PHOTO CREDIT: JOE SIMON WITH WEDDING TALES
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this sweet couple is their warm, kind personalities.
I had the pleasure of teaching them their first dance, and the way they looked into each others eyes as they moved together as one, made my heart melt.
Let’s take an inside look of their journey to the big day. Including all the little details that made their wedding a success, (as well as their advice for other wedding couples who are planning their own weddings.)
We’ll start from the beginning...
MEET BOBBY AND SYDNEY
Bobby is a CPA and Sydney is a social worker.
They’re an outgoing, active and loving couple who enjoy taking walks with their dog, watching tv shows on netflix, taking dance lessons, and playing volleyball and tennis.
They first met through a mutual friend (Sydney’s co-worker, and Bobby’s roommate,) while playing ultimate frisbee on campus at Michigan State University.
The first thing that caught Sydney’s attention of him was his laugh and smile. And, Bobby noticed her eyes, smile and kind personality.
After dating, their engagement began one special day when Bobby took her on a walk, to the same place where they had their first date. He surprised her by proposing on a nearby bridge.
And, that is when the wedding planning began...
PHOTO CREDIT: JOE SIMON WITH WEDDING TALES
THE WEDDING
Bobby and Sydney planned their big day for 14 months, using inspiration from the Knot, Pinterest, and attending other weddings.
They celebrated their wedding on July 22, 2017 in Lansing, Michigan.
The ceremony took place at a beautiful church they both attend, which is close to where they first met.
Their bridal party consisted of Bobby’s best friend (former roommate,) his brothers - and Sydney’s friends from middle school, high school, and college.
Their colors were lavender, dark purple, and gray with complimenting flowers of baby breath, orchids, and hydrangeas.
Some of the details that made their ceremony special was having their mothers read verses, a visual representation of braiding three cords (symbolizing Christ, the husband, and the wife), and Sydney’s father walking her down the aisle.
Looking back, the moments that really stick out for them is Bobby feeling immense anticipation waiting for Sydney - and then finally seeing her for the first time as she walked down the aisle.
Sydney having a hard time getting the ring on Bobby’s finger, and how their entire ceremony was personalized with a good message, laughter and happy tears.
PHOTO CREDIT: JOE SIMON WITH WEDDING TALES
THE RECEPTION
After the ceremony, they celebrated with a reception that included unique details, which made the evening personal and special.
Their decorations included centerpieces that were made by Sydney, decorations made by her aunt (all the way from Washington), and cupcakes to pass out to their guests, made by her cousin.
They also added a special touch to the tables by including ‘his and her’ favorite snacks.
Then to top it off, they even honored their pet by including a dog cake topper, on top of their lovely two-tiered wedding cake.
While enjoying the night, some of their favorite highlights were dancing with all their friends and family, the speeches, as well as their first dance as husband and wife.
THE FIRST DANCE
Bobby and Sydney are country fans, and chose to dance their first dance to ‘To the Moon and Back’ by Luke Bryan.
Luke Bryan is Sydney’s favorite artist and they had both seen him many times in concert. After listening to the lyrics they felt this song highlighted the good and bad that can happen in life, and sticking together through it all.
With four months until the wedding, and their sister-in-law suggesting the idea, they decided to take dance lessons to learn how to dance to their song.
They said they were nervous before starting the first session, but when they finished they were excited to keep going.
“It was really fun and you made it very easy to learn.”
After a few months of practice, they were ready to hit the dance floor.
When asked how they felt, this is how they described their moment in the spotlight...
“It was exciting to finally do our dance in front of others but also nerve-racking if we mess up. It was nice to have people stay engaged throughout the entire dance, waiting to see what would come next. We felt more confident knowing that we had practiced & received a lot of compliments afterwards.”
They said they remember hearing a lot of "ooohs" and "ahhhs" during the first dance, and that there was a packed dance floor the entire night.
“We just wanted people to have fun.”
PHOTO CREDIT: JOE SIMON WITH WEDDING TALES
THE SONGS
Bridal party processional - Bread & Wine by Josh Garrels.
Bride processional - A Thousand Year (Instrumental).
Recessional - Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Bridal party entrance to reception - Can't Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake.
Bride and Groom entrance to reception - Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO.
Bride and Father dance - I Loved her First by Heartland.
Groom and mother dance - You'll be in My Heart by Phil Collins.
THE HONEYMOON
After the beautiful ceremony and reception had ended, Bobby and Sydney enjoyed a relaxing honeymoon together, in Vermont.
“We stayed at a Mountain Resort in Stowe, then we went to New York and Niagara Falls.”
PHOTO CREDIT: JOE SIMON WITH WEDDING TALES
ADVICE FROM ONE BRIDE AND GROOM TO ANOTHER
It's always helpful to talk with someone who has been there and done that. So, I asked Bobby and Sydney what their advice is to other couples who are preparing for their big day. Here are their words of wisdom…
“Enjoy the day, during different times of the day stop and take it all in - find some time during the day to be together alone to process (we were able to take pictures alone for about 45 minutes before heading into the reception). Don’t sweat the little stuff, that isn’t what you remember at the end of the day. Enjoy the company of everyone that attended (we dismissed everyone so we were able to talk with everyone for a brief moment)”
Bobby and Sydney's wedding was a complete success. Their memories of the laughter and fun they had with their family and friends, as well as the overwhelming happiness they felt after the ceremony (and throughout the remainder of the night,) will be remembered and cherished for years to come.
LEARN HOW TO DANCE FOR YOUR WEDDING
I welcome you to check out our local and online classes for beginners and beyond. We can accommodate your wedding dance desires, no matter what your skill level is. Whether you would like a fully choreographed routine or one quick and easy lesson to learn a few simple moves, we have you covered.
