Bob + Jennifer

 Bob and Jennifer truly have a wonderful story! They met online, and their first date was at the Sterling Renaissance Festival. How fun is that? On their 8 year anniversary, they went on Captain Bill's Dinner Cruise on Seneca Lake. Unbeknownst to Bob, Jennifer had a secret... she had gotten him a gift. This gift was a pendant of Serenity, (the ship from the series, Firefly) with the quote "You can't take the skies from me" (from the show's theme song) on it. Also on it, the words "To my husband, love your wife" were engraved. Bob said, "Are you proposing to me?" Which brings us to to this sunny day in October, where Jennifer and Bob officially became man and wife! Having their family with them on this big day was very important to them; I'm going to share Jennifer's words below, because she says it best:

"I could not have been married without my Escort, my twin brother, Joe.  He was my only choice for being walked down the aisle.  He made my day very special! The wedding party consisted of Matron of Honor, daughter, Alicia Parson; Bridesmaid, daughter, Brooke Noble; Best Man, son, Taylor Noble; Groomsmen, best friend since childhood, Jay Wilkins; Flowergirls, 2 of our granddaughters; Ring Bearer, our only grandson.  (We have 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson)

We could not have done any of this without the help of our Daughters, Son-in-law, granddaughters and nieces.  My Son-in-Law, Andrew, helped Bob set up the photobooth pallet.  My son-in-law, daughters, granddaughters and nieces helped set up the tables with tablecloths, centerpieces and dinnerware. Andrew did a lot of running ensuring we had something to eat and taking care of our grandson.  My nieces and eldest granddaughter kept our youngest granddaughter and her brother, our grandson, occupied while we setup and while we were getting ready.

The Grove of Butternut Valley owners and servers set up the buffet, ceremony site, bar and were more than accommodating with serving the appetizers and serving from the buffet table for COVID reasons. The were awesome at making sure everything went smoothly and without a hitch.  The owner of the Grove's husband made the archway.  Bob cut down some branches from the backside of our property and the Grove owners had them placed on each side of the archway. Wasn't my original intent, but worked perfect! The fabric on the Archway was an aisle runner that was left behind at the American Legion in Laurens.  Our friend, Jack Nelson who is in charge of the Legion donated it to our wedding.

Our announcers (DJ Justino) were also fabulous at ensuring the Bridal Party Introductions, Bride and Groom dance, and announcing the order of the tables for dinner was perfect! They played all the classical and instrumental cocktail and dinner music requested by the Bride and Groom and even included classical favorites of my parents, who are no longer with us.

Our officiant, Charming Ceremonies - Owen Conklin met us via Zoom for a total of 1-1/2 hours.  He wrote the perfect vows as if he knew us for years!! He also was great at including some traditions such as the Lords Prayer and saying a prayer before our dinner, which was perfectly said for these unprecedented times.

Our Photographer was awesome at grabbing those special moments from "getting ready" to the end of the reception. She made sure photos of everyone were included with some very special photos of our children and grandchildren. The photos really captured the mood.  Everyone commented how wonderful she was at making them feel included in our special day!"

A more detailed list of vendors and helping hands is at the end of this post. 

Congratulations, Jennifer and Bob! 

This was what happened when I said, "Put your hand on his face." I love a good sense of humor! 

Jennifer's wedding ring was actually a gift from Bob that he bought for her on their second Christmas together. She liked it so much that she had Cunningham Custom Jewerly modify it with white gold and a diamond to make it into an engagement/wedding ring! Taking elements from Jennifer's ring, Bob's ring was also modified to match hers. 

Flowergirl Dresses were handmade by Etsy Seller, Customcrownss.

Ring bearer suit was handmade by Etsy Seller, BabyCuteBaby.

Bride and Bridesmaid jewelry was handmade by Etsy seller, InStyleBoutique. Flowergirls necklaces and bracelets bought at Amazon to match the sunflower.

