LMC to LMD

We rehearse and welcome our guests
The girls get pretty
I share my bridal details
Mr. Hawk becomes a groom
Our first look
We take photos at Crim Dell Bridge
We explore campus for more photography
The groomsmen ham it up
The bridal party channels their inner model
The entire wedding party regroups
My last moments as a Miss
Welcome to our wedding ceremony
The bridal party procession
Miss Hawk's walk down the aisle
We're married!
We were surrounded by love during our impromptu receiving line

I scarf bread ends while our guests enjoy cocktail hour
We make our grand entrances
Mr. Hawk and I have our first dance

Mr. Hawk's mother-son moment
We eat! (Yes, we actually ate!)
Cheesin' it up in the photo booth
We dance and the boys break out cigars
We cut our cake
Time for toasts!

Hawkily Ever After: Cheers

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Before we knew it, it was time for toasts...

...and Mr. Hawk's brother, Best Man J was up. Being a bit of a jokester, I'll admit I was slightly apprehensive to hear what kind of stories J was planning to tell in front of all our family in friends.

Instead, he kept it short and sweet, expressing how happy he was for the both of us

My best friend and MOH, A, took the mic next.

In her always-completely-honest fashion, she started by saying that she was one of those people who didn't quite know if we were "meant to be" when we first started dating.

But over the years she saw how grew and learned from each other. She noted that I was the only one who truly appreciated and laughed at all of Mr. Hawk's super-corny jokes...

...and that I was teaching Mr. Hawk to be a bit more sensitive.

After a few laughs, she toasted to our marriage and happy future.

Our DOC/Master of Ceremonies, Liz, took center stage next to give Mr. H a quick lesson in having a happy marriage.

After a couple rounds of practicing his best "yes, Dear"...

...Liz let him off the hook and Mr. Hawk received a warm round of applause from all our guests.

Daddy Hawk was our grand finale. Being one of those people who can befriend anyone and make them feel comfortable, he completely commanded the room's attention during his speech.

He spoke about how I had confessed to him that Mr. Hawk was my soul mate.

And he gave sage marriage advice about the importance of supporting each other.

It was filled with both laughs and tears.

In conclusion he invited my sister to join him as they both said a prayer for our family.

By the end there was not a dry eye in the house, and I heard about it from both female friends and grown men alike the rest of the night. It was the perfect, heartfelt touch to our reception.

All photos by Valerie Demo Photography

Miss a Hawk recap? Don't fret! Catch up here:

I scarf bread ends while our guests enjoy cocktail hour
We make our grand entrances
Mr. Hawk and I have our first dance

Mr. Hawk's mother-son moment
We eat! (Yes, we actually ate!)
Cheesin' it up in the photo booth
We dance and the boys break out cigars
We cut our cake

Hawkily Ever After: How Sweet It Is

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:08:00 +0000

This may sound silly, but the part of the reception that gave me the most pause was the cutting of the cake. No, it had nothing to do with the fact that we had no idea what we were doing or that we hadn't practiced or even discussed how we would cut it. The concern I felt had everything to do with the dreaded cake smashing.

Mr. Hawk fancies himself quite the jokester. For the entire fourteen months of our engagement, he promised that he was going to smear cake and icing all over my face, and I promised that if he did, there would be hell to pay. Thankfully, Mr. Hawk got the message, but the uncertainty in my face says it all.

The "I don't know what I'm doing" face

The "I'm watching you" face

The "don't you even think about it" eyes

The "get this icing off my finger" look

No smearing! Success!

I've never really understood the whole cake smashing tradition. After all, who wants to pay hundreds of dollars on hair and makeup to be covered in icing?

What's your take on cake smashing?

All photos by Valerie Demo Photography

Miss a Hawk recap? Don't fret! Catch up here:

I scarf bread ends while our guests enjoy cocktail hour
We make our grand entrances
Mr. Hawk and I have our first dance

Mr. Hawk's mother-son moment
We eat! (Yes, we actually ate!)
Cheesin' it up in the photo booth
We dance and the boys break out cigars

Six Months.

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 02:18:00 +0000

A short six months ago around five pm, I walked down the aisle of William and Mary's Wren Chapel toward my groom.

I vowed to love, honor, keep, and comfort him. I think about those vows every day.

