From my very first conversation with Christa, while it was obvious that she and Ryan would be officially blending their families in a wedding ceremony, the most important aspect of the afternoon would be spending such an occasion with their closest friends and family.

As such, when I arrived the vibe was much more like a fancy backyard barbecue than a wedding, and that was exactly what they had hoped for. Kids in the hot tub and fishing from a canoe on Ashley Lake, people playing piano in the living room, the buzz of excitement of a big, close-knit group of people enjoying each other's company.

After everyone got dried off and cleaned up there was a short and sweet ceremony closed out by Christa and Ryan leaving the ceremony to Guns'n'Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle," just about everyone cooling off by taking a plunge in the lake, and closed out by an amazing dinner.

Catering: Veritas Chef MT / Officiant: Raul Rodriguez with Best Day Officiants / Venue & Lodging: Ashley Lake Estates