I think the most important things to us for celebrating our marriage are gathering with family and friends. Due to that, we ended up with a reception date of August 4th this summer.

You might not guess by looking at these photos that it seemed almost impossible to make this party happen.

On August 4th in Oklahoma this year, we had just endured weeks of above 110-degree days, months of no rain and burn bans. And that night, massive wild fires were burning down homes and towns just to the southwest of downtown. As I drove to our friend’s house where the reception took place, ash was falling out of the grey-green sky and the sun was starting to set. It was 104 degrees. By the time the night was ending, we’d endured the first wind and rain storm we’d had since early June, but somehow, we still had a beautiful celebration. Thank you family and friends.

Photography by Ruby Jewel Studio

The colors for the party were easily chosen since I had already decided on a saturated blue-turquoise. I told Jeff to pick a color and he chose green, so I added a lime green and a kelly green. I thought it worked perfectly with our reception site, the urban backyard pool area of our friend’s home. The cool blue water and fun green umbrellas tied right in. They also have wonderful textures in a galvanized garage and slatted fence, the wood fence in back, and original brick of the once-factory building.

Photography by Ruby Jewel Studio

The bar top tables had a simple grey cloth and quick, easy flower centerpieces. Thanks to a good friend who collected green water bottles for me all summer and my sister who picked up fun blooms from a local store the day before.

The fans were great for texture, natural color and keeping guests cool on a hot night. Unfortunately they didn’t make the fun favors I dreamed of so I still have a box full of them. You might see them in an art installation later this year. Oh, who am I kidding, it’ll definitely take until next year for me to tackle that project.

Photography by Ruby Jewel Studio

I’ve loved succulents since high school. My mom would always have hens and chicks in her garden. They are quite the trend these days, but I’ll probably continue to love them even when they go back out of style. I’ve planted lots of them in every garden I’ve ever had.

So I decided terrariums were the way to go. I kept it really simple and used what I could find at our local stores. To add a little interest and nod to our sparkling personalities, I gold leafed a free-hand stripe around the middle size. The large terrarium got a miniature Christmas ornament to stand in for a garden gazing ball.

Photography by Ruby Jewel Studio

For the large round top tables I used the same grey neutral with a rustic square of burlap (Thanks Lisa!) and just scattered more fans around. I like using tone on tone to create textures. I didn’t want the tables to garner lots of attention because I think happy, friendly faces at weddings are always so much more interesting.

Photography by Ruby Jewel Studio

I had the bright idea that people might want to carry some paper parasols to shield themselves from the setting, but intense August sun. I still think it was a great idea and can just picture my Grandmother proudly twirling hers. With the firey sky and the party moving inside, I used them as props on the floor and to create a backdrop on the drink tables.

Photography by Ruby Jewel Studio

My dress was made for my mother-in-law by her mother, Mommo. It matches the aquamarine in my engagement ring perfectly. It has a lace overlay. It fit just right, no alterations. It was better than all the vintage dresses I found online. My mom and I made my sash. Worn also with my wedding ceremony dress, it tied my events together just right.

The celebration was beautiful. And emotionally moving. And fun. But nothing lives up to waking up next to your best friend every day for the last six years. Here’s to the next 60!