Southern Weddings

Julie + Matt met in college through the Air Force ROTC at Texas Christian University. Although the two knew each other for some time, it wasn’t until their senior year that they began dating. Their dating would later take them to a Labor Day weekend in Oklahoma City where Matt would propose. How did Matt pop the question? It involves a Coach handbag box and one very ecstatic handbag lover — Julie. Let’s just say there was something a bit more special in the Coach box! Julie + Matt were married at the Texas Christian Chapel and had a wonderful reception at {Stockyards Station}. Julie was dressed to impress in a gown from {J.Andrew’s Bridal}. Her bridal attendants wore dresses from {J.Crew} and the boots were from {Cavender’s}. The flowers were arranged by Ed Barrett at Ed’s Signature Floral and the cake made by A Taste of Europe by Opulent Cakes. We have to share that Julie planned her wedding while in Kuwait and arrived back to America nine days before the ceremony. Amazing! Photography by the fabulous {Jeremy Harwell Photography}. Check out more shots on Jeremy’s {Blog}.

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. Matt and I went to Texas Christian University and were both in Air Force ROTC. We met freshman year, went to basic training together sophomore year, and after being great friends for three years, we finally started dating our senior year of college.
Describe the proposal: We were visiting my sister in Oklahoma City for Labor Day to see my new niece. I knew Matt would probably use the weekend to ask my parents for permission, but I was definitely not expecting the proposal. Matt had told me he would wait to give me my birthday present until the next weekend we would be together. I had really wanted a new Coach purse. Finally, Matt took me aside and said he wanted to surprise me with my birthday present. I was so ecstatic when I tore the wrapping paper and saw a Coach box and when I opened the box I saw the most gorgeous ring sitting inside. I looked up and saw Matt kneeling before me, asking me if I would marry him. I am not sure I even let him finish before I said yes and threw myself into his arms. It was so nice to be able to walk into the other room and share the wonderful news with my whole family.
What attracted me to my husband was: I was first attracted to his confidence. I also was drawn to his honesty, integrity, and sincerity. He is a man of great character and morality. I love his ability to make me laugh and how we always have so much fun together. And, of course I thought he was very hot!
Why do you love your husband? He has the most wonderful heart, and he loves God, his country, and his family.
What attracted me to my wife was: Her beautiful, calm and collected smile even when things aren’t going as planned yet also how anxious she gets in front of a crowd. I love her passion for others and ability to compromise yet also her unyielding faith and values. I love her capability to calm me down yet also how excited she gets over the smallest things. I love her with all my heart!!
A date we went on that we’ll always remember: One night during the middle of the week when we were in college, we wanted to do something spontaneous. Randomly we decided to drive an hour and a half to Oklahoma to go to a casino. It was probably one of the most fun nights we have had and I actually won $100 on the slots.
The weather on our wedding day was: Perfectly sunny with a strong breeze
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I actually had a difficult time picking out a wedding dress and I had very limited time because I was deployed for several months right before the wedding. Fortunately, I was able to pick out the perfect dress with the help of my sisters, mom, and grandmother.
Describe your wedding flowers: The florist did a wonderful job of working with the Fall theme and also picked out some beautifully colored roses that really stood out in the bouquets and on the candelabras.
Describe your wedding cake: The cakes were probably the most delicious wedding cakes I have ever tasted. I loved the groom’s cake because it was topped with the Lone Star state and chocolate covered strawberries. The bride’s cake was a four-tiered white chocolate raspberry cake topped with flowers that matched the bouquets. Absolutely beautiful.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: Being able to have the wedding at the TCU chapel with the reception at the wonderful Historic Stockyards.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? The biggest challenge was definitely being deployed for several months prior to the wedding. Not only was I trying to plan and coordinate from half way around the world in Kuwait, but I wasn’t sure I would actually make it home for the wedding. Fortunately, I made it home about 9 days before the big day.
Funniest moment? During the middle of the vows, I lost track of what the pastor said about “until death do us part” and instead of asking him to repeat the vows, I just say the wrong thing. Fortunately, everyone started laughing and Matt just squeezed my hands and smiled at me.
Most unexpected moment? Somehow the garter got lost in the mix of all the chaos. It was getting close to the time when we would be doing the garter toss and I still didn’t have one. I looked over at my 14 month old baby niece, one of the flower girls, and I notice she is wearing one of those elastic baby headbands. Believe it or not, those actually work very nice as garter belts, and that will be something we will never forget.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Beautiful, blessed, and relaxed.
Any DIY items? My mother did almost all of the decorations at the reception to include the centerpieces and all the floral arrangements. We filled the place with candles, pumpkins, Christmas lights, and mums. We also bought small brown bags and decorated them with beautiful Fall stamps to be used as goody bags for the large glass jars we filled with candy corn, customized M&Ms, and miniature candy bars, which was a big hit with the guests.
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding? Start early and try to stick to the budget.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? Both being in the military, we have been stationed in different states for a while. Starting in February 2009 we will finally be stationed together and we just bought our first house in Abilene, Texas. We are looking forward to what the future holds for us.

