Before my sister got married, I wrote a long and emotional blog post to her detailing my feelings about the day. When it came to my brother getting married just a few weeks ago, I guess it just felt so surreal I didn’t have the words at the time. I mean, Kelsey and I are only 18 months apart, we basically went through every single life stage together, so when it was time for me to get married, it felt like it was time for her to get married, too. But with Corbin, even though we’re still just 4 years apart, for whatever reason it will just always feel like he’s my little brother. Well, little in terms of years. He’s a full 6 inches taller than I am now. Whether I was ready or not, though, my brother has found the one his soul loves, and he and Jess put on a wedding that was precisely the day they wanted. I took the liberty of snapping a few photos behind the scenes, although I left the main shots for the professionals. Take a look through their special day with me!
Corbin and Jess decided to host the wedding on the grounds of the farm my grandfather Orr built years ago, way back before my father was even born. Corbin had been living on the farmhouse for the past couple of years, and the giant backyard made the perfect location for a sweet ceremony. They then chose the barn on the property for their reception, and spent months prior cleaning it up for a celebration. I know it was a special choice for so many members of our family, and I am so happy they will be able to look out their windows for years to come and see the exact spot where they said their vows. Such a special memory for them to have close at hand.
Cora was asked to be one of the flower girls for the ceremony, and she had an absolute blast. This was her first time in the position where she really understood what was happening, and I didn’t have to worry about her acting up a bit. She dutifully threw her flowers, stood (relatively) politely during the ceremony, and LOVED playing with her fellow flower girl during the festivities. Jess found their dresses on Etsy, and I randomly found their headbands at Target the Thursday before the wedding!
Since Issa was a bit too young to join in the flower girl shenanigans, she had the unfortunate task of hanging out with Mom and Dad all day. I’m sure it was far more enjoyable for her given that she had plenty of Aunts, Uncles, and second cousins to run around with. It was so great to see how many friends and family gathered to see Corbin and Jess start the rest of their lives together, and so good to see everyone while we were home! We all enjoyed a pitch-in dinner to which everyone was asked to bring the recipe for the dish they brought, so Jess and Corbin will be starting out with a mountainous cookbook to work on right off the bat! All in all, every detail that the happy couple pulled together for their big day was so quintessentially “them”. 🙂 Jess handmade the cupcakes, and Corbin sharpened his woodworking skills with the centerpieces and groomsmen gifts. They did so much of the work in preparation, that I know it was inspiring for all of us to see it come together.
So that’s it, my brother is married and now half of the Orr children have said “I do.” Corbin, I love you so very much and I’m so proud of the man you’ve become. I know without a doubt in my mind that you are going to be an amazing husband. You have always had our father’s tender heart, although I’m sure you would have hated to admit that when you were 17. Treat Jess well, follow the example of our parent’s marriage, and you will be just fine. I can’t wait to be there along the way as you navigate marriage and full-on adulthood. Remember I’m always just a text away, and as your oldest sister I will always try to find the right words to say.
Jess, I know my brother can be a knucklehead sometimes, but love him anyways. I know sometimes he’ll drive you crazy, but honor him anyways. You gained four sisters and one brother on that warm July evening, and you’ll find we are a fiercely loyal bunch. Life will always be exciting when you’re married to an Orr, just ask Orlando!
XO,
A
P.S. Yup, Orlando was there! He made it back to Indiana just in time for the wedding, and we danced the night away! Believe it or not, even with 473 knee surgeries he is still very light on his feet! 😉
