Two weekends ago, I traveled home to Texas for the beautiful wedding celebration of my dear friend, Elizabeth Gates, and her visibly head-over-heels groom, Michael Solle. After years of gabbing about crushes and first kisses, I could not miss the moment when, all grown up, my best friend from middle school married the love of her life.
The wedding was such a refreshing occasion because it was so clearly evident that Michael and Elizabeth are perfect for one another. They have so much in common from both being twins and engineers to their profound love for their families and God. I literally could not have dreamed up a more compatible husband for my deserving friend. Read on for Wedding Ideas from Elizabeth’s Big Day & more on our friendship.
From Left to Right: Elizabeth and Michael on the lively dance floor, Helen Byrd Photography, Elizabeth and Michael in their horse-drawn carriage, Elizabeth with Grandma Nada (the grandmother she shares her wedding anniversary with), & A group of Elizabeth's longtime friends including yours truly
Throughout my life, I have been extremely blessed with extraordinary friendships, or perhaps more accurately, with extraordinary friends. From about 7th-9th grade, the hands-down most awkward and trying years in a girl’s life, God knew I would need some extra help, so He granted me a double dose of friendship with Elizabeth and Kathryn Gates.
Hanging out with twins was no great mystery or adventure in and of itself. In fact, it was my ordinary; from the moment I was born, I had been surround by two energetic twin sisters, and I simply knew no difference. The real adventure was our decision to embark on those sticky years together, supporting each other along the way and sharing enough giggles to remedy our adolescent crises.
In many ways, ours was an unlikely friendship. We had spent four years together in a very small elementary school and barely uttered a word to one another. During soccer games at recess, they were the champions, whipping up on the boys’ team, and I was the dud, making up songs with a friend and running away if the ball ever came near my vicinity.
But, middle school changed everything, and I am forever grateful for those years of friendship – talking on the trampoline for hours on end, making dozens and dozens of silly videos, sharing our own secret language. Sometimes, we lived in our own little world a little too much, but it was a wonderful world. After attending Elizabeth and Michael’s wedding and witnessing their extraordinary love for one another, I know that Elizabeth will be doubly blessed in her life with Michael…and that makes me giddy…like a middle-school girl.
Wedding Planning Ideas From Elizabeth’s Big Day:
- Shared Wedding Date – Elizabeth and Michael chose the same wedding date as Elizabeth’s much-loved paternal grandparents. They shared this special detail on the back of their Ceremony Program. It was such a thoughtful and beautifully subtle way to honor their family and share this love with their guests.
- Personalized Wedding Message By Officiant – I strongly believe that all weddings should include a personalized wedding message by the Officiant. So many weddings proceed through the formal wording without taking the time to acknowledge the individualities of the couple. Michael and Elizabeth’s ceremony was so enjoyable because Pastor Steve Schorr interwove his scripture message with details about the couple. Since Michael and Elizabeth grew up in different towns, this also allowed everyone to feel acquainted with both the bride and groom. Please steal this tip!
- Father’s Prayer – Before the guests dined on the delicious food, Elizabeth’s father, Larry, offered grace for our meal. With his characteristic quiet confidence, he expressed his sincere gratitude to out-of-town guests, shower hosts, and all of the friends and family who helped celebrate this joyful occasion. It was a meaningful way to honor God during the reception rather than just at the ceremony, and it started the night off on the right foot –overflowing with gratitude.
- Gift of Music – Both of the groom’s brothers shared their charming personalities and heartfelt messages during their toasts. But my favorite personal touch was when the younger brother performed a song that he and Michael had written for Elizabeth. Dancing cheek to cheek to the sweet lyrics written by your groom is an unforgettable, romantic moment.
- Horse-Drawn Carriage – What says ‘and they lived happily ever after’ like a horse-drawn carriage? Every girl has dreamed about the romance and magic of riding off into the distance with the man she loves. The horse-drawn carriage was awaiting Elizabeth and Michael to take them from the ceremony to the reception. It added the perfect amount of wow factor and whimsy while maintaining the classic and tasteful nature of the entire celebration.
- Helen Byrd Photography – A very talented young photographer from my hometown who currently lives in Fort Worth, Texas. Check out her work!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 4:33PM 
