The Bridal Issue feature Reflection Images by Tracy Rowell
“ I was so overjoyed for this day that I just could not control the tears . It was such a special ceremony .”
The Wedding
My dream was to marry the man that God had planned for me , and for all of our loved ones to be there and enjoy our wedding . We were able to do just that on August 13 , 2016 , at Central United Methodist Church in Florence , with 250 of our friends and family to help share our special day .
I was very anxious all day ; I couldn ’ t wait for the doors to open and get to the end of the aisle where Lee would be . My nerves were calmed as we were able to hold hands from around the door , careful not to see each other before the wedding . We said a quick prayer and whispered an “ I love you ” before the ceremony began . Afterward , when all I had to do was wait , I became nervous . My dad was cracking jokes to keep me sane- he was my rock ! When the chiming of the half hour was heard , and the doors opened the water works started flowing . I cried happy tears all the way down the aisle and was finally able to wipe them away during the prayer . I was so overjoyed for this day that I just could not control the tears . It was such a special ceremony .
catering by hidden treasures
The Dress
My dress was handmade and tailored exactly to how I wanted it . It started out strapless and evolved into my dream dress as time went on . The silhouette was very simple , which is what I wanted . The back was covered in buttons , and a beautiful sash that tied in a big bow graced the front of the dress . Delicate features adorned the dress , like the small straps that eventually adorned the top and the lace detail on the bodice . In keeping with the lace look , my mother lets me wear her lace veil as my “ something old .” Not only did my mom wear this veil for her wedding , but my sister as well , which made it extra special .
The Tux
When it came to picking out his tux , I knew I wanted it to be navy blue . I picked out a bright colored bowtie that matched the colors in the bridesmaid ’ s bouquet , which the team at Flowers by Starks so beautifully designed .
Kelsey Reaves Ward and her husband , Lee , live in Florence . She is the daughter of Mr . and Mrs . Thomas Steven Reaves . She is a graduate of Francis Marion University , as well as Greenville Technical College and now works as a Physical Therapist Assistant . Lee is a is a graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Forestry and is employed at WestRock .
100 FEBRUARY 2017 SHEMAGAZINE . COM