Jessie & Nicholas

Real Weddings

Jessie & Nicholas

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Jessie Houlihan and Nicholas Bingen planned a wedding that focused on two important things: love and family. Both were abundant at their ceremony at First United Methodist Church in Appleton. The pews featured lit candelabras and small bouquets of herbs that represented faithfulness, friendship, and love. The readings, from Jessie’s godmother, a friend of the couple and Nicholas’ cousin, were composed of two Bible verses that focused on the meaning of love, and an adaptation of Plato’s symposium. Jessie’s sister and guitarist Danen Kane sang Lucky by Jason Mraz as the couple lit their unity candle. The couple’s personalized vows were written together to reflect the promises they wanted to make to each other: to love, to listen, to inspire each other, and to “always be on the same team.” The reception at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel kept the good times rolling with one brief interruption: During the mother-and-son dance the fire alarm went off, and the surprised duo had to temporarily evacuate the dance floor. But no worries: Everyone was soon back in the swing of things, celebrating.

Ceremony: First United Methodist Church of Appleton | Reception: Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, Appleton | Honeymoon: Riviera Maya and Cozumel, Mexico | Wedding gown: Justin Alexander from Bridal Accents Couture, Savage, Minn. | Jewelry and veil: Che Bella Boutique, St. Paul | Bridesmaid attire: Priscilla of Boston | Hair: Salon Aura, Appleton | Groom and groomsmen attire: Savvi Formalwear | Rings: Created by an artist in Dublin, Ireland | Flowers: Kindred Spirits Organics, Appleton | Cake: Cake Anatomy, Kaukauna

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