“Kim and Paul met online, chatted and then met up for their first date a short while later. The rest is history and they still can’t believe that’s their story! Paul and Kim were both so excited for their first look since they hadn’t seen each other all day and Paul had no idea what Kim’s dress was like and Kim hadn’t seen Paul’s tailored ensemble. Sharing that special moment just the two of them allowed them to revel in each other, giggle and kiss unabashedly. They just couldn’t wait to be married to each other! –Ryan Nicole Photography

What is your favorite wedding day memory?

Oh my goodness… it’s so hard to narrow it down! Standing up in front of so people who love and support us, giddy with excitement as I am marrying my best friend. After our officiant told our story {how we met at the perfect time in our lives and the synchronicities of our lives leading up to our meeting… also wonderful and impactful!}, he asked us to look out into the crowd who traveled from near and far to show us their love and support. It helped us soak in the moment so the beautiful day didn’t seem like such a blur. A close second would be our first look…seeing Paul’s face the first time he saw me and running into his arms… and surprising our guests with a choreographed Viennese Waltz as our first dance.

What did you DIY for your wedding?

We created our centerpieces using birdcages with succulents and other smaller flowers spilling out. We also created lace table runners to accent the venue’s farm tables. We also had tiny Mason jars filled with flowers on the wine barrels during the cocktail hour. I really can’t take much credit as my mother and mother-in-law did most of the heavy lifting! We also created our guest favors, which were tree branch cuttings that doubled as name card holders and photo booth picture “frames”. The wood was chopped from a family friend’s grove of aspens, lovingly chopped by my father, and stamped by us. Also, Paul is a graphic designer so we customized everything – our save the dates, invitations, website, name cards, programs, and thank you notes. Designing those together turned out to be a blast, with our different ideas creating something special to us. Quality time together during an exceptionally busy time was also crucial!

Did you have a something old, new borrowed, blue?

Yes, I wore my Grandmother’s delicate floral bracelet, which was borrowed and old. My earrings and hair piece were new, and my colorful floral shoes had some blue in it!

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

Planning goes by in a flash! Carve out time to shop or do things with your family and friends, steps along the way. Those make the most special memories. Yes, it can seem overwhelming and stressful but try to enjoy it. As my wise neighbor told me, something {minor or not} may go wrong, but the only thing that really matters is that the groom shows up and that he’s your forever guy. Everything else is just details. It helps to come back to that regularly. Oh, and pretty much no one else will notice if something doesn’t show up or doesn’t go as planned. Roll with the punches, focus on your spouse-to-be, and delegate, delegate, delegate! After all that planning, you want to enjoy your family and friends that day and not be worried about details. The whole thing goes by way too quickly. -Kim, the Bride

Event Credits

Photographer: Ryan Nicole Photography // Venue: Venue at the Grove // Officiant: Open Door Fellowship Church // Florist: Wild Child Floral Design // Invitations: Vistaprint // Catering: Ensemble Catering // Cake: Sugarlips Cakery // DJ: Direct Sounds DJ's // Engagement Ring: Robert Wesley Jewelers // Bride's Attire: Bella Lily Bridal // Bride's Shoes: Macy's // Bridesmaid's Attire: Wedding Apparel Superstore // Groom + Groomsmen's Attire: Jos. A Bank