Yes, we're only six months in, but Mr. Hawk, somehow I love you more today than I did May 19. I didn't think I could possibly love you more, but you keep finding ways to chip away at my heart.

No, things aren't always perfect. I know I'm far from being the perfect wife. I can be cranky and short. I get hangry, and I'm downright grouchy when I haven't had enough sleep, but you love me anyway.

We've only just begun our lifelong journey together, but I'm incredibly excited about our future. As long as you're by my side, I'm pretty sure I can weather just about anything.

All photos by Valerie Demo Photography

Hawkily Ever After: Celebration and Cigars

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:07:00 +0000

After getting some food in my belly and enjoying a few snaps in the photo booth, two of my college friends lured me to the dance floor to get the party started.

It wasn't long before more guests followed suit.

Notably missing from the floor? My new husband, of course. Having a celebration of their own, the boys took to the cigar bar.

But it wasn't long before a slow song or two came on and I was able to sway back and forth with my new hubby. And those, hands down, were the best moments of the night.

All photos by Valerie Demo Photography

Miss a Hawk recap? Don't fret! Catch up here:

I scarf bread ends while our guests enjoy cocktail hour
We make our grand entrances
Mr. Hawk and I have our first dance

Mr. Hawk's mother-son moment
We eat! (Yes, we actually ate!)
Cheesin' it up in the photo booth

Hawkily Ever After: Cheesin' It Up

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:11:00 +0000

When we planned on having a photo booth for our wedding reception, I knew that it'd be a hit. What I didn't realize was for one how freaking hilarious my friends and family are when left unattended and for two how much I'd cherish these images. Sure, they are goofy, ridiculous, and everything in between, but they captured the fun of our reception. And to me that makes them perfect.

Photos by Valerie Demo Photography

Mr. H's one and only trip into the booth!
Photo by Valerie Demo Photography

Enough sap. I know you want to see the fun pictures!

Ok, you caught me. I guess I can't be trusted in a photo booth either!

Are you planning on renting a photo booth or considering DIY'ing your own?

All photo booth images via Williamsburg Photo Booth

Miss a Hawk recap? Don't fret! Catch up here:

I scarf bread ends while our guests enjoy cocktail hour
We make our grand entrances
Mr. Hawk and I have our first dance

Mr. Hawk's mother-son moment
We eat! (Yes, we actually ate!)

Hawkily Ever After: Let's Eat!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:16:00 +0000

Remember how I grabbed some bread ends at the hotel prior to the reception because I was so starving? Well needless to say, sitting down to dinner was such a welcome treat. It was the first time I was able to sit back after the hectic schedule of the day and the first time I was able to get a good look at the reception hall. I could not have been more pleased.

Bucking tradition, Mr. Hawk and I chose to sit with our families at the head table, and I'm so glad we made that decision. It's not that I don't love my bridesmaids and groomsmen, but with my family traveling from California, I was so thankful to have those extra moments with my parents.

I vividly remember the conversations I had with Momma Hawk about the day, and our wedding party was able to mingle with their other friends. Plus I actually had the opportunity to eat.

Have you given though to your head table set up? Will it be family or your wedding party? Are you planning on a having sweetheart table?

All photos by Valerie Demo Photography, Catering by The Catering Company

Miss a Hawk recap? Don't fret! Catch up here:

We rehearse and welcome our guests The girls get pretty I share my bridal details Mr. Hawk becomes a groom Our first look We take photos at Crim Dell Bridge We explore campus for more photography The groomsmen ham it up The bridal party channels their inner model The entire wedding party regroups My last moments as a Miss Welcome to our wedding ceremony The bridal party procession Miss Hawk's walk down the aisle We're married!

We were surrounded by love during our impromptu receiving line

I scarf bread ends while our guests enjoy cocktail hour
We make our grand entrances
Mr. Hawk and I have our first dance

We review our planning journey
We rehearse and welcome our guests
The girls get pretty
I share my bridal details
Mr. Hawk becomes a groom
Our first look
We take photos at Crim Dell Bridge
We explore campus for more photography
The groomsmen ham it up
The bridal party channels their inner model
The entire wedding party regroups
My last moments as a Miss
Welcome to our wedding ceremony
The bridal party procession
Miss Hawk's walk down the aisle
We're married!

