John & Ciarra

Written by Audrey

They could have 2, or they could have 10. John and Ciarra are the type of people who everyone loves. So when John proposed to Ciarra in May 2011 and the wedding planning commenced, they chose to go all out and ask 10 of their best friends each to stand by their sides as they made the most important vows of their lives.

So, on July 14, ten pairs of bridesmaids hands zipped, pinned, combed and fluffed Ciarra into the bride she always dreamed she’d be. (How stunning is she?!)

John and Ciarra chose to not see each other until Ciarra would walk down the aisle. But they were so excited that we had to find some way to bend the rules just a little. We strategically placed John on one side of a brick wall, while Ciarra slowly and quietly pranced through the church lawn as gusts of wind picked up her cathedral-length, antique-inspired veil. When she got into place, she looked down and could see John’s hand waiting for hers. The couple got to share an intimate moment while keeping with tradition, and their parents were nearby to share in the special meeting.

When it was finally time for the ceremony to start, excitement was at a peak. And when John finally saw Ciarra walk down the aisle, he knew what they had all been saying all along was true: He was the luckiest man on Earth to snag Ciarra as his bride.

You two seriously stop it right now. Such a beautiful moment and a beautiful bride!!

From the second I walked into the reception, I was stuck on repeat like a broken record. It sounded a little like this: Ohmygod. Holy guacamole. Shut up. Is this real life or is this Pinterest? (See what I mean?! Look at that DIY rustic chandelier! Come on!) Huge shout out to Jamie from Hilltop Weddings for making this and the rest of the night look like a dream.

(Flashback!): On a nondescript night soon after John and Ciarra started dating, John could sense that Ciarra was stressed out. So, he showed up to her house in a tacky blue leisure suit, tossed her a consignment store dress to put on over her sweats, and asked her to waltz to Frank Sinatra.  The two danced and laughed the night away, melting Ciarra’s stress. Fast forward to May 2011, and on a starry night in Galena, IL, John and Ciarra took a walk along the lakes. Right then and there, John pulled Ciarra close and asked her to waltz under the moonlight. Suddenly he stopped, got down on one knee, and asked Ciarra to be his wife.

Needless to say, the couple’s first dance as husband and wife was an extra special moment.

John & Ciarra :: It was a true pleasure to get to be a part of your (beautiful, amazing, did I say beautiful?) wedding day. Thank you!! Next time we’re in Iowa City, we will definitely take you up on your offer for a dinner date! Love, TDP.

Vendors:

 Rehearsal Venue /// Barn Happy

 Reception Venue /// Pipac Centre

 Reception Design /// Kim from Hilltop Weddings

 Florals /// Hilltop Floral and Garden

 Men’s suits ///  Palace Clothiers

 Cake /// Delicious Designs Cakes by Kathy

 Bridesmaid dresses /// An Elegant Affair

 Piano /// Mick Staebell

 Band /// Sugarfoot

 Party bus /// Dolly’s

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