites and hints of
pink with golden accents.
Jenny
carried a just-picked bouquet with stems wrapped in
satin ribbon and her grandmother's rosary. Her
bouquet included clematis flown in from California,
garden roses, ranunculus, green mini-cymbidium orchid
blossoms, ladies mantel, and white and green hydrangea.
Emphasizing
the garden motif, the room was adorned with boxwood
shrubbery and large trees twinkling with hundreds of
tiny white lights. The Chivari opera chairs had sheer
gold organza covers.
The
chandeliers were wrapped with Southern smilez and white
clematis, while the dining tables were draped in off-white
linens with a silk overlay. The centerpieces -
varying in style and height - utilized the same
flowers found in the bridal bouquet and basked in the
warm glow offered by clusters of votive candles.
Jenny
wore a fitted, strapless crème Chantilly lace
gown with a latte silk underlay by Monique Lhuillier.
During
the day, she wore an offwhite ribbon with an antique
broach made of Swarovski crystals and seeded pearls.
For the reception, Jenny switched to a fitted belt encrusted
with Swarovski crystals.
Joel
made the day complete with the debut of their wedding
song, which he wrote, sang and co-produced with Derrick
Procell of Chicago.
"A
Perfect Day" brought tears to everyone's eyes
by the end of the couple's first dance.
"I
knew he was up to something because he kept changing
our first-dance song. He didn't seem to care what
it would be, even up until the last moment.''
Jenny
and Joel both come from large families and they wanted
to be sure everyone was involved in the events of the
day. A photograph of the cousins, bridal party and grandparents
captured the essence of family tradition and togetherness.
The
couple honeymooned in Maui before making their home
in Illinois.
"I
feel so fortunate to have been able to have such a special
day. It could not have been possible without the support
of family, friends, and guests who came from all over
the country," Jenny said. "This was more than
I could have ever imagined. We had such a good time.
I almost want to do it all over again!"
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Tami
& Scott Koel 08.04.07
Mutual
crush turns friends into lovebirds
Ceremony
location:
First Presbyterian Church, Omaha
Reception location: Omaha Hilton
Bridal gown: Maggie Sottero, Ellynne Bridal,
Lincoln
Bridesmaids' Dresses: White House/Black
Market
Tuxedos: Men's Warehouse
Hair: Kristy Sliffe
Rings: Helzberg's Jewelers
Flowers: Debbie Pitt
Caterer: Omaha Hilton
Cake: Karen Brophey
Music: Complete Music
Photography: Multi-Images Photography
Videography: Virtual Knowledge Inc.
Transportation: Extreme Limosene
Invitations/Programs: Alaun by Design
Rentals: AAA Rentals
Travel Agent: Donna Osterchill
Favors: BlueMOON Photo Booth Rentals
Harpist: Karen Conoan
Trumpet: Jim Woodland
Vocalist: Ryan Pivonka
Tami
Foehlinger was a freshman and Scott Koel was a sophomore
when they met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
through a mutual friend. Although Tami had an instant
crush on Scott and they were friends, they never dated
in college. Three years after graduating, their friendship
blossomed into romance.
"We
saw each other at a party after a Husker game,"
Tami said. "We ended up talking late into the
evening and realized that our friendship had become
something more. Scott likes to joke that I made him
wait three years before going out with him. I just
didn't realize that the friend I had a crush
on during those years had a crush on me."
During
the first year of their courtship, the Huskers went
to the Rose Bowl. Tami, her twin sister Tina, and
their late brother, Bobby, were baton twirlers with
the marching band. Scott made the trip to cheer the
team on and to watch Tami perform in the Rose Bowl
Parade and the bowl game half-time show. They spent
their first New Year's Eve together on a beach
in Santa Monica, Calif.
Exactly
five years after the couple started dating, Scott
proposed. He sent Tami to a spa for a massage, manicure
and pedicure. Then he took her shopping for a dinner
dress. Tami sensed that something was up. When she
couldn't find anything to wear she suggested
they give up and just go to dinner. Scott stalled
by looking at gadgets at Sharper Image and buying
an Orange Julius.
"I
couldn't figure out what was going on,"
Tami said. "Finally, we went to our car. But
when we got there, Scott said he left his driver's
license in a store so we both went back in. When we
finally walked out of the mall, there was a stretch
limo parked at the curb. I jokingly said, 'Hey,
look, there's our ride.' He smiled and announced
that, yes, it was our ride."
The
limo took Tami and Scott to their favorite restaurant,
but Scott didn't pop the question at dinner.
He waited until they got back into the limo. He turned
to her and said, "Tami, we've been together
for five years and I want 55 more.'' The
limo took the couple to the home of Tami's parents,
where Tina had organized an impromptu engagement party.
Tami
and Scott were married Aug. 4, 2007, at First Presbyterian
Church in Omaha. The same pastor who married Tami's
parents and baptized Tami and her four siblings officiated.
