Katie+Bryan, Brakefield at Riverwalk

"Where are all the real men?!" Woes such as these were common between Katie and I throughout the past few years as we were both teachers at the same music school. We would talk about our dreams and visions while encouraging each other to keep trusting God to provide. We shared stories from life, and I remember her talking about this guy - Bryan. But at that time, she ZERO interest in him [at least, that's what she said...]. It's funny how God can direct our lives. Today, Bryan is her husband.

When Katie asked me to play for her wedding, I was thrilled! Katie naturally knows so many musicians since she played violin for the Forest Hill Church band. I played the cello and filled in on some vocal songs with the band. Fun is definitely a good word to describe it!

CEREMONY SELECTIONS:

Carolina Tide [Mothers/Grandmothers]

We Dance [Bridal Party+Bride]

Called Me Higher, Abigail on Vocals [Communion]

My Beloved - [Recessional]

A big shout out to Autumn for the photos! Autumn is such a sweet person and definitely fantastic to work with. To see the full story of Katie+Bryan's wedding day, visit Autumn's blog.

Congratulations to the new Mr.+Mrs. Saylor!

Venue | Brakefield at Riverwalk

Photography | WE ARE THE KERNS

Musicians | Wescottage Music + Forest Hill band

Hanna+Aaron, Andrew Jackson State Park

I've been so excited to write about Hanna and Aaron's wedding! This post has more personal notes since Hanna has been a family friend, and we were quite involved with her wedding.

First off, Bethany was a bridesmaid for the first time!

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Second, I did Hanna's hair and makeup.

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The rest of us played music for the Ceremony, and Bethany and I sang with our friend, Angela.

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CEREMONY SELECTIONS:

Be Thou My Vision [Mothers/Grandmothers]

A Thousand Years [Bridal Party]

Gabriel's Oboe [Bride]

Mercies Anew [Vocals: Jennifer, Bethany, Angela]

Lord Find Us Faithful [Hanna's brothers on Vocals, Lauren on Keyboard]

All of Me - [Recessional]

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Jon, my boyfriend, was the photographer as well! It was a blast to work together. When I wasn't getting Hanna ready or playing music, I helped second shoot. It was a busy, and HOT day! The weather was stormy right before the wedding began but miraculously cleared up in time.

So many times as a musician, we have the best views of the Bride and Groom's faces. We see the little interactions that no one else sees. We see the tears. We hear the little comments. We see them slightly shaking from nerves and excitement. I've always wished I had a camera with me to capture the photos no one else sees.

For the first time, this wish came true! After playing the processionals and singing, I was done with the music [since the recessional was only piano]. Jon left a camera in back for me, and I was able to capture some shots like the ones below. Hanna was thrilled to have photos from that angle, and it gave Jon the freedom to get photos from other angles.

Visit Jon's blog post of their wedding to see the full story of their day unfold!

Angela, it is always a joy to sing and play music with you! Blessings as you move to Africa next month to teach and to minister. We love you!

Congratulations to the new Mr.+Mrs. Berry!

Venue | Andrew Jackson State Park 

Musicians | Wescottage Music 

Photographer | Jon Courville Photography

May - A Wescottage Month in Review

I know it's July, but there were some events in May that were too monumental not to share! 

May was one of the most full months.  For the full Wescott family, performances consisted of:

• 6 Weddings
• 1 Graduation
• 1 Junior Youth Orchestra [JYO] Performance
  • Our sister, Marianna, performed in the second violin section and we all proudly watched and cheered her on!
• Western Regionals for Marianna
• JYO auditions for Marianna and Missy
  • Marianna made it to Principal 2nd Violin!
  • Missy is on the cello alternate list. We are still SO PROUD of her, and are excited that she will hopefully be in the orchestra next year!
• 9 Student Recitals

We have been busy!

On top of performances, we enjoyed a beautiful vacation at North Myrtle Beach and celebrated two birthdays.

And now for the news everyone has been waiting for...

The first ever...

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Wescottage Engagement!

Congratulations to Jason+Lauren!

Jason asked Jon to take photos of the big event. I was thrilled to be included in taking photos as well! Jason chose Colonel Francis Beatty Park in Matthews during our church picnic.

When Jason told Lauren he wasn't hungry and wanted to go on a walk, Lauren was suspicious and immediately lost her appetite.

Meanwhile, Jon and I sprinted towards the clubhouse and hid - cameras in hand, sweaty, and excited to see the proposal unfold!

It wasn't until after I scouted out the location that I realized there was an event underway in the clubhouse with a lot of people. We tried to avoid the windows so we weren't a distraction [it was a baby shower], but all of the people inside said they loved watching the proposal!

This was the moment we would talk about as little girls.

Engagement. The man we would marry. How would it happen? What would he look like?

Growing up, we would occasionally dream of walking down the aisle - only to be greeted by a man who never had a face. Did any of you other girls have dreams like that?

It was so frustrating! So close to seeing who he was, yet not enough to know.

Now we know.

Lauren is marrying Jason.

And we couldn't be happier! Jason has been a family friend for many years, and it has been a joy to see him and Lauren grow together. I met Jason many years ago around 5-6am in line at the community college to sign up for classes. Isn't it neat to see how God brings people together?

Jason makes Lauren happy. Really happy. He is the only one who is able to get her to play basketball [or any sport for that matter], or to enjoy dancing. Lauren has opened up so much because of Jason, and he's stretched her in many ways. It's so much fun to watch them interact, and to be a part of their relationship. Lauren, I always struggled in picking out a guy for you [because that's what good sisters do :)] - I'm so glad I didn't try too hard because God did an AMAZING job in preparing Jason for you.

Here is the whole family after the engagement! It was also special to see our church family rejoicing with them!

For the first time ever, we are on the other side of wedding planning! And let me tell you. IT IS A BLAST.

To see more photos from the day, visit Jon's blog post of their engagement HERE.

All of the engagement photos are from Jon Courville Photography.