She bought the bridesmaids necklaces 2 years ago knowing she would need them sooner than later.  And now, finally, on 07.23.16 they finally were put to good use. 
Kelly & Kory had  a theme for their wedding…’The Best Day Ever’…and for them and many others, it was!!
We started the day at a family friends home (The Schoonover’s, which have a special place in my own heart) and happen to be some of the ‘funnest’ people around!!  All of the girls were laughing, sipping champagne and wooing over all of the little notes Kory had hand written  Kelly.  It was awesome to be able to use such a gorgeous yard for some of the details while listening to the girls encourage and love on Kelly. Meanwhile, Kory and his boys got ready at the gorgeous wedding venue sharing wedding day (Coug themed) gifts and cold beers.

The wedding took place at the vast property of the Sahalee Country Club. As Kory arrived and Kelly was prepping for their first look, Kory surprised her (as she stood in the lobby in her cute short PJ set).  Kory sent each groomsman out with a set of notes and a gift for her.  As if Kelly was having trouble controlling her tears before, it was certain she needed a few tissues now.  As the bridesmaids stood behind her and watched they couldn’t help but mention over and over how amazing Kory is…and Kelly couldn’t agree more.
As Kelly gathered herself, she and her ladies got her situated in her gorgeous gown and ready to see both her dad and Kory.  As she was dressing they told a special story about a stick.  A stick they dress up for many occasions and a stick that often mysteriously makes its presence at many family events.  Today was no different.  This special stick was ‘allegedly’ given to her dad and his friend Mark, by Clint Eastwood over 40 years ago.  Whether true or not this tale has followed both of their families for years and today was no different as they dressed it in a veil and strung lights on it.  If nothing else it makes everyone smile and makes for some great story telling during the reception.
Kelly decided to have a special moment with her dad prior to seeing Kory.  It’s always special when the bride has a first look with her dad.  Emotion filled the air between this father –daughter pair and you can sense the tenderness and love they have for each other.  His expression was priceless and Doug is incredibly proud of his little girl!  Kelly absolutely adores her dad and as a token of her love she gave him a reminder that she will always be his little girl as well as wrote a little note in his tie.  

 
As Kelly kissed her dad she ventured up the hill to see Kory for the first time.  Kory was ECSTATIC to say the least.  Both could not stop smiling or hugging each other.  Taking a moment to take it all in and calm their nerves…they embraced and each took a deep breath!  As they talked Kelly showed Kory the sentimental charm on her bouquet with photos of her grandparents that are no longer with us.   
We walked around the venue giving Kelly & Kory some time to let them settle into each other. ..and for us to dodge golfers and steal carts.  We were able to enjoy a few laughs in between all of the ‘serious’ business.  I love how casual Kelly was, not worried about her dress just enjoying the fact that she was going to be Mrs. Sauve (Saw-vey) very soon!
We joined the bridal party and gosh are they fun.  Some of them putting up with my lack of being able to annunciate their names and all the while being very gracious.  I should have distracted them by having them practice their sorority chant however that came later at the reception (If only I had known).  Shortly into bridal party photos Kory’s nieces, the flowergirls) floated out in the cutest dresses draped in tulle.  They stole the show as they ran to Kelly and then spun around on the grass for me. 
Family photos took place prior to the ceremony as well (that way everyone has an opportunity to enjoy cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception).   Kelly was able to get tucked away as the guests arrive but not before her grandma caught her for a quick hug and of course a few tears.  I loved her grandmas trick for not crying ‘Just tell me a dirty joke’ she kept saying! 
The sun made its appearance just in time for the ceremony to begin.  Under a gorgeous blue sky Kelly & Kory said their vows and pledged their forever love to each other.  After being blessed with Holy water they kissed and were pronounced husband and wife. 
FINALLY it was time for the part of the day Kory was most excited for…the reception and DANCE PARTY!!!   Prior to dancing some of the most beautiful tributes and toasts were given.  The most emotional being from Kelly’s dad.  I have never seen a standing ovation after a toast but Doug got one.  The words of love, pride and adoration for Kelly, and words of respect and thanks to Kory were second to none.   Doug and Theresa were both choking back tears as well as most of the guests!  What a testimony and inspiration to their relationship! They cut the cake and started the dance party…with a brief interruption for their sorority chant. I  would definitely say most of Kelly & Kory’s friends know they are HUGE Coug fans, as they both graduated from WSU.  It only made sense to incorporate the WSU color in some of their details as well as a huge ice sculpture in the lobby for specialty drinks (and other schenanigans later that happened which we can’t talk about)…all of it helped to make the night that much more special.
After some fun dancing they exited to sparklers and a get away car.  With the beaches of Maui were waiting for them they were off.