Lubbock, Texas: Lacee and Clay

It has been stated through speeches and sermons, expressed in all kinds of literature, whispered through giddy breaths and joyful hearts that marrying your best friend is the key to a fabulous marriage.   I was witness to just such an event last weekend, a marriage between two such individuals; my sister-in-law, Lacee and her best friend, Clay.

Lacee and Clay officially met while in college. Although they ran in the same circles for many years, their friendship began a year before they ever had that first date.  A three year, long-distance relationship began.

As Lacee found herself in San Antonio, DC, and College Station, Clay ended up in Hawaii, Nazareth, and Hereford.  In spite of  several break-ups and make-ups :), their friendship remained strong.  They were still best friends, and that's what won out in the end.

When they finally ended up in the same town, it all came together. Clay proposed to Lacee on April 10th, in a beautiful rose garden at sunset. She cried, and of course, said yes!

It was my extreme pleasure to be able to play a part in my precious sister-in-law's incredible day!  I mainly stuck with the bride and had a wonderful time watching her fabulous attendants, Mom, step-Mom, Mom-in-law to be, Aunts, and friends help this gorgeous gal get ready.

Thanks Lacee for letting me practice, lol!  And thank you sooooo much to EVERYONE that made this event so incredible!!!   By the way, Clay, Emily can't wait to meet her new Uncle :)

Everything was simply stunning!

Her shoes and jewelry completed the ensemble as well as Lacee and Clay complete each other.

Thanks to Lacee's fabulous hair stylist and makeup artist she was ravishing!

SEEEEEEE!  I told ya so :)

Her dress couldn't have been more perfect.

Look at these incredible details!

The veil was so delicate, like the whisper of angel wings.

The flowers took my breath away!  I love the delicate wedding rings and monogrammed cuff link honoring the grandparents that were witnessing this event from their heavenly residence.

It was awesome to see how attentive her bridesmaids were!

I knew immediately that these girls were fun!

It got really interesting when they were trying to figure out how to lace her up :)

It was a hoot getting Lacee laced, lol!

During her primping, she was handed a letter from her beloved (not delivered by him of course :).

How incredibly wonderful this man must be!  Words from the heart, penned in love, a gift to savor forever.

Off to shoot some group pics before the ceremony.  Again, I can't wait to see what  Amanda Anderson of Red Frame Design captured.  She rocked it!

Lacee's photographer was AWESOME!  Amanda Anderson of Red Frame Design and her assistant did a fabulous job!  I was so shocked when she told me she had to be in the balcony during the wedding!  I declare it seemed like almost a football field away!  She hinted, "they won't throw family out so...... take as many pics as you can!"  No pressure!  ;)  I was just so glad I was there and able to do it!

The ceremony was subtly decorated and simply romantic.

Lacee and Clay, I have to apologize.... I think I forgot to sign the guest book, LOL!

I fell in love with this beautiful arrangement.... I found out later that this would soon be outdone!

Simple elegance.  The focus.... where it should be, on the bride and groom.

YAY!  The groom!!!!  Isn't he adorable?  I think he was rather smitten as his heavenly bride floated down the aisle.

It was priceless to watch Clay as he gently caressed Lacee's hands during the entire ceremony.  Except during the kiss of course :)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

The reception was held just 5 minutes away at the historic Watson Building in Lubbock.

I just love the character of old buildings!

The engagement photos were also taken by Amanda Anderson of Red Frame Design.  Aren't they FABULOUS?!?!

The flowers BLEW my mind!  What a stunning job!!!

CAKE!  Yep, Red Socks fans!!!!!!

See what I mean????  WOW!

MORE CAKE!  YUM!!!

OK, so I TOTALLY could have taken shots of the flowers ALLLL night long!

The BEST cake EVER!

Such an enchanting venue.

The head table took my breath away!

They had these sparkly, white, twig trees, decorated with all kinds of glittery baubles hanging on them.

I felt like I was in a sparkly, floraly, wonderland.

Teehee, I told you I could take pics of flowers all night.  Hey, Amanda had the bride and groom beautifully covered, So I decided to play a little ;)

Such a fabulous party!

I love how my mother-in-law caught me being sneaky ;)  Love you Catherine!  I was so blessed to be even a tiny part of this fabulous moment in your lives.  My only regret, being too sick and medicated to party all night with you :(

Congratulations, Lacee and Clay... Mr. & Mrs. Hoelting.  May God pour out His richest blessings upon you both, may you love like there is no tomorrow and enjoy every moment of today ♥