The vintage carnival themed wedding reception took place in a friend of the family's large back yard in Arizona. Hand-made decorations lined the pool and walls, and lights strung across the sky made the atmosphere romantic and exciting.
The light glowing from the pool, along with the dimly lit trees and string lights reminded me of summer parties that only actually exist in movies.
Greeting their guests as they arrive!
Enjoying the pool.
No carnival is complete without fresh cotton candy, hot dogs, popcorn machines and fresh squeezed lemonade!
Of course there were many carnival-inspired games in addition to the food. Andrea and Andre took full advantage of the games.
Their first dance was adorable. They were both so happy and excited. I was happy for both of them too, and relieved and proud of her wedding dress that I had made as she danced around in it. It draped, swung and swirled beautifully. I finally felt the relief that the stressful (but exciting) project was finished, and I couldn't have been happier with the result.
They're so cute.
After cutting the first pieces, they promptly smashed them into each others faces, like true lovebirds.
At the end of the reception, extra long sparklers were distributed to all the guests.
Amanda and I enjoyed them, probably more than anyone else there ;)
Instead of throwing rice like they traditionally do at weddings, we all lined up with our oversized sparklers to send the bride and groom off with the best wishes!
Congratulations, Andrea and Andre! Your lives will be as amazing as your wedding, I'm sure ......<3.....
As far as shoes, all of the bridesmaids got to choose their own rendition of a pair of red sandals, heels or sneakers. We had fun choosing them.(From top to bottom: Julia in red chuck taylors, Converse; Amanda in red flats, Target; April in red and white heels, Two Lips)
Each bridesmaid got their own bouquet, put together by Andrea herself, with the help of Amanda and I. We also glued red ribbons around the stems, to match the wedding gown. They turned out gorgeous!
Amanda and I also slaved away making these tulle flower headbands for all of the bridesmaids. We cut, twisted, pulled and manipulated the tulle, glued it together, backed each flower with a felt backing, and attached them to the headbands.
Waiting for the newlyweds to emerge!
The most exciting car ride ever.
Two crazy sisters enjoying themselves.
All of the bridesmaids together with the bride! This is a somewhat serious, cute picture.
A somewhat less serious picture ;) (even married) girls just wanna have fun.
After the wedding at the temple, the bride and groom, and all the bridesmaids and groomsmen went to La Jolla Beach to take pictures of the newly married lovebirds, Andrea and Andre.
All the girls with their pinwheel accessories.
Lollipop decorations!
Candid fun moments with friends on a beautiful California beach.
The pinwheels had ribbons attached to them.
The groomsmen want their guy back, and the bridesmaids want their girl back. TUG OF WAR!
We had to learn to get along, so the fun could continue.
Giving our blessings to the groom, and knighting him as our best friend's husband.
I was so proud that Andrea had gone and grown up into a lovely lady :)
