It's not often that I sit here, staring at a blog about to be written, completely unsure of what to write. I think I summed up most of my feelings about my sister getting married in my maid of honor speech (which you can read by clicking here). It's so hard to believe that Cory and Mae were married just under two weeks ago, and yet they have already started a beautiful life together.
He met Mae at work, but it took a long, long time for the two to finally get together. Their halfway-serious joke is that their first date was in a Walmart parking lot, where they met to talk and just kept the conversation going. Over time, they both realized that their feelings beyond friendship were mutual, and they began dating just over a year ago.
Cory instantly became part of our family. That first year he spent the holidays with us, I thought for sure we wouldn't see him again - it gets crazy around Christmas! But he kept coming back, time and time again, because of his love and devotion for Mae. By the time the summer came around, when Cory called me because he was trying to pick out an engagement ring, I was not surprised in any way that they were about to start their journey into marriage. When Cory and Mae finally met at the altar on November 9th, they were more than ready.
Cory, welcome to the family. I have considered you my brother for much longer than these past few weeks, and I'm just excited it's official. I have no doubt that you will love, cherish, and honor my sister in the way she deserves. Mae, I can't help but write this with tears in my eyes. After so many years, and so much you've been through, you've finally found the one for you. I'm privileged and humbled to have spent your wedding day by your side, and I can only imagine how I will feel walking through these decades with you, Cory at your side and Nathan at mine, but always, ALWAYS, as best friends. I love you both.
The ladies spent time at the salon getting their hair done, and Mae laughed over pictures of her niece trying on the flower girl dress.
Since she faced the opposite way while getting ready, Mae had a sweet 'first look' of herself in the mirror, ready for her wedding.
Oh my heart. My sister is beyond gorgeous.
Mae filled the ceremony room with personal details and pictures that are meaningful to them.
My dad performed the ceremony, and did a wonderful job. It also led to some...interesting moments :)
...and I have no words for these, and no apologies for the incredible amount of pictures you're about to see, of two of my favorite people ever.
And then we headed over to the reception...can you tell my niece is a stole the sho?
My dad and Mae danced to a very sweet song...
...before they switched to something a little more contemporary and tore it up on the dance floor!
I struggled not to cry during my maid of honor speech...we'll pretend like I succeeded :)
Then we danced!
Finally, Mae and Cory left to begin their new life together. Congratulations both of you!
This couldn't have happened without an amazing team! More on this later...
Photography by Maria Grace Photography
Hair by Kristin at the Hair Cuttery
Cake by Buttercream Dreams
Venue: Fairfax Dining Hall
Second photographer: Chelsea Anderson Photography
