Cortnie + Jay's Narrow Gate Wedding

Narrow Gate Foundation is a non-profit that is near and dear to my heart. My husband and many of our friends have graduated from this program that is geared at helping young men find their purpose. Through Christian discipleship, challenging adventures, and biblical training, they equip these young men for life.

When I was called and asked to coordinate a wedding on the Narrow Gate property for a graduate, I immediately said yes. And I'm so glad I did! I was lucky enough to form a friendship not just my lovely bride Cortnie, but also her son, her mom, the groom's mom... well basically the whole family. They were the perfect reminder of why I love to plan weddings! To help take away any stress and to see the happy outcome of not just the commitment of two people in love, but also the coming together of two families.

Father/son love is the best! Mr. Hardin has been a wonderful role model to prep Jay for his new commitment as husband to Cortnie and dad to (adorable) Jayden.

I asked Cortnie what her favorite part of the day was:

Pastor Steve telling Jay that he could kiss his bride :)
Jay said "Thank God!" and I put my hands around his neck.

Cortnie has great advice for other brides!

Try to stay calm, not everything is going to go as planned but it will be ok :) No one else is going to notice the mishaps and in the moment, they really aren't that big of a deal. Also, get help from anyone and everyone who is wiling. You don't have to do EVERYTHING by yourself. That really helped me a lot.

This sign sits at the entrance of the barn and holds the names of all the graduates since it started 10 years ago. If you look closely at the last line, just to the left of the flowers, you'll see my husband's name!
Jay came to Narrow Gate a few years later. Not everyone is close and none of the relationships are perfect, which fits exactly with the resounding description of what Narrow Gate is -- it's a family.

Guest Count: 85
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Narrow Gate Foundation
Photographer: Audrey Curran Photography
Planner: Megan Scurlock, Locklane Weddings & Events
Hair & Makeup: Babe Beauty Bar
Officiant: Pastor Steve Berger, Grace Chapel
Catering: Family
Dress: She wore her mother's dress!
Florals: DIY by Family and Mother of the Bride's Friend, Bonnie

Texas Hill Country Wedding: Sarah + Bart

Texas Hill Country is home for me. It's where my sisters and I spent most of our childhood, which made it  the perfect setting for my older sister's wedding.

20 years ago, Sarah and Bart met outside our parents' church in Bandera, TX.  They became friends until Bart went off to college and they lost touch. In 2012, their friendship rekindled over Facebook and grew into a relationship. When they said I do, it was gorgeously placed on a hill overlooking the Texas countryside.

Many items throughout the wedding were DIY by the Bride, Groom, and the Mother of the Bride and her friends. The collaborative efforts were impressive and cohesive!

DIY details included: the sign in table that was an old post office sorter they restored and personalized, a wooden sign they made for the guestbook, two old windows that were transformed and now hang in the couples home, and the mother of the bride created hand drawn coloring books for the kids.

From the Bride:
"I really enjoyed putting everything together and it was awesome to see how it all created our style. Hearing people say how gorgeous our wedding was is just the best compliment."

When Sarah looks back on their wedding day, she's happiest to remember...
"That it all came together in the end, how beautiful the day was, and that I got to marry my best friend."

Sarah's advice for other brides:
"Don't let one small thing (or person) affect your day, because in the end, you are marrying your best friend and it's going to be beautiful - and it will be a funny story to look back on.

Also, don't be afraid to barter or bargain shop for what you want!"

While our grandmother's wedding dress from the the 1950s was too damaged for any of us to wear, she still wanted us to use a piece of it in each of our weddings. Sarah wrapped her bouquet in the sleeve. Above our grandmother is reunited with a part of her dress.

Guest Count: 115
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Ring Mountain Event Center
Photographer: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography
Planner: Megan Scurlock, Locklane Weddings & Events
Guitarist: Joe Sanchez
Florals: Mother of the Bride, Bride's Friend
Baker: Leticia Valdez
DJ: Sheridan Productions, DJ Fred
Hair & Makeup: Amanda Teel
Officiant: Rick Mitchell
Catering: JimmyLyn's Catering
Videography: Reel Texas Productions
Dress: Bought at a boutique in Mexico