Goodness… where do I even begin? My dear, darling friend Leslie was married to Graham earlier this Fall, and their wedding radiated joy, love, and Christ’s abundant presence in this marriage. Not only was it the wedding of such a close friend, but it was a wedding I helped plan and coordinate from the beginning. I suppose you could say it was the biggest Stephanie Scholl Events wedding thus far! It was a complete honor to help Leslie and her family plan so much of this wedding, and it couldn’t have been more perfect in every way.

I think I could write a novel about my experiences in planning their wedding, about my friendship with Leslie, in how everything miraculously came together, and about what a special day it was. I’ll try to spare you that novel, but I was so happy to help them out, and they were so easy to work with in return. I adore all of the meaningful details, time-honored traditions, family presence, and Christ-honoring ways that this couple infused into the wedding and their entire engagement, as it was truly a reflection of who they are as a couple. Graham and Leslie are so evidently in love, and it was such a blessing to watch their relationship bloom from the very beginning and to be there for their wedding day. Their ceremony and entire wedding weekend was overflowing with grace, beauty, faith, and love, and it was all-around stunning and personal. Leslie was a breathtaking, radiant bride and was so eager to marry the love of her life!

One of my favorite moments of the day (there were countless, really!) was being there with Leslie and her dad; sending them down the aisle to her groom. It was such a special, tender moment, and I couldn’t have been more excited for them. The details and decor and personalized touches were so meaningful and were chosen with such care, and it was all so beautiful. Despite a call for rain the entire wedding day, and for an outdoor ceremony, it never did rain. The sun came out about an hour before the ceremony, and I can only take that as a sign from God. Seeing all of the bridesmaids and groomsmen gather together with the minister, bride, and groom to pray over their marriage was such a testament to the kind of people Graham and Leslie are and to what their marriage will certainly be like. Sweet and heartfelt words, happy and nervous tears, laughter, and giddiness overflowed throughout the entire day, and it was a wedding day filled with so much sheer joy.

Personally, it was one of the best days of my life, as well. I had so many ‘pinch me’ moments throughout the entire 16+ hour day, and I can hardly call it ‘work.’ I felt so sure of myself and my skills (in the most humble way!), and I was just so excited to be there for Leslie and Graham as both a friend and as their wedding planner. I had so much fun the entire day, to put it simply! And I hope that all of the guests were able to enjoy themselves the entire afternoon and evening, too. It’s hard not to when you’re surrounded by such a loving couple & wonderful family and friends.. plus an incredible atmosphere. Every single person and vendor I worked with and encountered was wonderful, from the amazing bridesmaids (such dear friends of mine now, too!) to the chair rentals to the families to the church to the Boy Scouts who helped me set up 160 chairs in 100% humidity – and everyone in between. To me, weddings are a compilation of the things I love most in the world, as well as it being the start of a beautiful marriage and the couples’ married lives together. Leslie and Graham were a dream to work with, and I couldn’t have been more blessed as a wedding planner – and as a friend.

Planner: Stephanie Scholl Events

Photographer: Erin Kranz Photography

Ceremony: Forest Hill Church
Reception: Renaissance Charlotte South Park Marriott
Dress/designer: Poffie Girls/Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaid dresses: Donna Morgan
Rings: Diamond’s Direct
Shoes: TOMS
Makeup: Cynthia Carrington
Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Ceremony music: Gentry Eddings II
Caterer: Renaissance Charlotte South Park Marriott
Cupcakes: Deb’s Cakes
Flowers: Party Blooms Inc.
DJ: All the Right Grooves
Stationery: Tim Stopar Designs
Calligraphy: Leelyn and Company

All photos on this post were taken by the talented Erin Kranz Photography, and check out her blog post of Leslie & Graham’s wedding here!

Here’s to a lifetime of love, joy, & laughter with one another, Leslie and Graham! Thanks for being amazing – love y’all!!

“We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19