Boutonnieres and Corsages for Groom, Groomsmen, Escort, Mother of the Groom were handmade by the Bride.  The corsage for our eldest Flowergirl was also made by the Bride.  Items were bought from various sellers like Amazon, Hobby Lobby and Kmart. Sunflowers were bought at Amazon, leaves from Kmart; floral tape, pearls, berries and wristband for Flowergirl corsage from Hobby Lobby.  I used floral tape and fishing line to attach the clip and some hot glue to keep in place. The clip used was for making hair accessories and was attached to their pockets. The wrist corsage was cut to fit the flowergirl and was attached using all hot glue.

The headband of our 7 month old Flowergirl was handmade by the Bride using a stretchy headband (cut to fit) bought at Dollar General and sheer curtain I've had for years. Just happened to match the exact colors of her dress!

The chair sash decors were handmade by the Bride using leaves from Kmart and Sunflowers from Amazon with hot glue and floral wire. Wire was attached to the flower and wrapped the cloth of the chair sash.

The Alternative Guest Book Sculpture was made by the Bride and Groom with items purchased from Hobby Lobby and Etsy. Wood leaves were 4" purchased from Etsy. These were handmade painted by Bride and eldest granddaughter.  The stand (base and wood dowel, were sanded and stained by the Groom.

The pine cone and leaf centerpieces were from Bride and Grooms backyard. Squirrels helped knock down the cones...haha. Our nieces and their friend helped to put them together.

Wine bottle lights were from wine we had purchased over the years. Lights purchased from Amazon.  

The table decor (table "numbers") were hand painted using acrylic paint and wood craft cutouts purchased from Michaels.  I looked up leaves and drew them on a card stock. After painting the fence background, I traced the leaves onto the wood and painted to match the fall colors of the selected leaves.

I chose a juniper berry branch for the Bride and Groom table. My dad always called me Juniper Berry. Reason - I asked what a  bush with berries was and he said it was a Juniper berry.  (Come to find out it wasn't, but that's what he continued to call me..lol).

The Dessert Display was a TV stand (usually purchased by college students), that was put together and painted by Bride and Groom and used as a Dessert display.

Venue: The Grove of Butternut Valley

Flowers: Jen's daughter, Alicia, put together the bouquets with flower's from Hobby Lobby.

Hydrangeas used in the decor were from Bob and Jennifer's garden. 

The mums decorating the aisle for the ceremony were specially grown for Jennifer by the Middlefield Orchard in Milford.

Jennifer's Dress & Tuxedos: Rainbow's End, Oneonta 

Jennifer's dress was customized; it was a strapless and the cap and sleeve and keyhole back lace material was handmade by Linda at Rainbow's End. 

Bridesmaid's Dresses: Azazie

Wedding Rings: Jennifer's wedding ring was actually a gift from Bob that he bought for her on their second Christmas together. She liked it so much that she had Cunningham Custom Jewerly modify it with white gold and a diamond to make it into an engagement/wedding ring! Taking elements from Jennifer's ring, Bob's ring was also modified to match hers. 

Jennifer's Hair & Makeup were done by her daughter, Alicia. 

Officiant: Owen Conklin, Charming Ceremonies

Desserts: The cake and cupcakes were both made by Bob

Baklava was provided by Star Mix, Oneonta

Cannolis, New York Pizzeria, New Berlin

Halfmoon cookies, Holland Farms, Whitesboro

Leaf Guest Table Signs were painted by Jennifer

While the event was catered by The Grove, food was provided by family, friends, and local restaurants.

Bob made the potato salad and coleslaw. 

Penne alla Vodka was provided by New York Pizzeria.

Jen's sister, Kathy Bullis made the meatballs. 

Hors d'oeuvres, which consisted of bacon wrapped shrimp, pigs in a blanket, and spinach quiche, were made by Bob and Jennifer

Chicken, baked potatoes, and baked beans made by Jack Nelson and Rich Parsons of the Laurens 

American Legion. 

Foccacia was made by Bob's sister, Vicki Hodge

Backdrop for photo booth was made by Bob. He put together the 4 pallets that made it up, and both Bob and Jennifer painted it. Pictures were added by Bob and Jennifer for a personal touch. The bench in front was actually made by Bob and his Uncle George when Bob was just a teenager!

Announcer: DJ Justino