In your own words, tell us about your love story! (how you met, how long you’ve been together, the proposal, etc.)
Our story began in 2013, and it has been an adventure ever since. We met in Beverly, Massachusetts but our love of travel has taken us all over the world, including some of our favorites: Australia, Costa Rica, Peru, Italy, and Fiji and–most importantly–to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris where Mat got down on one knee.
Why did you choose your venue?
We loved the beautiful vineyard grounds for our outdoor ceremony mixed with the more modern ballroom for our reception. The high ceilings with the wooden beams and those awesome chandeliers were the perfect backdrop for our dance floor. Plus-the wine.
What ended up being your favorite part of the day? What made you laugh? What made you cry?
The rain definitely made me cry… I loved that we wrote our own vows and sharing them with each other in front of our loved ones was a really special moment. We had planned a surprise firework show for our guests, in order to get them outside we said we wanted to do a sparkler photo on the patio. The fireworks were supposed to go off as we got to the end of the patio, but the timing was a little off and no one really knew what to do. As we all stood there, one of our friends started singing and that led to a full blown sing along to God Bless America, right as the song ended, the fireworks went off. That was completely unplanned and definitely made us laugh. Being surrounded by all the people you love the most is such an incredible feeling. We had so much fun out on the dance floor, our DJ crushed the playlist. With all the stress of the weather behind us, it was awesome to just celebrate and dance with all of our friends and family.
Did you do any DIY projects for your wedding? If so, what were they and why did you decide to do them yourself over hiring someone?
We made all the wine bottle table numbers and the cork holders for the name cards. This was a fun excuse to drink wine and do arts and crafts with my older sister (maid of honor) and also added a nice personal touch to our tables.
Did anything unexpected happen? How did you deal with it?
I guess we were expecting the rain….but I’m not sure that I handled it very well HA. I definitely could not have handled it without the support of my bridesmaids and of course, Mat, who were behind me in whatever decision I wanted to make. Oh and did I mention Kate? She was sending me minute by minute pictures and videos of the weather. Moments before my coordinator had me convinced I needed to move the ceremony inside, I called Kate on the phone and she was the just the voice I needed to hear to tell me that ultimately it was my day, and if I wanted the ceremony to be outside, I should do it outside. I did, and it was the best decision I could have made.
Why did you choose Kate as your photographer?
Kate was recommended by a college friend and after looking at her website I loved the style of her photography. But, it wasn’t until we met for drinks on the Deck that I knew she was the right photographer for us. Her personality instantly clicked with mine and Mat’s and our “business meeting” felt more like drinks with a friend.
Any advice for couples planning their wedding now?
Remember that is YOUR day, and at the end of the day do what is true to you and your fiance, not what is going to make your friends and family happy. Make sure you celebrate the little things along the way and make the planning fun. It is going to be the best day of your life, so planning it should be just as exciting. Pop a bottle of champagne when you pick your venue or open a bottle of wine when you have chosen all your vendors.
Vendors:
Photographer: Freebird Photography
Venue: LaBelle Winery
Hair/Makeup: Janeen Jones Hair & Makeup
Floral Design: La Flora Couture
Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero from Bride N Belle
Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Tux: Calvin Klein
Dessert: Cruzin Cakes Shop
DJ: DJ Billy Rears
