The East side of Greater Ottumwa Park was the perfect spot for Elizabeth's woodland wedding.
For those who are considering a wedding or anniversary etc at Greater Ottumwa Park, I just want to comment first that the people we worked with in the Parks Dept were wonderful. So helpful it was ridiculous. Some residents were not especially happy that we had part of the park blocked off for the wedding, but we were warned by the Parks guy that would be the case, and he was right. It wasn't too hard to deal with since we were able to plan to have helpers there to keep the area clear, but for those interested in doing what we did, let this be fair warning.
A terrible rain storm hit the night before and the morning of the wedding, leaving the decision where it would take place until literally the last possible moment. We had an hour rain delay so Elizabeth could have her dream come true there in the park. It was worth it. I hope our guests agreed.
Preparation took place at the Fairfield Inn in Ottumwa. It was not our first choice, but since the balloon races were going on with pilots staying in the hotel we originally wanted, this was her second choice. They were great to work with...
In this B/W photo you can't see the silk colored Swarovski crystals I hand sewed onto her gown, but they are there! Over 1000 of them.
Her Maid of Honor, Cara is a makeup artist and took such good care of her...
The placing of the heirloom hand carved Italian cameo was really important. It belonged to my grandmother with whom she shares a middle name. A friend helped her make the necklace it hung from. It included silk colored Swarovski crystals that matched those in her gown. I hand beaded the tiara with fresh water pearls and more silk colored Swarovski crystals attached with sterling silver.
Groom and parents. All the ladies, moms and grandmoms carried matching hand tied bouquets with personal charms instead of wearing corsages. Sadly, the person in charge of boutineers for the guys never gave them out. They were tiny works of art that were similar in construction to the bouquets, containing roses, greenery, ivy, feathers and sparkling crystals.
Processional. We walked as a family through the trees while guitar music played. Quite a distance but a very beautiful entrance.
Elizabeth rides side saddle on the horse that brought her and Chris together many years ago
As we walk to the pillars, brides maids and faeries pop out from their hiding places behind trees along the way, spreading white feathers and glitter before them.
After walking up to her guests, Dad helped her down and I placed her veil for the trip down the aisle with her daddy. Riding with a veil is impractical and potentially dangerous on a windy day. It gave us a chance to spend a few moments together before her walk.
Flowers were all handmade by me and included 2 kinds of winter and ivory roses, ivory hydrangeas, greenery, ivy, white feathers and many crystals. Elizabeth's bouquet also contained some of the white mane and tail hairs of her recently deceased national champion gelding, Versace. She missed him terribly and wanted him to be a part of her wedding this way. All bouquets were wrapped with ribbon and swarovski crystals and were tied with special charms picked out by Elizabeth for each individual person.
I told her simply "Are you ready? You know I love you?" She replied "Yes Mommy, I love you too."
Bridesmaids lead the way through the forest while faeries spread their faery dust and feathers to carpet the path.
The natural arch was a perfect place for a wedding, don't you think?!
Guests were asked to wear shades of khaki, ivory and white
Remnants of the terrible thunderstorm that nearly turned her dream wedding in the forest to one in a small church.
Rachel, Cara, Elizabeth, Anna and Christie
Even Tyki the Havanese was in the wedding, escorted by little Kason.
Minstrilssamantha (Sammy) under sidesaddle, blanketed with her custom made wedding costume. She sports a lattice braid in her mane and a silver browband across her forehead. Not looking too bad for a 20 yr old lady.
Photos by Hector Contreras and Studio 1004 in Kirksville, Missouri. We SO love those guys! A beautiful video of the wedding and reception can be found on their site by
clicking this link.
Stay tuned for reception photos!
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