A reception followed at the Omaha Hilton. The day
was shared with family, friends and Tami's twirling
and dance students.
"I
remember feeling strangely calm the morning of my
wedding day," Tami said. "The importance
of the day finally hit me when my veil was placed
on my head. I took one look in the mirror and the
tears started flowing. I also remember standing at
the doorway of the church clutching my father's
arm. . . I began thinking about my late brother and
my grandmother, wishing that they were there. . .
I saw the grinning faces of my students. Then I saw
Tina wiping her tears, and I realized that our relationship
would be forever changed. There's nothing quite
like the bond between twin sisters."
Tami's favorite line from Tina's toast:
"I always thought that I completed Tami, but
as it turns out, Scott does."
Black-and-white
rose print bridesmaid dresses and fuchsia roses set
the tone of the wedding.
A
custom monogram with a rose and the couple's
initials appeared on the invitation and the program,
as well as a table runner for the reception.
Guests
enjoyed taking pictures in a photo booth at the reception,
and each guest received a photo key chain as a memento.
Tami's
diamond white Maggie Sottero gown featured intricate
lace and Swarovski crystal detailing that shined as
the couple danced to a medley of "Somewhere Over
the Rainbow/Wonderful World" sung by Hawaiian
artist Israel Kamakawio'ole.
The
couple honeymooned in St. Lucia and are making their
home in Omaha.
"I
knew from the beginning that he was the one,"
Tami said. "I was so glad that our friendship
turned into romance."
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Erin
& Jeremy Stoll 10.12.07
Play
rehearsal a prelude to matrimony
Ceremony
location: The Magnolia Hotel
Reception location: The Magnolia Hotel
Bridal Gown: Justin Alexander, Bridal Traditions
Bridesmaid Dresses: Eden Bridesmaids, J. Marie's,
Lincoln
Tuxedos: Men's Warehouse
Hair: Morgan Evers, Avalon Suites
Makeup: Heather Artz, W Salon, Lincoln
Rings: Goldsmith Silversmith
Flowers: Paul at Simply Flowers, Center Mall
Cake: Michaela Hug-Nelson, La-Charlotte
Music: iTunes. Bride's brother was the DJ;
Friends chose their favorite songs.
Photography: Geoff Johnson Photography
Invitations/Programs: Adam Nielsen, bi-'st
O Design
Travel Agent: Diane Fischer, Regency Travel
Wedding Planner: Mindell Rethwisch, Magnolia
Hotel
Favors: Adam Nielsen designed matchbooks for
the couple, who collect them. Out-of-town guests staying
at the hotel received welcome bags filled with information
about the Old Market, Nebraska playing cards, specialty
nuts and candy, and facial tissue.
Erin
Joekel was ready to give up on men until she was cast
in "Dogs Playing Poker," a benefit for the
Nebraska Humane Society. The show still needed a leading
man when someone suggested Jeremy Stoll, who had been
described to Erin as "tall and good-looking."
Erin,
sensing a matchmaking attempt, announced that she was
done with men. "I showed up for rehearsal and the
first person I saw was Jeremy. I thought, 'OK,
maybe I'm not totally done with men.'"
After
three rehearsals, Erin invited Jeremy out for a drink.
"He had amazing eyes. And I loved his voice. He
has a deep voice that makes me melt. He told me he was
a teacher and that really touched me."
Jeremy
found Erin beautiful, elegant, humorous and well-spoken.
It was an instant attraction.
The
coupled dated for 15 months before Jeremy proposed in
Colorado on New Year's Eve. It was about 1 a.m.
when Jeremy suggested they go for a walk. "I didn't
want to go because it was freezing," Erin recalls.
They walked to the Visitor's Center Square in Breckenridge
and stopped on a bridge crossing over a small brook.
The mountains were bathed in moonlight. "It was
a beautiful, clear night. All the Christmas lights were
on and there was snow."
Jeremy
was standing with his arms around her when she suggested
they make New Year's resolutions. "He said,
'Good idea' and pulled off my glove and put
the ring on my finger. I think I screamed and then cried
and
starting jumping up and down."
Erin
and Jeremy were married Oct. 12, 2007, in the courtyard
of the Magnolia Hotel in Omaha. A reception followed
in the ballroom. Instead of exchanging traditional vows,
the couple expressed their gratitude for one another.
"We each chose three things that we appreciated
and loved about each other."
During
the lighting of the unity candle, each guest received
a small, tapered candle. Jeremy's sister and a
close friend walked down the center aisle, lighting
the first candle in each row. Guests, in turn, lit the
next person's candle in their row. The glow spread
from the back of the courtyard to the wedding couple's
parents in the front row. Jeremy and Erin each lit a
candle from their parents' candles and then lit
the unity candle as a couple.
Their
invitation let guests know this would be a unique ceremony.
The theme for their wedding, "Thank you for being,"
came from a card Erin had sent Jeremy during their courtship.
