Hi Everyone!
Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. My Coyboys lost ya”ll. Not a happy camper….not a happy camper.
Brace yourselves, this one is a bit lengthy. Today’s post is one that I’ve had a many o’ reservation about sharing. I was always just a little nervous about what could follow my click of the publish button on this one, but I’ve decided to rip off the proverbial bandage and just do it. This is one of those subjects that elicits very strong feelings on either side. Its right up there with the death penalty and abortion.
I love this blog, I love my readers and subscribers, and I want to be as transparent here as I am in my “real” life. I usually keep things completely design/décor/diy shenanigans related on AHFOC, but I want you guys to be able to connect with me on a more personal level as well. I really and truly am an open book in my daily life and I try my darnedest to live my life very authentically.
Like the majority of you, I am married. Only difference is unlike most of you, I’m married to a woman. Her name is Naomi and she’s the absolute best. I talk about her all the time here on the blog. She’s super patient, my complete opposite, and she takes my incessant rearrangitis and tendency to bring home randomly rescued “I’m gonna get around to revamping this” stuff in stride.
On August 25 we celebrated our anniversary. Leading up to and in celebration of that I shared several pictures of our wedding on Instagram, which is what sparked the requests to see more. This year’s anniversary was a huge one for us because we also got legally married that day. It was incredibly emotional and long awaited, and we are so happy about it.
Two years ago on August 25, Naomi and I had our commitment ceremony, wedding celebration, and registered domestic partnership. At the time our state was knee deep in the midst of the Prop 8 situation so we weren’t able to actually marry at that time. Thanks to the recent Supreme Court ruling we were finally able to see that day come.
Our wedding was one of the best days of my life. It was fun, funky, super non-traditional, and completely us! It was very intimate and we only had a guest list of about 30 of our closest friends and family. Since I didn’t know any of you then, I thought Id extend a virtual invite and let you guys take a peek into our special day.
We chose to have a first look before all the madness began. It gave us a chance to center ourselves, get the jitters out and take a few moments to ourselves. (we also took a tequila shot together at this point too!)
My sister in law hurt herself the day before the wedding and ended up needing a huge bandage. I didn’t have our photographer photoshop it out bc I wanted to keep things authentic!
My ceremony gown was an off the rack dress I had tweaked to a custom design. I wanted a pretty fashion forward dress so I opted for a high/low look.
We wanted our guests incorporated as much as possible, so we had our rings passed around during the ceremony to be warmed by everyone.
Our ceremony and reception took place in a local photographers studio. The walls were donned with local artist works so we kept the décor pretty minimalist.
To play off the art theme, rather than having a guest book, we had everyone add their own piece of art to a large canvas. It now hangs in our home.
Yes we did have a taco truck cater our reception!! It was a huge hit!
We loved every moment of that day. We felt all the love and support of everyone around us. It was such a happy day.
Until next time……
Xo-Shavonda
Kristin says
Beautiful just to see the love reflected in your faces. I love you more for sharing your heart and your life with us. Your vulnerability is your strength.
Kristin says
Beautiful just to she the love reflected in your faces. I love you more for sharing your heart and your life with us. Your vulnerability is your strength.
SHERRY HART says
Gorgeous….thanks for opening up your life to us. Now I know you a little better friend:)
Pam @ Frippery says
What a beautiful couple. I just found your blog through Dimples and Tangles. Thanks for sharing your special day. As the mom of a gay daughter who lives at home with us with her partner while they finish school, I am happy to see a home and DIY blog that is a bit less cookie cutter. I am off to explore more. Congratulations on your wedding. You are both gorgeous!
Pam @ Frippery says
Just found your blog through Dimples and Tangles. Fantastic photos of a lovely day. What a beautiful couple. As the mother of a gay daughter who still lives at home we have welcomed her partner to live with us as well. Still both finishing college. I am so happy to have found your blog. Love your style and can’t wait to explore more!
Jamala Wallace says
Oh wow! What a beautiful ceremony…. Looks like a magazine spread. … Congrats to you and your wife..
The Sister Sophisticate says
Gorgeous! Yall are so stylish. And the pics…omg feels like I was there. You guys look so happy! Congrats…
Robin Grey says
Beautiful.
Robin Grey says
Beautiful.
michigan49080 says
I just found your blog, and your writing style, photos, and the lovely pictures of your wedding really got me! I wish you and your partner all of the best, and I can’t wait to read more of your blog and steal some decorating and DIY ideas! 🙂
Susan
Miya @ Design Indulgences says
This is a very good idea for a guestbook alternative. Lovely.
