The Ceremony

Crystal and Chad, who live in Atlanta, wanted a simple, classic wedding with a bit of a Florida feel. So while they kept their wedding style fairly formal, they opted for an outdoor ceremony. Crystal and Chad exchanged vows outdoors beneath a gazebo just across the street from the Casa Monica Hotel, where the reception took place. A horse-drawn carriage brought the bride, along with her stepfather and her sister, to the site. The couple personalized the ceremony by penning much of the vows themselves, and they also incorporated parts from Crystal's mother and stepfather's wedding ceremony. Crystal's mother's best friend, who had officiated at that wedding, also presided over Crystal and Chad's ceremony. It was wonderful to have someone who knew both of us perform such a significant role, the bride says. Though the wedding reception had fewer than 40 guests, the outdoor ceremony drew quite a crowd. We were glad that so many people we didn't know stopped to share a special moment with us, Crystal says. It was the most amazing thing.