Our Wedding

May 31st, 2008
Chad and I celebrated our love in front of hundreds of our closest friends and family. Our wedding took place in Omaha, NE where we were both were born and where I grew up. Our ceremony was held at St. Michael Lutheran Church and was lead by Pastor Al Duminy. After the ceremony, guests were invited to a 30 minute cocktail period, followed by dinner and dancing at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Ballroom. The fun didn't end until 1:00am!

The Attire:
My dress was a white taffeta ball gown with pick-ups on the skirt and intricate beading on the bodice and a sweetheart neckline. I carried a beautiful white and champagne colored cascading bouquet and wore a single-tier fingertip length veil with rhinestones, and a tiara.

Chad wore a sophisticated 3 button suit in black, with a white shirt, tie and vest. The vest design was paisley while the tie was plain. His boutonnière was a simple white calla lily. Very hansom.

The bridal attendants wore floor length Alfred Angelo gowns in mocha. They were strapless with an overlay rouching around the mid-section and a slight sweetheart neckline. They wore delicate strands of mocha and champagne pearl necklaces and earrings which they were given as gifts at the rehearsal dinner. Their bouquets were various gathered flowers in shades of red, pink and orange, emphasizing the calla lily. Attendants were Jill Mally, Sarah Kiernan, Amanda Schnabel, Sarah Estlund and Liz Carr.

The grooms attendants wore the same tuxes as Chad with white shirts. Their vests were mocha with black paisley design and a mocha tie. The boutonnières were bright calla lily's. Grooms attendants were Steve Bixler, Dan Skudlarek, Jeff Walstrom, Todd Rasmussen and Josh Mell.

The ushers were Justin Winter, Bob Welch and Michael Carr. Other wedding helpers included Patti Kahre (bride's personal attendant), Ashley Ahlin (candle lighter), Grant Renkin (ring bearer), Mike & Penny Ranallo (host couple), Michaela Ranallo (guest book), Jamie Ranallo (greater) and Kimberly Wilson (programs).

During the ceremony Chad and I recited traditional vows, as well as exchanging custom vows we wrote for each other. Nick Gooch was the soloist and sang the Big & Rich song "Lost in this Moment" while we lit the unity candles and hugged our parents and grandparents.

After the ceremony, Chad and I along with the 10 members of the bridal party, the 3 ushers and Ashley hopped in 2 limos and cruised Omaha for 2 hours before making it to the reception. At the reception guests enjoyed Pecan Crusted Chicken, Prime Rib, salad and rolls, veggies and potatoes. And for desert, an assortment of cupcakes and chocolate strawberries (Chad's groom's cake was Superman).

Chad and I danced to Red Hot Chili Peppers "Hard to Concentrate", the father-daughter dance was "I loved her first" by Heartland, and the mother-son dance was "I hope you dance" by LeAnne Womak. After these dances, the dance floor was packed until they had to drag the last few off at closing time.

It was the MOST amazing time!

To view and order the professional photos, go to http://collages.net
Click in the 'Guest' section and the user name is: Jessi & Chad Bixler Wedding
Password is: 14812

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