KellyH says
I came over from Involving Color for a closer look at your lovely kitchen and found this post. Very happy to see more diversity in the decorating/diy blog world! Also you two are beautiful and the fact that you had a taco truck at your reception is bad-@ss! Equality rocks and I keep waiting for people to figure this simple fact out!
KellyH says
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KellyH says
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heels and a hammer says
Ok, so you are the most gorgeous couple ever!! And I love how personal and off-beat your wedding details were, right up my ally. I am new to your blog, but I will def be a faithful follower now. 🙂 Now I’m going to start digging around your other posts…
Angel says
Stunning! Both of you, the wedding. I could feel the love and happiness. Thank you for sharing.
ingrid@nowathomemom says
You both look beautiful and love the pictures they seem to have captured this special, romantic moment so well 🙂
I’m very happy that you shared this sweet and special moment of your life with us Shavonda in your blog! 🙂
& I agree with Michelle; you look like a super model 🙂
Carmeon Hamilton says
I love this post so much! You guys are gorgeous!
Now, I need a favor: will you please send me your address? (carmeonhamilton (at) gmail (dot) com)
Nicole Melton says
Awesome and Beautiful! I could most definitely feel the love through those pictures. God’s blessing is with you and your family and I am so happy that you shared this moment with us. You ROCK!!!!!!!! 🙂
Anonymous says
Looks like a true celebration and personal. Love it. The taco truck was a fun idea. Congratulations and hoping you many years of happiness.
sarah m. dorsey says
Beautiful pictures – looks like the perfect day! Love all of the personal touches!
Mrs. DeVore says
You looked gorgeous! Love the idea of the taco truck, so fun 🙂
michelle@decorandthedog says
So, some blog buddies that we share sent me on over here because of your awesome style. Congrats! You both looked stunning and your photos are great!!!
vickybunczk says
So beautiful! Our tenth anniversary is coming up, and you’ve totally inspired me to have a vow renewal that’s as personal as your wedding. Thanks so much for sharing!
Erin and Laura House Envy says
Beautiful pictures and love the dresses! You both look great and so happy. Love all you have shared and I think it is wonderful that you want to share your happiness with everyone!
Laura
House Envy
Wrist Soiree says
I am in LOVE!!!!! So glad you shared this honey bun. I so wish I could have been there. It looks fabulous! Totally my style! Also, your wife… Gah… Those pants… I swear;-)
No disrespect love!
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
You looked STUNNING.
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says
Ahhh, I love this! You guys are beautiful and I love all the details of your day. Thanks so much for sharing with us! 🙂
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
Wow! You are such a knock out! Such a beautiful day 🙂 xo Kristin
Katrina@ChicLittleHouse says
Love your wedding pictures and so happy your shared more of yourself with your readers!!! Your love for each other shines though in your wedding pictures and congrats again for trying the knot!! 🙂 Big hug 🙂
Brittany Cramer says
These photos are amazing! What a beautiful and intimate wedding, you really did an excellent job at planning the perfect event for you two. I love it! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🙂
Brandi says
Now how did I think I was going to get through this without crying?! I am so happy for you and Naomi. Love is love, thank you for sharing your beautiful day with us!
Kimberly @ Painted Love Blog says
Such a beautiful wedding! The venue and the food truck are fantastic!
Robin @ Happily Home, After says
Being true to yourself and your love and so authentically sharing your story is a good thing. Its always special when two people find connection, love and support together, and I’m glad for you. Such great photos that really tell the story of your special day. And I so love the idea of passing the ring around for all to warm with their care for you. Robin
Caroline Nolazco says
Um fantastic!!! I love how you rocked your dress and how fashion forward the two of you were. And the location was so cool and unexpected- outside and in. And a taco truck? I just died. Very upset I didnt think of that/ lack of trucks around here.
And yay for being brave and sharing this. It’s who you are. The people who matter dont care and the people that care don’t matter 🙂
Jo Murray says
Beautiful wedding, thanks for sharing.
Julia Konya says
I love seeing your wedding photos. You guys are so beautiful and make a great couple.
I know it is a controversial subject and it is amazing that you share it on your blog and put yourself out there. Your love for each other shines on all the gorgeous photos and that’s all that should matter in this world. People should accept that. Simple as that.
Little Bitty Damn Houze says
Happy Anniversary!! What a beautiful wedding! I loved it! Thanks for sharing!!
Mel@JunkinJunky says
It takes courage to share such a private moment, but I’m so glad you did. Beautiful! Love is love.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
what an amazing ceremony, and what a gorgeous couple! and i agree with jennifer- supermodel material!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
You look like a supermodel. Seriously. Love your warm and loving spirit, it really shines through in everything you write and do here. Mwah!