Tom & Hannah // A Malibu Gathering // 08.31.14

Tom & Hannah bonded over their shared love for good books and their steadfast love for the Lord. Their wedding ceremony and reception was pure joy because it was a testimony to the enduring power of a supportive faith community.

My favorite moments:

• Hannah wore 2 pairs of shoes! A pair of customized Toms for photos and dancing and a pair of heels (her daily footwear) for the ceremony.
  
• That dress! It's the one Hannah's mom wore in her own wedding years ago. With some slight alterations (long sleeves became cap sleeves) and some vintage jewelry accents, Hannah pulled it all off perfectly. Because of the throwback dress, the bridal party decided to relive a vintage photo from Hannah's parents' wedding.
  
• Their kiss at the alter started with a high five, which the audience loved.
• SusieCakes made their cake. All I can say is their Red Velvet Cupcake will change your life for the better.

Printed inside Hannah & Tom's wedding program:

Dear Family,

Welcome! During the last few months as we've planned and plotted to bring this day to fruition, we've had the chance to reflect on all of the people who've been a part of our journey. Whether you are a family friend, a mentor, a previous roommate, or some other relation, please know that we have been greatly impacted by your presence in our lives. You have listened, spoken, and sometimes simply been silent as we've questioned, learned, grieved, and rejoiced. Thank you for joking with us, playing with us, pranking us, and living life with us. We have asked you here today because you have witnessed us, interacted with us, and sought to take our side.

We are grateful.

It is our hope that today would be about celebrating redeemed things. If you have heard our story, you know that at the core it is a story analogous to the aspen tree. Often, after a season of destructive wildfires, one finds that aspens are quick to burst forth from the ashy soil. Within a few years, beautiful golden aspen groves will cover the once barren landscape. So it is with us. We have experienced and continue to experience beautiful and redemptive things that often come from surprising circumstances, and we are glad to celebrate that with you today.

We're glad you're here.

Love, always,
hannah & tom

The bridal party decided to recreate a photo from Hannah's parents' wedding (check out the alteration to the dress!)

Details + Vendors

Hair: Tracy Monaghan of Jamie's Hair Design
Dress: a family heirloom (it's Hannah's mother's wedding dress!)
Make up: Cezanna Eckenberg of Eventfully Chic
Florist: Rebecca with Flower Power Studio
Ceremony Location: Malibu Gathering
Pastors: Brian Kelly & Keith Miller
Videographer: Parker Beard
Photography Assistant: Annie Little
Special Music: the bride's uncles
Reception Location: Malibu & Vine
Reception Catering/Rentals: Party Charlie (of Malibu & Vine)
DJ: Joel Lopata via his iPod
Cake: SusieCakes

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