Mr. Hawk's mother-son moment

Hawkily Ever After: Mother-Son Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:11:00 +0000

After Daddy Hawk and I's emotional daddy-daughter dance, it was Mr. Hawk's turn to take the floor. Originally Mr. Hawk was against doing a mother-son dance. He typically avoids dance floors at all costs and didn't want to be the center of attention; however, as the day approached and we had our final vendor meetings, he had a change of heart. He selected Louis Armstrong's classic, "What a Wonderful World."

It was a beautiful moment. I'm sure Mr. Hawk thought it was well worth the extra two minutes of eyes on him!

All photos by Valerie Demo Photography

Miss a Hawk recap? Don't fret! Catch up here:

We were surrounded by love during our impromptu receiving line

I scarf bread ends while our guests enjoy cocktail hour
We make our grand entrances
Mr. Hawk and I have our first dance

We were surrounded by love during our impromptu receiving line

Hawkily Ever After: Dancing with Daddy Hawk

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 16:41:00 +0000

Although I had the best intentions not to cry, there was no fighting the tears back when it came time to dance with Daddy Hawk. Working with my DOC/DJ Liz, we created a special surprise recording to the beginning of our song. While I had already made the recording and knew what I said, nothing could have prepared me for hearing it for the first time and seeing my father's reaction.

"Nothing Can Change This Love" by Sam Cooke with Hawk intro:

My special message received plenty of applause and tears from our guests. Luckily the remainder of the dance was mostly tear-free.

It could not have been a more perfect moment for Daddy Hawk and me.

Did you/do you think you will get emotional during the parent dances?

All photos by Valerie Demo Photography, Mix created by Liz Daley

Miss a Hawk recap? Don't fret! Catch up here:

I scarf bread ends while our guests enjoy cocktail hour
We make our grand entrances
Mr. Hawk and I have our first dance

Hawkily Ever After: You are the Best Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:33:00 +0000

After making our grand entrances, it was time for Mr. Hawk and I to have our first official dance as man and wife.

I never really talked about our song selection process, but Mr. Hawk and I both contributed songs from some of our favorite artists to a playlist. I added a few classic love songs to the mix, and over a couple months, Mr. Hawk and I listened to the music separately. We each had the same two or three songs on our individual lists, but when it came down to it, Ray LaMontagne's "You are the Best Thing" was our choice.

"Baby, it's been a long day, baby
Things ain't been going my way You know I need you here To clear my mind all the time"

"And baby
The way you move me, it's crazy
It's like you see right through me and make it easier
To please me you don't even have to try"

"Oh, because

You are the best thing You are the best thing You are the best thing Ever happened to me"

"Baby, we've come a long way, baby
You know I hope and I pray that you believe me
When I say this love will never fade away"

"Oh, because

You are the best thing You are the best thing You are the best thing Ever happened to me"

"Now both of us have known love before
To come on up promising, like the spring, just walk on out the door
Our hearts are strong and are hearts are kind
Well, let me tell you what exactly is on my mind"

"You are the best thing
You are the best thing You are the best thing Ever happened to me"

All photos by Valerie Demo Photography

Miss a Hawk recap? Don't fret! Catch up here:

We were surrounded by love during our impromptu receiving line

I scarf bread ends while our guests enjoy cocktail hour
We make our grand entrances

Hawily Ever After: Grand Entrances

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 01:26:00 +0000

With our DOC/DJ, Liz, we not only picked music, but also wrote fun scripts for the grand entrances. I think it really added something extra and fun.
Momma and Daddy Hawk were introduces as "Disco Inferno" began to play...

...followed by the Hawk In-laws entrance to "Get Ready."

Once the parents were introduced, the fun with the bridal party began. Sissy Hawk was first up.

"At 12 years old, Sissy Hawk has devoted herself to swimming and she loves listening to music, just not Justin Bieber!"

"Please welcome Mrs. Hawk's little sister, Sissy Hawk!"

"GM J and Mr. Hawk have been friends since college. They were fraternity brothers in Delta Chi, and bonded over their love of sports. And even though he keeps his own hair very short, he makes his living selling hair products."

"A recent newlywed himself, give it up for GM J!"

