Jessi:  When the doors opened and I saw Jeff standing up at the altar. Everyone talks about that moment but holy shiz. I remember feeling like my heart was going to explode out of my chest. When I saw the way he was looking at me – his tears, his smile. He didn’t look anywhere else. I knew that he loved me. I knew I was safe with him and that I truly was his favorite thing. And I saw his mom’s face too. She mouthed, “you look BEAUTIFUL” but it looked like her heart was hurting – in a good way.

And walking into the reception area and seeing just how truly magical it was. I was living a real life fairy tale. I tried to soak in all the smells of the flowers and the little details everywhere. It was EXACTLY what I dreamed about and it all came to life.

Jeff:  Jessi finally stepped out from the shadows into the light of the theater. I knew she would look beautiful but I still wasn’t prepared. She was radiant. It felt like everything else just melted away and it was just her and me. That is still so vivid to me.

And, during the reception we sang my family’s prayer before dinner to the tune to Edelweiss. Jessi and I sang it along with all the guests joining in. It’s been a tradition in my family since my mother was a child and it was so special to share that with my new family and all our friends.

Jessi:  SOAK IT IN. Everyone tells you how fast it goes, but you can’t fully understand it until you go through it. Just enjoy every moment. Talk to as many people as you can. Dance with your spouse all night long, dance with your family and friends. Be you. Smell the flowers, touch the details. Look in the mirror too much.

Jeff: Just have fun. It’s a celebration of you and your spouse, be yourselves, be spontaneous, be silly, and enjoy it. Have everyone take pictures and video. You can never catch enough of the wonderful moments so crowd source the task at the reception!

Jessi:  My sisters Angie and Hayley started laughing on the altar, but trying to hide it because Angie had been crying and used tissue to wipe the tears from her face and the tissue was stuck to her skin. She whispered to Hayley if she looked OK and with that, they both lost it followed by the rest of the bridesmaids. And, my sister Mary’s MOH speech. It was incredible. She should be a stand up comedian. She was totally at home on the stage.

Jeff: There were lots on funny times throughout the day, but I would have to agree with Jessi on the funniest parts of the day.

Jessi & Jeff:   We wish we could have made the day go slower. Never has a day gone so fast. The venue was perfect, the band was amazing, the food was outstanding, and the decorations were gorgeous. The only thing we would change is we wish we could have invited more people to share it all with. But other than that, we wouldn’t have changed one thing! It was truly perfect.

processional  •  “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – Sleeping at Last sung by Seth Jenkins, “Love Me Tender” – Elvis Presley, sung by Rhonda Baker
recessional  •   “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell, sung by Seth Jenkins, Rhonda Baker, Michael Beck
wedding party introductions  •   “Applause” – Lady Gaga
family prayer  •   “Edwards’ Family Prayer” to the tune of “Edelweiss”, sung by Jessi and Jeff joined by all guests
first dance  • “Happy Together” – The Turtles
father/daughter  •   “Jackie Wilson says I’m In Heaven When You Smile” – Van Morrison
mother/son  •  “All To You” – Scott Keo and “Shout” – Isley Brothers, sung by ESB Band
cake cutting  •  “How Sweet It Is” – James Taylor
last dance  •  “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey, sung by ESB Band

The Resort at Pedegral in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico