Friday night, October 2, 2015, the turn-of-the century atmosphere of Old Town Shawnee provided a picturesque setting for the exchange of wedding vows between Jennifer Short and Jake DeBrabander.  With clear skies, no wind and sixty-five degrees, it was a picture perfect evening as family and friends gathered around the Old Town Shawnee gazebo to celebrate Jennifer and Jake’s special moment.  With bride’s maids dressed in gorgeous navy dresses, Jennifer made her way down the aisle to be presented for marriage by her father and mother, Bo and Caroline Short.  As Jake’s parents Mike and Mary DeBrabander watched from the front row, even Jake’s one-week old nephew joined the ceremony as the ring-bearer as he was gently carried forward by his father, one of Jake’s groomsmen.
Following a traditional exchange of vows and prayers, Jake and Jennifer shared the first kiss as man and wife and were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. DeBrabander.  From the Old Town Shawnee gazebo, family and friends strolled south through Old Town Shawnee to the town hall for the reception.  Once there, guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres and other treats until the bridal couple was ready to begin the festivities.  After cutting their beautiful three-tiered cake and exchanging toasts, the bride and groom along with the bridal party made their way to the scrumptious buffet prepared by caterer Pam Smith (Catering by Pam).The menu consisted of mouthwatering chicken marsala, succulent smoked brisket, cheesy au gratin potatoes, tender green beans and the always popular cheesy corn.
As the guests were finishing their dinner, it was time to begin the traditional dances.  With Connor from DJ Connections; www.djconnections.com orchestrating the dance floor, the bride and groom shared their first dance as husband and wife to the tune of Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley.  Afterwards, Jennifer and her father Bo took to the dance floor for the father-daughter dance.  Then it was Jake and Mary’s turn for the mother-son dance.  Then DJ Connor opened the dance floor to all.  The dancing was highlighted by the Anniversary Dance, which finishes with the longest married couple on the dance floor alone.  There was also the fun filled “money” dance where guests pay for the opportunity to share the dance floor with the bride or groom.

As the dancing continued, guests were served wedding cake with their choice of traditional white cake from the wedding cake’s first tier or delicious strawberry cake from the wedding cake’s second tier by Barbara Baird; www.classiccakesandmore.com The evening finished with the traditional tossing of the bridal bouquet by Jennifer and the bridal garter by Jake.  From there, the newly married Jennifer and Jake DeBrabander made their way into the starry Old Town Shawnee night to begin their “happily ever after”!

Millie’s Event Designs was honored to serve as Jennifer and Jake’s wedding day coordinator in picturesque Old Town Shawnee on this picture perfect night for a traditional wedding ceremony.  When you have found your special someone and are ready to start planning for YOUR “happily ever after”, contact us to ensure that your special moment is picture perfect in every detail!