Congratulations to Julie + Matt. We wish you the best in your new home and thank you for serving our country!

Written with love by Lara Casey

Rocking out in the Nation’s Capital would be Ashley + Philip.  The two met in Washington, became engaged in Washington and had their engagement photos taken outside of the White House.  So there was no better location for their wedding than in D.C. at the {National Museum of Women in the Arts}.  This wedding was filled with fun style — Ashley wore a gorgeous {Melissa Sweet} gown and {Jimmy Choo} shoes (hello, lover!).  The bridesmaids looked so cute in their {Guess} polkadot heels.  And I just can’t get over the save the dates by {Ceci New York} and the invitations, programs, escort cards and menu by Rebecca Shriver.  Beautiful!  The flowers were done by the {Philippa Tarrant Floral Design}.  Taking care of the food and cake would be {Design Cuisine}.  For planning, Ashley + Philip went with {Atrendy Weddings & Event Company}.  Capturing all the images from this celebration was {Love Life Images}.  Check out more shots on the Love Life Images’ {blog}.  Happy Friday y’all!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. Phil was in Washington, DC doing some contract work for a major law firm and was in need of an apartment in the city. I was working as a sales executive for a high end corporate extended stay and was referred to him by the law firm since he had been staying at the Mayflower Hotel for several weeks. I had been trying to do business with this particular law firm for quite some time so when the opportunity presented itself I was eager to show him the property! I was told that my appointment had arrived so I began walking the long hallway to the reception area. When I rounded the corner I saw him standing there. He looked so handsome that I skipped a step but tried to maintain my composure. We proceeded to tour the property and he was nice enough to listen to my entire sales pitch even though there was obvious flirting going on. When we returned to the reception area I began explaining the prices to him and before I could finish he said “that is the price right now, but it will likely change when we meet for drinks!” I laughed and reiterated the prices to him as I said “the prices wouldn’t change with drinks.” He left the property full of pamphlets, price sheets and my business card. I was sure that I would hear from him soon! Several weeks passed and we hadn’t connected but I persisted in my sales efforts. My property was sponsoring a law firm reception so I tried once again to get him to the property. With 15 minutes left until the reception was to end Phil arrived! We ended up talking so much that it wasn’t long before we were making plans to meet up for dinner. We had our first date shortly thereafter and the rest is history.
Describe the proposal: I was just settling into our new home together in Denver, when Phil told me that we needed a romantic get-away! He said that we would be flying to Washington D.C. so that we could enjoy the city alone, and not tell any of my friends of our arrival. I agreed that it would be best to keep it a secret since I knew if I told my friends of our arrival, that they would want to see us the entire time, which would completely eliminate our purpose for a weekend alone. Phil and I arrived to the Mayflower Hotel (where we always staying D.C.) and as I opened the door of our suite, I couldn’t help but to notice it glowing! There were candles and flowers everywhere! I began walking in slowly, and as I turned around to see Phil’s face, he was down on one knee! It was amazing!! And to top it all off as soon as I said “yes” he explained that we had one hour until we were meeting a photographer outside of the White House for engagement photos! I didn’t even have a moment to call my parents or best friend! After photos we went back to the hotel, so that I could call all of my friends and family. But to my surprise, Phil had everyone waiting there to surprise me! They not only knew of his proposal but were the ones who decorated our suite!! The night ended with all of us at {Sam & Harry’s}, where we had our fist date!
What attracted me to my husband was: His confidence, humor and smile
Why do you love your husband? Because he makes me smile everyday.
What attracted me to my wife was: Her stunning beauty, sense of humor and intelligence
A date we went on that we’ll always remember: {Sam & Harry’s} where we had our first date. We were talking so much during dinner, that we never noticed they were closing! We literally closed down the restaurant that night.
The weather on our wedding day was: In the high 70’s.
Favorite design element of your big day: My Bridesmaids polka dot stilettos.
Describe your wedding flowers: My entire bouquet was anemones, which became a flower that I incorporated throughout my reception.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: Mine was the “photo booth” and our paper products (invitation, program, menu, etc) in which my Best Friend/Maid of Honor designed for us. Phil’s favorite was our signature drink “Aspen Tini” named after our Great Bernese Mountain Dog-Aspen!
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? Letting go of control and allowing others to take over.
Were there any special family traditions you included in the wedding? No.
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Walking down the isle towards my future husband.
Funniest moment? When my Maid of Honor couldn’t find the ring during the Ceremony! It had fallen down her bra!!
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Fabulous, elegant and romantic.
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding? Enjoy being engaged and planning your wedding! Read as many bridal magazines and wedding blogs as you can and try on every gown you see because you are only a Bride once!
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? Building a family together.

Congratulations to Ashley + Philip.  We wish you a lifetime filled with joy and happiness!

Written with love by Lara Casey