This past weekend, I had the privilege of going to the Pensacola Country Club for the wedding two truly amazing people. Jamie and David have such a cool story; it’s definitely not one you hear every day. How often do you meet in 7th grade, start dating in 9th grade and get married 10 years later. Not very often and that’s exactly what happened to Jamie and David.
They met in 7th grade when Jamie transferred schools and ended up in David’s first period class. They became best friends in the next couple years, then in 9th grade David asked her to be his girlfriend. Their first date was going to mullet festival when they were 15. They rode fair rides, ate fair food, and then laid down in the back of a truck watching the stars. How cute is that?! Later, after graduating, they both went off to college together… well, after being apart for a semester (this is when David knew he couldn’t possibly live without Jamie), bought a house, got engaged, and the rest is history.
Jamie and David wanted to have an outside ceremony and an indoor reception, and after seeing even just one picture of the Pensacola Country Club, they knew that was where it had to be! It was perfect for them because they wanted to be on the water, but not on the beach. The Pensacola Country Club could not have been more fitting.
Jamie: “I wore a Stella York gown. I chose my dress because I loved the low back, lace detailing, and long train! I wore the same garter that my mom wore on her wedding day.”
Jamie about their ceremony: “We wanted our ceremony to feel casual. Our officiant was one of our high school teachers that many of our guests knew. This made the ceremony very special to us. We stuck with traditional vows because we weren’t sure we could get through reading our own written vows with all the emotions of the day. We had a tree planting unity ceremony because we really love the symbolism it had about nourishing a marriage just like a tree.”
Jamie when asked about her Bridesmaids… “They are all my best friends! I always knew that I needed both of my sisters by my side on my big day. Megan has been there for David and I for a very long time. She even lived with me and David during our college years at FSU. Katie is very special to both of us as well. We knew the very first time that we hung out that her and her husband would be some of our best friends.”
David, when I asked about these handsome guys standing next to him, “I chose my groomsmen based on who has been there for me the longest. All of my friends in the bridal party have been friends with me for almost my whole life, so having them stand with me at my wedding was an absolute honor.”
We chose to have our first dance to “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley because both of our grandmother’s loved Elvis and we wanted to dedicate our first song and dance to the both of them.
“Some of our favorite memories are our first dance and all of the speeches throughout the night. We absolutely loved visiting with all of our friends and family and dancing with them. The most special was Jamie’s Dad’s speech (total tear jerker!!!), watching our niece and nephews dancing the night away, and our first look (tear jerker too!!).”
“We didn’t expect the day to go by so quickly!!! We got to the venue first thing in the morning and before we knew it, it was time to go. We had so much fun that we weren’t ready to leave when it was time!”
Advice for Future Brides from Jamie: Don’t sweat the small stuff because you won’t even notice it on the day of! (I couldn’t agree more, Jamie! Fantastic advice)
Advice for Future Grooms from David: Don’t be afraid to ask your groomsmen for things like hors d’oeuvres during photos and make sure you know where your things (phone, wallet, keys) are at all times. (Yes, David! By the time family and couples photos rolls around, you’ll be starving! Have someone go get you some of those yummy appetizers getting served during cocktail hour. And couldn’t agree more about having all your stuff in one place and packed up. After you finish getting ready, you will be super busy with ceremony, photos, and reception… before you know it, it will be time for your exit. Having everything in one bag and packed up before your ceremony starts is a great piece of advice people don’t think about.)
Thanks goes out to: All of our parents! Our wedding would not have happened without them. Our bridal party, family, and friends for making it so much fun. Mr. Boozer for becoming a notary just to officiate our ceremony for us, and for being an amazing DJ. Kaley Walls for being the best day of coordinator ever. She kept us calm all day long. Amber from Pensacola Country Club. Erika and Melissa for capturing every tear, laugh, and smile throughout the day. All of the people who traveled to share our special day with us.
