Summer weddings in the Treasure Valley can be unbearably hot…if you’re outside, that is! Thankfully, Amanda and Marco’s ceremony and reception were held indoors, and none of us melted! Ha ha! Since their ceremony was at 11:30am–and because it had cooled off, relatively speaking, the previous night–it was actually quite pleasant when we went outside for portraits. And, of course, the air conditioning inside was wonderful. 🙂

It’s always a delight to see how a couple personalizes their wedding, and Marco and Amanda’s special day was no exception. As avid gamers, their invitation, favors, and cake told the story of how they met through their shared love of video game music. The ceremony and reception featured many of their favorite soundtracks, too! I also loved seeing so much help from family and friends, from decorating to catering to coordinating the day. Amanda’s matron of honor, Cherie, made not only Amanda’s gown herself, Cherie also made a matching getaway dress AND her own bridesmaid’s dress!!! On top of that, she was hair and makeup artist extraordinaire for the girls. WOW! And just wait until you see what shoes Amanda wore!

As a nod to Marco’s Brazilian heritage, parts of their wedding ceremony were in English and Portuguese. I can’t say for certain, but I think Marco called Amanda “my princess” during their vows. I thought that was really sweet! Afterward, it was time to eat, drink, and be merry! Wedding toasts can be pretty standard, but five people gave very special and personal toasts. Back and forth through the laughter and tears, it was overwhelmingly evident that Marco and Amanda have the wholehearted support and devotion of their family and friends. Amanda and Marco, aka Player 1 and Player 2, it was such a joy to be a part of your story! Thank you for making me feel like one of the family for the weekend!

This brooch is a family heirloom. Amanda fastened it to her bouquet.

Cherie is one talented lady!

Seeing Amanda in her dress for the first time!

Amanda and Marco had special shirts made for everyone in the wedding party and for their family. Amanda’s father’s t-shirt read “Father of the bride: scan for payment,” LOL! I could hardly hold in my giggles every time I saw it.

Marco is a music major, so of course he has treble clef cufflinks, a sentiment he got from his Grandma Rose for his college graduation and which he wore in her honor.

Marco’s sister was a groomswoman!

So Amanda didn’t actually wear shoes, she had these beautiful lace pieces with elastic! Probably way more comfortable than heels, right?

Their cake toppers are Ness and Paula from the Mother/Earthbound series, which is one of Amanda’s favorite video games.

    

Marco’s mother gave a toast and shared how she almost lost Marco when he was very young. She prayed that God would spare her son. Grateful that he lived, she told the Lord that she had nothing to offer except her voice to praise Him. She sang an arrangement of Psalm 23 at the end of her speech. You may have heard it before, but it also happens to be special to me because we sang the same song in women’s choir at NNU.

    

At the rehearsal, Amanda said, “I’m always player 1!” You can see here Marco’s glass says “Player 2”!

 

Ceremony & Reception | Sterry Memorial Church

Florals | Eastside Florist

DJ | Parker Stearns, Johnny B’s Entertainment

Cake | Amaru Confections

Catering | Lonnie & Kimbra Shaw

Groomsmen’s Attire | Tuxedo Warehouse

Invitations | Save the Date Originals