I never dreamed about my wedding before I got married, so
planning it became a goal of simplicity. I did not want to be stressed. I did
not want to spend a lot of money on things like food or flowers that really did
not matter to me. I know everyone has their own opinion and that is GREAT! I
believe that your wedding is yours. Granted my mother and most mothers
everywhere might say other wise. Hey they raised us so we have to give them the
opportunity to help right? But for my wedding I wanted a party. I did not want to
get caught up in the picture perfect reception or image, because often times
those magazine spreads leave out the most important part of a wedding- the
people. A wedding is about celebrating life with those you love. I am not
saying I didn't spend exuberant amounts of time online and in magazines
thinking "oh how perfect", because I did. But to be honest, it
wouldn't be perfect if my wild family wasn't there. So instead of focusing on
the things of my wedding I decided to focus on the people that matter most.
They helped form me and greatly influenced my decisions that lead to the
greatest one: to marry Ken. My sweet fiancé also liked to remind me that a
wedding was not the end point- it is the start of a marriage. How right he was
and I am grateful for his reminder as wedding planning was not always easy.
Our reception was a party. A party to celebrate life and the future before us. I hope you enjoy the pictures of the people that I love most dancing, visiting and celebrating. An Okoren wedding wouldn't be complete without a little polka. L'chiam! To life, to life, l'chiam!
All photos taken by the talented Logan Havens
Of course if you want to see other wedding day photos after the temple or bridals you can see them here, here, and to learn about my beautiful dress from my grandmother go here.
Before I even got engaged my mother
thought it would be fun for me to try on my grandmothers wedding dress that
both my mother and aunt wore. Each person altered it a little to reflect their
personal style which for my mom and aunt was pure 70s flower power. When my
aunt brought it over I expected it to be almost in rags, I mean it is 65 years
old as of last week! (Happy Anniversary Nonni and Bonka!) But my grandma is a
woman with elegant taste who never sacrificed fashion and quality despite economic struggles.
A local costume and dressmaker made the dress based on my grandmother's
desires. The bridal satin was from France, and the wax orange blossoms they had
shipped from California. The dress cost a total of $80! It has since become a
priceless heirloom.
My sweet aunt Sandy was willing to take the satin and turn it into the dress of my dreams. I tried to maintain the original integrity of the structure while adding my own style. After countless hours and sweat Sandy did it! I am very blessed to have an aunt crazy enough to offer and crazier enough to follow through. Thank you Sandy for working so hard to make it so perfect and for being the keeper and protector of that beautiful gown. Thank you Noni for having such impeccable taste and for allowing me to wear such a special dress, I love you!
