When I first met Andre and Skyla, I was so excited because they told me they were a bunch of Cajun's from Morgan City, which is right around my neck of the woods! I knew instantly that we would get along and that these people knew how to party! Their wedding was at my favorite venue #ashleymanor, and it was a beautiful night filled with love and family (including their adorable little boy, Fisher!). I was also super pregnant for their wedding so I am so grateful that they trusted me with their ceremony, despite the fact that I was a big, hormonal mess!
One thing that Skyla decided to do (that I also did for my wedding) that I think is truly special, is she did a first look with her father instead of her fiancé. It's such a touching moment when you see you father react to the transition you've made from his little girl to another man's wife. There is so much emotion in this photo, and I'm so glad she wanted to do this. It is such a special moment that can't happen twice.
Next, I need to talk about my little helper, also known as Skyla and Andre's little boy Fisher! He was so adorable and totally wanted to be involved in his mom and dad's wedding. They wanted him involved as well, and made sure to mention him throughout their ceremony and vows. Skyla also gave me some pointers on having a boy, which I really appreciated! But, I mean, look at how stinking cute this kid is! How can you not just smile when you see that face??!!!
One thing that I discovered when talking to Skyla and Andre is just how much dedication it takes to be in a relationship with someone that works off shore. Andre knew that working off shore would provide for his family in the best way possible, and Skyla committed to him despite the long distance and weeks in between seeing each other. It was difficult to schedule our interview because he was gone for so long, and I knew when he was in, he wanted to spend time with his family, so we tried to find the most convenient time, and I tried to make it quick but thorough.
So, on to their story: Skyla and Andre met at the Tarpon Rodeo in Grand Isle, LA. They were around mutual friends, and Skyla made the first move (GO GIRL!). According to Andre, they never really "officially" started dating, they just kept hanging out together and realized that this was it, this was who they wanted to be with. Andre said he fell for Skyla for who she is and everything about her. Skyla loved Andre's personality, and everything about him as a friend and more.
Then it was time for one of my favorite questions: How did he propose? I love this question because the groom always gets it right. Whether they propose in front of a huge group of people, or alone with just them, it is always reflective of that couple's relationship, and exactly what the bride wants. So, how did Andre propose?
At their gender reveal party!!!! How awesome?! Andre said that it was very spur of the moment sort of thing. While Skyla was at work, Andre was at the mall with Skyla's sister and told his future sister in law that he was thinking about proposing. Well the rumor got around that Andre was thinking about proposing and then he got a call from Skyla's dad about it! Yikes! Which wasn't how Andre wanted it to work out, he originally wanted to pull Skyla's dad and brother aside and ask their permission, but sometimes things don't always work out the way we want them to.
Since Andre is gone a lot, when he is home Skyla said there's a lot of staying at home and hanging out, or hunting and fishing depending on the season. Family is really important to them, and so whenever they can find time to be with family they make it a point to do so. I thought that was a wonderful detail in their relationship that is really special.
When I asked if they were going to do a smaller ceremony such as a unity candle or a sand ceremony, they threw me for a loop when they said they would do a braiding ceremony. I had never heard of that and immediately looked it up. It's actually called the Chord of Three Strands, and it comes from a line of scripture: Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A chord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12.
This ceremony is symbolic of the joining of man and woman by God into marriage. It reinforces the couple's faith and adds and truly unique aspect to the ceremony that all their family and friends are sure to remember. I thought it was very reflective of Skyla and Andre's relationship and the trust they put not only in each other, but in God to protect them and be with them throughout their lives.
They wrote their own vows, and I have to say, I was a little stressed on this one. Skyla sent me her vows so I could proof read them for her and put them in the ceremony. Andre, on the other hand, wanted his vows to be a surprise. I was so nervous the day of the wedding, and I kept asking him if he had his vows, just to make sure he didn't forget them. He did write them, and he did have them on him for the ceremony, and they were absolutely breath taking. The way he described Skyla and how special she is to him, not only as a friend, and wife, but as a mother to their son, and how much he admires her was visible not only through his words but in the way he looked at her when he said them. Both sets of vows were beautiful and heartfelt. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house when they were done (including me!).
It was such a great night, with an extraordinary couple whose love was visceral. I'm sure their reception was a great party as well! Here's to you, Barkers! And may your days be filed with family, friends, and a whole lot of love!
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