"Matt and Amanda’s wedding has been one that
Randy and I have looked forward to for so long. From the very first Skype date
oh-so-many months ago, I knew that Matt and Amanda were just the perfect match
for us. Both so committed to each other and to God, they spent the last few
months preparing for their wedding all the way from Ohio. They decided to get
married in Big Bear, Amanda’s hometown, and they pretty much did everything
from afar with the help of their family. Amanda’s mom, Donna, and their family
friend Dena just did the most marvelous job planning every little detail; Dena
homemade the cake and cupcakes (which were lemon flavored – my absolute
FAVORITE flavor for wedding cake!) and it all just looked so yummy (I was SO
bummed that I forgot to try some out!). And the catering buffet? Absolutely
delicious!!There were so many little things that we just loved about Matt and
Amanda’s special day. I think my personal favorite little detail actually
happened right before the ceremony; while Matt was still getting ready,
Amanda’s best friend/maid of honor Hayley delivered handwritten letters written
to her “future husband,” which Amanda had started writing when she was only 11
years old. She’d told Matt about them when they first started dating, but
waited until their wedding day to show them to him. I think that’s so
cool!Their day started out pretty early, with an early afternoon ceremony. When
Amanda’s dad, Steve, came out the bridal suite with Amanda on his arm – I could
actually just feel the love in the air. Matt had tears in his eyes, and as
Amanda walked toward her husband-to-be, she couldn’t stop smiling at her dad.
As Steve said later on during his speech at the reception, he didn’t lose a
daughter – he gained a son … and you could just see the joy and happiness in
his eyes as he gave his daughter to Matt.Pastor Fred Snider of Grace Harbor
Ministries was the perfect choice to officiate Matt and Amanda’s wedding day –
he has been part of many of the Fisch family’s most important moments and was
actually Amanda’s childhood pastor. He spoke of God’s love and the value of
marriage, and concluded the ceremony with communion. It was one of those
ceremonies where I actually stood and truly let the words the Pastor was
speaking wash over me; you know it’s a great wedding when you feel like the
Pastor is not only speaking to the bride and groom – but to all of the married
folks in attendance. I only wish we lived closer, I would LOVE to attend a
sermon from Pastor Fred!My other favorite DIY detail was their homemade photo
booth. They simply set up a table with all kinds of fun props, in front of a
pretty lush backdrop of evergreens, and their guests just loved it! Everyone
was taking selfies and posting pictures on social media, and it was so easy to
do! All of their guests just had the best time with it, and had showed their
skills on the dance floor until sunset!"
Vendors: Photographer: Ashley Durham Studios // Dress Store: David's Bridal // Event Venue: Inn at Fawnskin // Hair Stylist: Kelly Ohlson at Village Hairsmith // DJ: Leo Mongelli // Groomsman Attire: Men's Wearhouse // Officiant:Pastor Fred Snider