How did you meet your Fiancé?

Jon and I met towards the end of college when one of my friends dated one of his friends. We didn't start dating until we both moved back to Kansas City.

Describe your proposal.

We went to my favorite restaurant, Lidia's, for dinner. On the way home I just had this strange feeling that it might happen--I know a lot of people say that, but I really did! I remember looking out the window to hide the fact that I was smiling so big (just in case my instincts were wrong, I didn't want to get caught smiling like a goofball for no reason). When we got home, our house was filled with candles and vases of tulips were EVERYWHERE--those are my favorite flowers. It’s kind of a blur after that, but I know there was crying :) We drank champagne, put on a record, and enjoyed the moment--until we couldn't stand it any longer and we called our family and good friends to share the happy news!

How did you choose the location for your wedding? What type of venue were you looking for?

As soon as we saw the Kansas City Library, we knew that's where we wanted to get married. We didn't even look anywhere else after that. It has so many beautiful Art Deco details and such a grand and elegant feel to it. We also liked that it is downtown and close to the the hotel of our choice, The President, and our rehearsal dinner location, Lidia's. We had the ceremony on the first floor in the beautiful two story entrance, cocktail hour was on the rooftop and then dinner/dancing was in a room that led out to the rooftop.

How did you decide on your bridesmaids dresses? Tell us about your experience at Bella!

I had so much fun picking out the bridesmaid dresses--but I took longer to pick those than my own dress! Originally I wanted to do ivory, but someone tried to discourage me from doing that--saying that it would take away from my dress. Then I was sort of leaning towards navy blue, but I still had ivory in the back of my mind. After I found my dress, I went back to Bella Bridesmaids Kansas City a second time with both of my sisters and we ended up choosing a beautiful full length ivory Dessy gown. I loved the idea of all white and then the only colors being the soft pinks and greens of the bouquets. Danielle was so helpful and we had so much fun chatting with her while we tried on a million options. She, along with my sisters, gave me the affirmation I needed to make my decision to do ivory.

Who designed your bridal gown? Where did you get it?

I got my dress from Laura's Couture. It was designed by Rivini – a beautiful ivory lace and silk organza strapless gown. I loved my dress! I'd wear everyday if I could!

What was the most memorable part of your day?

That's hard to choose! Our ceremony was officiated by my godfather and it was so intimate and special. He had us write each other a short letter and give it only to him and not let each other read it beforehand. When he read them at the ceremony, we heard them for the first time--there was a lot of crying and laughing. I also really enjoyed all of the toasts--again more tears and laughter :)

What advice do you have for other brides?

It all goes by so fast!! You spend so much time planning the whole thing and then you snap your fingers and it's over. My advice is to relax and enjoy the day. Don't stress because that is a colossal waste of your time and energy on a day that only happens once. Cherish every moment! Oh--and try to step back and look around at all of the beautiful details that you spent a year planning :)

Photo Credit: Tyler Wirken of Wirken Photography