The whole family had promised tears. Lots of tears. Eric had predicted his sister wouldn’t even get through her makeup application on the morning of her wedding, because the tears would be streaming so hot and heavy. He had predicted he wouldn’t be able to see clearly as he shot the video of Jordan’s wedding to Wes, a wedding that was two and a half years in the official planning, and many years more than that in the unofficial planning.

And there were tears. Lots of tears. But even more laughter. Even more love, even more calling on God to build this new marriage into a beautiful testimony and ministry.

All day, I kept flashing back to one particular photograph from Jordan and Wes’s engagement session, a year and a half before. Jordan perched at the edge of a fountain in downtown Winter Park, hands clasped together in anticipation, eyes alight as she talked about her plans for her wedding. Her bridesmaids were going to wear navy blue and carry sunflowers. It was going to be rustic. More important than anything else — she was finally going to marry Wesley.

Marry him she did. And their celebration squeezed every last drop of joy and happiness from their beautiful day. (And speaking of beautiful — how about that Oleg Cassini gown?!)You know what they say about that wedding day glow. Jordan, you were absolutely radiant!
While Jordan and her girls got ready at her hotel, Wes and the groomsmen were at his parents’ house, just a few minutes away. Transforming into Supergroom and Supergroomsmen. Or something like that.Eric was busy working his magic shooting video for his soon-to-be-brother-in-law, but he set the camera aside to be a groomsman for part of the day, too.Loved the argyle socks Jordan picked out! And the gray suits!

And the fact that, in addition to having a first look with her groom, that Jordan was excited to have a first look with her dad, Douglas, as soon as she arrived at the Lake Mary Events Center. This was where the tears finally began, and it was one of the most beautiful moments of the day, as Jordan’s mom, Daina, and Wes’s mom, Jana, watched through the windows.Could it be any sweeter? Perhaps. Jordan and her daddy weren’t the only ones crying.Just a few moments later, Jordan and Wes were ready for their next big reveal. There were fewer tears — but so much excitement, so much joy that this moment had finally arrived.Like I said — so much joy!

Jordan’s stunning broach bouquet brought some joy of its own to the day, with broaches and pins, and even a pocket knife, from her grandmothers and grandfathers. And Wes’s boutonniere was all Jordan’s work, down to the Tennessee quarter representing her groom’s home state. (PS: It seemed entirely fitting that the cardboard she used as backing for her college boy’s bout came from a cereal box. . . .)Oh, you two — simply stunning.As a storm rolled in, their family and friends headed out onto the lawn at the Lake Mary Events Center to join the happy ecstatic couple for pictures. And more fun, of course.Navy blue and sunflowers — exactly as ordered. Every bit as beautiful as expected.During the family portraits, the clouds opened up out over the lake. As the rain began falling, we watched it sweep across the water toward us. Someone shouted, “Incoming!” and there was a flurry of lace and flowers as Jordan hiked up her skirt, relatives covered their heads, and everyone sprinted for the covered porch as the rain rushed in behind us. Quite the adrenaline rush!

And we don’t usually feature family formal portraits on our blog — but there was nothing formal about these. It wouldn’t be a Horner family get together without some silly pictures.Next on the agenda: A gorgeous ceremony in the Lake Mary Event Center’s rotunda. Jordan had planned for an outdoor ceremony that evening, but the stormy weather forced the festivities inside. Jordan and Wesley couldn’t have cared less. They were getting married, in front of their friends and family, in a ceremony officiated by Jordan’s grandfather. That was all that mattered. And it was simply beautiful.Jordan and Wes have both spent years starring in her brother’s videos. That day, they starred in quite possibly the most important one he’s made so far.After the ceremony, we saw the rustic winter tablescapes Jordan had been dreaming of.Remember those tears we were promised in abundance? They kept coming. Side by side with megawatt smiles.Since Jordan and Wes had a super fun 50’s Chevy getaway car, we slipped outside with the newlyweds for some portraits with the car. It doesn’t get much cooler than this.See what I mean? Tres cool.

The dance party that kicked into high gear back inside was pretty cool, too.  Dance floor props: Best. Idea. Ever.Even the best of parties have to come to an end — but the party wasn’t ending for Jordan and Wes, or some of Jordan’s family. The next day, Jordan and Wes were headed to St. Lucia (the very best of honeymoon spots, in our oh-so-slightly biased opinion!), while her parents and grandparents were hopping on a cruise ship. But first we all waved them away into the warm winter night under the glow of sparklers.And then there’s their slide show. Go on, you know you want to watch it. (We recommend viewing it in HD for best quality.)
Jordan and Wes — and all the Horners and Escues — we are so incredibly happy to have been there for your wonderful wedding and to have witnessed the way your love and new marriage are founded on Christ and in your families. We know what comes next for you two will be even more amazing than your wedding. Many blessings for this first year of your marriage!

~ Laura

Vendors:
Venue: Lake Mary Events Center
Day-Of Coordinating: The Soiree Co.
Bridal Gown: Oleg Cassini
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Tuxes: Jos. A Banks
Groom’s boutonniere: DIY by the bride
Flowers: Country Club Flower Shop
Catering: John Michael Events
Officiant: John Hadley, grandfather of the bride
DJ: John Haddock – DJGRE3NMNKY
Videography: Eric Horner Films
Photography: Laura Yang Photography