Sarah + Orvil // on our wedding day // Sarah Elizabeth Ray

On September 7th, I married the man of my dreams, Orvil Harold Ray. He is kind, strong and loving. He is one of the most strongest and courageous people I know. Orvil has taught me so much just in the past few years and I can’t even imagine what life was like before Harper, Blake and him!! Blake is everything to me too. He is so sweet and thoughtful and they are both just dang handsome as can be. 

Our wedding day was a little unplanned because we had been engaged for so long, we decided to go ahead and get married. We both were so care free that day and not stressed about anything. It was crazy honestly. I felt like time had stopped and we were just living in this dream world. 

It was a dream world. 

I found the Mackey House online and actually booked it two weeks before over the phone. We hadn’t set foot on the property, we just paid it in full and hoped for the best! Haha! Not to sound corny, but it could not have been more perfect. Everyone there was more than helpful and accommodating. I pulled up to the Mackey House, following my parents in and my jaw dropped. It was absolutely beautiful. I kept thinking thank you JESUS, THANK YOU!! Today I get to marry the man of my dreams. Thank you for all your blessings and for giving me a second chance. 

The Mackey House is a giant farmhouse that is surrounded by a large garden, pond and there with most beautiful trees. It looked like something out of a scene of Steel Magnolias or Forrest Gump. 

Connie (Orvil’s Mom) stayed up late the night before creating the most beautiful flower arrangements. She is so talented. Just look at Harper’s flower crown! We are so grateful for her and all her hard work. It was everything I dreamed of. 

• 

• 

• 

We wanted it to be special and intimate for the kids and our family and decided to have a big reception later. This wasn’t just for us, it was for our babies too. We are marrying two families together and it means a lot to us. I wanted Harper’s dress to be creative and fun, just like her personality!! It was perfect for her. The flower crown was the best part and we both wore matching hair bows. Orvil helped pick out Blake’s suit and it could not have been more perfect. They both looked amazing. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

I peaked from the window getting ready and saw Orvil smiling from ear to ear. He looked so handsome. I tried to hold in the tears. Everyone was smiling and we were all just so excited. My mom and Harper helped me get ready. We actually had a problem with my dress where a loop was too small for a button so Nathan and his wife Katherine (our photographers) and Mom were able to make add a string to go around it! HAHA! I wasn’t even phased. I was like just put a bobby pin on it. They were amazing and Katherine ended up getting it sewn on. 

Connie came in with the flowers and then the pastor came in and said it was time!!! AHH!! It’s time! I was beyond thrilled and so was Harper. Our families made it to the front and then I could see Orvil at a distance with the kids. They started walking down after Orvil and I just kept thanking Jesus. My Dad held my arm and we made our way walking towards the aisle.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

It was incredible. The entire ceremony had trees perfectly draping above us and there were lanterns and ferns all up the aisle and beautiful lanterns with Connie’s flowers. The music was so sweet. When I locked eyes with Orvil, I just started bawling. He is so handsome and I just couldn’t believe this was happening. I was about to marry my best friend!! The kids looked like little angels and It was one of those memories I will hold on for forever. We held hands and I looked down at Blake and he was smiling at me and making pterodactyl sounds every now and then hahah! I went from laughing to crying to laughing again. Orvil smiled the entire time. He won’t admit it but he had the sweetest tear filled eyes. 

The pastor Dave Gibson, did amazing. He was funny and light hearted and it just felt like home. My brother, Sam, read the Bible verses. Sam is my best friend too. We have been through so much together and he has always been by my side. I’m so happy he was able to be there in such short notice. It was truly beautiful. 

Orvil and I agreed long ago that we wanted to give the children a symbol of our love and dedication, not only to each other but to our children too. He gave Harper a ring as a promise that he will always be there for her and a commitment to be her stepfather and love her always. I gave Blake a flower, because we could not find the lapel pen he wanted in time. It was also a symbol and promise that I will always be there for him and a commitment to be his stepmother and love him always. 

• 

• 

When he put the ring on Harper’s finger, her eyes lit up. There was not a dry eye. It was so special. He wasn’t just marrying me. He was marrying my family too. I feel the same about Blake. It was everything. 

Orvil and I repeated our vowels and I just felt like God was holding our hands right there with us. God was there, I could feel it and it was as if time just stopped and everything was so much like a dream, I had to remind myself that this was real. I kept thanking Jesus for this amazing moment, for this amazing family. We exchanged rings and kissed and they announced Orvil & Sarah RAY!! AHH!! WE ARE MARRIED!! CUE THE MUSIC and dancing. 

Our family minus a few more brothers and nieces & nephews!!

Love my parents so much!

Connie is so amazing. She created all the flower arrangements!

Orvil and I danced to Speechless by Dan + Shay! It’s our favorite song. We cannot thank everyone enough for making our big day so special!!

My baby girl.

BIG & HUGE thank you to NCRASE photography, who were incredible to work with. He traveled hours to get here and was so accommodating and the pictures are out of this world. Please share him with your friends and family. 

Thank you to all of you that have been there for us all these years and kept us in your prayers. We could feel all your love too. We love you all and are so happy to be able to share this with you!!! 

XOXO

Sarah & Orvil