Their
wedding colors were black and white. Their flowers:
Red and white ranunculus and ornithogalums. The reception
tables were graced with white lilies in tall vases and
clusters of white carnations in short vases wrapped
in black fabric.
Conversation
cards on black tablecloths helped guests break the ice.
A photo booth complete with funny hats and props kept
the early stages of the reception lively; a projection
screen outside the booth showed guests waiting in line
what was happening inside the booth. "We got some
amazing pictures. Jeremy's grandma even got in
there and put on Viking horns." The candids were
placed in the guestbook and guests were encouraged to
write messages beside their photos.
"Our
wedding was better than I could have imagined,"
Erin said.
"In
every picture, I have the biggest, craziest smile on
my face because I was so happy."
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Amanda
& Jonathan Scholtes 05.26.07
Yearlong
tango ends with pledge of love
Ceremony
location: St. Cecilia Cathedral
Reception location: Joslyn Art Museum
Bridal Gown: Henry Roth from Suburban Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Mackenzie Michaels at
Suburban Bridal
Tuxedos: After Hours Formalwear
Hair/make-up: T'eez Salon
Rings: A. Jaffe, Borsheim's
Floral Design: Debbie Pitt, Flowers for Special
Occasions
Caterer: Hap Abraham
Cake: Karen Brophy, Passion for Pastry
Vocalist: Heidi Joy
Harp and Trumpet: Mary and Craig Bircher
Reception Music: Pam and the Pearls
Photography: A Thousand Words
Transportation: VIP Limousine
Invitations/programs: Emily Edson Design
Rentals: AAA Rents & Event Services
Travel Agent: Enchanted Honeymoons
High
school sweethearts Amanda Shafer and Jonathan Scholtes
met at a sand volleyball game about 10 years ago.
Even though they went separate ways in college, they
kept in touch.
In
October 2004, they were reunited. After a year of
dating, Jonathan proposed in a private room at Liberty
Tavern at Hilton Omaha.
"As
soon as we were seated, I knew something was going
on," Amanda said. "We had ordered dinner
like normal, but about half way through he started
asking me all of these questions about our future
and our love for each other. All of a sudden he backed
up his chair, got down on his knee and pulled out
the ring. My heart was racing and I got this warm
feeling that went from my toes to the tip of my nose.
He said, 'I love you, Amanda. Will you marry
me?' All I could say was, 'Oh, my God! Oh,
my God! Yes! Yes!' I was so incredibly happy
and excited."
A
limousine whisked the couple to the Reel Martini bar
where friends were waiting. "Everyone knew before
me. Even my mom who is never able to keep a secret,"
the bride said.
The
couple exchanged vows May 26, 2007, at St. Cecilia
Cathedral in Omaha. A reception followed at Joslyn
Art Museum.
"Our
wedding ceremony was very traditional. We had a Catholic
Mass. Heidi Joy sang. The notes she hit during 'Ave
Maria' made people cry. The long aisle in the
church and the old architecture added to the traditional
feel we wanted."
Their
colors of Tiffany blue and cream, accented with pink,
purple, orange and green flowers, looked stunning
against the backdrop of the museum's Art Deco
atrium.
The
head table, large enough for the entire wedding party
and their guests, was the focal point of the room.
"It
was important to have our attendants' guests
sit with us at the head table because we were all
friends," Amanda said. "We wanted everyone
connected with the wedding party to be included on
our special day."
Three
tall floral centerpieces, votives and flower petals
graced the head table while shorter floral arrangements
and tall candles and flower petals decorated guests'
tables. The linens were bluish green with gold accents.
The
bride's cake had five layers, off-white icing
and a fondant bow at the top. The groom's two-layer
chocolate cake was covered wtih chocolate shavings.
To
shake things up, Amanda and Jonathan surprised their
guests with a tango for their first dance. They spent
a year taking dance lessons at the DC Centre to prepare.
"We wanted our first dance to be very elegant,
but with a twist," the bride said. "After
learning a little about each type of dance, we decided
to learn a choreographed tango."
The
couple danced to a song from the movie, "Mr.
and Mrs. Smith." It took about seven months for
the couple to smooth out the kinks and get the dance
exactly the way they wanted it.
While
Jonathan was dancing with his mother, Amanda left
the room to change into a gold tango dress that would
show off her fancy footwork. After the dance, she
changed back into her Henry Roth strapless silk gown.
After
honeymooning at the Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort
and Spa in French Polynesia, the couple are making
their home in La Vista, Neb.
"Our wedding was everything I ever wanted it
to be and so much more," said Amanda. "Not
one thing went wrong. I love looking at our pictures
just so I can replay everything. Honestly, it was
the most magical day of our lives."
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© 2009 Omaha World Herald | Wedding Essentials Magazine &
Idea Show | 1314 Douglas St. Ste # 600 | Omaha NE 68102 | 402.444.1263
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