Vow Renewal Where It All Began
Rachael has been one of my very best friends since elementary school. We grew up together, lived together after High School, were in each other’s weddings, and were present for our children’s births. She’s the kind of friend I will have for a lifetime. Her husband DJ went to school with us too. He’s a great guy and is always cracking me up.
The couple renewed vows on Rachael’s late Grandparent’s farm. Her grandparents built the house themselves in Jamestown, Ohio, where we both grew up. But that’s not the only reason this location was so special.
Eleven years prior, DJ had proposed to Rachel where they renewed their vows together with their boys Rowan and Roark.
Originally, Rachael and DJ had planned to have guests attend their vow renewal, but for safety precautions due to COVID-19, the couple opted for a more intimate and stylized session.
Heart-Warming Details
Rachael has many talents. She works full time, takes care of her two kids, goes to school, and owns her own bakery, Lemon Tree Cakery Co. She made a beautiful cake and pavlova. Rachael has always loved lemons and all things yellow. So the lemons on the table were a perfect touch.
Rachael wore two strands of pearls, one was her mother’s wedding pearls. The other was her great grandmother’s given to her by Rachael’s great grandfather. The China on the table was also special. Rachael’s grandma Hall had the pieces imported from Japan. A close family friend of theirs was a Japanese translator for the US Army in WWII.
Even the blue car that was used for Rachael and DJ’s wedding was present. This too held special memories as DJ built it with his dad when he was 16.
Everywhere the eye could see, thoughtful details were abundant.
The Bride’s Special Surprise
Rachael surprised Dj with learning to play their song Yellow by Coldplay on guitar a few months before. It was so sweet. After the vow renewal session, they sat in the peacock chairs and she played for him. She sang to him on the very hill where he proposed.
Special thanks to all the vendors that made this possible:
Couple: Rachael and DJ Shontz
Hair & Makeup: Michelle Miller owner of Mbiance Studio
Dress: Flutter Dresses
Arch and Whickey Barrel: Melissa Climer of Rustic Rental
Camper Photo Booth: Mark Bolmida of Mark’s Photo & Video LLC
Wooden farm table/chairs/chargers: Kosins Tents & Events
Cakes: Lemon Tree Co.
Peacock Cairs/Rug: homewithashleyetsy
Welcome sign/large frame with love quote/ring box: Fox Wedding Designs
Velvet drape/gold flatware: A&S Party Rental LLC
Caketopper/wooden chair tags: By Me Sherrie Marie
Host/Flowers/hexagon decor/vase decor: Flowersby Des
Wish these lovebirds a happy anniversary and tell me what you love most about this beautiful day. If they receive 15 or more comments, they will win a free photo print!
xoxo, Ashley