In Honor of Independence Day: Ben and Molly ~ Their First Year Flew By, Literally!

Congratulations on Your Anniversary!
Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design
It’s not everyday that you meet a bride and groom who both fly C-17s for the United States Air Force. This 174 ft. aircraft is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo and can also perform tactical airlift, medical evacuation, and airdrop missions.

But on June 5th, 2010, Ben and Molly had a much different mission: to become husband and wife, and to celebrate this unity among family and friends in a beautiful ceremony.

“I wish I could do it all over again,” says Molly, remembering the special day at Northridge Country Club in Fair Oaks, California. “I loved everything about it!”

One hundred and fifty guests, including a bridal party of ten bridesmaids and ten groomsmen, gathered at the country club at 6:30 p.m. to witness the joining of families. Reverend Ed Donaghy (revedweddings.vpweb.com) performed a nondenominational Christian ceremony, which included a handfasting ceremony while the couple promised their vows. Tank, the couple’s English Bulldog, had a very important role as the ringbearer!

 Wearing a Priscilla of Boston gown, Molly made her entrance down the aisle of white rose petals. Her dress was strapless with a sweetheart neckline, a ruched bodice, and a modified A-line skirt.

“I have never felt more beautiful than I did that day!” says Molly.

From the beginning of the ceremony to the dinner, reception, and wee hours of the night, an amazing team executed this flawless event:

Très Fabu Event Planning and Design  

www.tresfabuevents.com

[Molly] The wedding literally could not be done without Debra and Très Fabu Events. I lived in Seattle at the time, Ben lived in Oklahoma, and my mom was the only person actually in Sacramento. While I was deployed, my mom and sister researched wedding planners and fell in love with Debra.

Debra and her team were always professional, and made me feel like a queen. Debra listened to all my ideas and offered fantastic suggestions to help me create a beautiful atmosphere. Black was the main color used, incorporated in the table decorations, the chairs, the cake, the bridal party, the flowers (by Shelley McArdle of Floral Artistry, www.floralartistrybyshelley.com)…white and champagne colors accented the black very nicely…but it was not too overdone.

CinZo Photography  

www.cinzophoto.com

[Molly] The pictures were fantastic, and Cindi and Lorenzo were amazing. They blended into the background and were able to capture all the events as they were happening…nothing felt too posed.

 Divine Desserts  

www.divinedessertsbyaguirre.com

[Molly] The cake was EXACTLY what I wanted. The cake was four tiers, chocolate mousse with white buttercream frosting. I LOVE buttercream and mousse! It was so good!!!

Extreme Productions

www.extremeprodjs.com

[Molly] The lighting was absolutely perfect. It created such a romantic mood.

Philosophia (Paperie)

www.laphilosophia.com

[Molly] I loved the way the seating chart, programs, and table markers used the stripes and polka dots from the invitations to keep with the theme.

Northridge Country Club  

www.northridgegolf.com

[Molly] The country club provided the appetizers and dinner, and it was delicious.

At the end of the night, Debra [Très Fabu Events] had her team deliver In-N-Out burgers and french fries to the party (from three local restaurants)!

Pop Fiction Band

www.popfictionlive.com

The couple shares many fond memories of dancing to the music that was performed by Pop Fiction (an 8-piece "party band extraordinaire”) during the reception. Their first dance was to “This Kind of Love” by Sister Hazel; Molly danced with her father to “I hope you dance”; with her mother to “My Girl”; and was hoisted in the air, along with her hubby, during “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.
“After seeing how wonderful it is to have a wedding planner [Très Fabu Event Planning and Design], I will always advise my friends to hire Debra and her team,” says Molly. “I felt so calm and reassured knowing there was someone who cared about my wedding as much as I did.”

Ben and Molly honeymooned in Playa del Carmen for a week and had a wonderful time. After four years of long distance (including their first year of marriage), the couple moved to Charleston, South Carolina and is enjoying their time together. They are so thankful for such a beautiful wedding and the support and love of their friends and family.