"Mrs. Hawk and BM R have been friends since college where they bonded over going dancing and going shopping! Rachael is obsessed with her dog, Chloe –AKA 'stinky face'. The years may have gone by, and R is still the only person who can outlast Mrs. Hawk at the mall! Guess it’s a good thing she’s an accountant!"

"Mr. Hawk and GM R met in college and were fraternity brothers in Delta Chi! They bonded over college parties, flag football and watching sports! Rich is currently in law school and has high political aspirations! Try as he might, he just can’t get Aaron to debate politics with him! Please welcome GM R!"

GM R and Mr. Hawk met in high school and have been buddies ever since. BM K and Mrs. Hawk bonded over their love of reading and Dave Matthews! R is a huge Hokie football fan. K will sit and watch the games with him. R is also big Phillies fan! K will sit and watch those games with him too! They are a great couple and have been together forever. They just had a little girl seven months ago, and little M is the light of their sleep deprived lives. K and R!

"Mrs. Hawk and BM T have been friends since middle school. They were so close, they practically lived at each other’s houses. They were on the same dance team in high school and somehow survived being chased by all the boys. They were also obsessed with Austin Powers! While each in their own bedrooms they would start the movie together and recite the lines to each other over the phone! T!"

"The Best Man, J, is Mr. Hawk’s younger brother who loves to party. In fact, he is a very accomplished bar hopper! However, he is under the mistaken belief that he is the better looking brother. He loyal, he’s brutally honest, and he is someone you can always count in a pinch! Show your love for mister I’m the life of the Party, Best Man, J!"

"A is Mrs. Hawk’s best friend and Maid of Honor. They were sorority sister in Alpha Chi Omega, they had the same major, Economics, and they were roommates until Mrs. Hawk ditched her to go live with Mr. Hawk! A loves dogs and spends countless hours making sure that shelter dogs find loving homes. And finally, she loves football and watching the football players! Maid of Honor: A!"

We finally made our appearance as as T.I.'s "Bring 'Em Out" started to play.

Liz officially announced us as Mr. and Mrs. Hawk amidst plenty of cheers.

Liz called out the wedding party to dance out the rest of the song, but Mr. Hawk was being a bit reluctant.

With a little ~~encouragement~~ yanking from me...

...plus a hand from GM J, we got him out there for a moment or two.

The party had officially begun!

Will your wedding party be introduced individually?

All photos by Valerie Demo Photography

Miss a Hawk recap? Don't fret! Catch up here:

We were surrounded by love during our impromptu receiving line

I scarf bread ends while our guests enjoy cocktail hour

Hawkily Ever After: Bread Ends and Cocktails

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:16:00 +0000

After finishing up the photography, Mr. H and I hopped into our ~~chariot~~ friend's Tahoe.

Although we had originally planned on arranging group transfer from the ceremony to the reception, time and money got away from us. Instead we regrouped at the hotel and carpooled with the wedding party. Glamorous? Notsomuch, but it worked out just fine!

While I took a moment to breath at the hotel (and shoved a Cheese Shop bread end or two in my mouth to keep from passing out), our guests were enjoying cocktail hour.

On the menu? Bruschetta, international and domestic cheeses with assorted crackers, fresh fruit, and vegetables with a variety of sauces.

The wait staff also passed jumbo shrimp cocktail, pinwheels of boursin cheese, asparagus and roasted red pepper, along with Mr. Hawk's barbecue sliders.

Although we arrived at the reception before the cocktail hour was over, we chose to relax in the entryway for a few minutes before our Grand Entrances. Thankfully, our caterer stashed some hors d'ourves for us, so we were able to sample everything. I must admit, I think Mr. Hawk was right about the sliders. They were delicious!

Will you having a cocktail hour?

All photos by Valerie Demo Photography

Miss a Hawk recap? Don't fret! Catch up here:

We were surrounded by love during our impromptu receiving line

We were surrounded by love during our impromptu receiving line

Hawkily Ever After: The Reception Details

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren {By Lauren M}) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:39:00 +0000

While we were taking our family formals, our guests made their way over to our reception venue: Legacy Hall.

Guests were invited to grab ice tea or lemonade in a mason jar...

...or find something stronger at the bar.

The cigars were out...

...along with my matches!

It was so neat to see so many of my projects and planning finally come to fruition.

Are you planning a lot of DIY projects for your reception or are you leaving it to the pros?

All photos by Valerie Demo Photography