How did he propose?

It was last Christmas morning. He got a coffee mug with my name (but his last name) on it with rings and question marks. It was one of those mugs where it changes color when it gets hot — so I didn’t see the question until I poured a morning cup of coffee with him. It was sweet with it being just us two. It also made Christmas Day super fun to tell the families throughout the day!

Tell us about your venue and why you chose it:

The Highlands Chapel at Howe Farms. It was perfect. I wanted that traditional church wedding, but I also wanted a venue that was different. Something timeless. This was literally the perfect option for us. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

What was your favorite and least favorite part about the wedding planning process?

Simply planning how we wanted our day to be together — from what we wanted our first dance to be to ceremony details. That was probably my favorite thing.

Least favorite part— being a 2020 bride kind of robbed you of a few certainties. Like worrying for weeks on end if you’re going to have to change your date or certain family members who couldn’t come simply because of being afraid of catching COVID. Honestly, it was understandable, but a frustrating thing to have to deal with. (Or people guilting you for wanting your day to be as normal as possible.)

Any advice for other brides planning their big day? Have fun with it all! Don’t stress— there’s no point! Also, try to incorporate things your groom might want! Some of our favorite little things that day were Joel’s ideas that I wasn’t too sure of at the beginning of planning, but we went with it!

What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

So MANY THINGS! I really enjoyed doing our own vows. I didn’t really want to do that at first, but I got talked into it and it ended up being the sweetest moment for us.

Also, our unity part of the ceremony was different! We decide to be silly and make a PB&J sandwich together. It was relaxed and fun and our friends and family LOVED it! Knowing we had something lighthearted later in the ceremony eased my nerves beforehand! 100% glad about that decision! (Joel’s idea)

Dress: 1137 by Martina Liana

Venue: The Highlands Chapel at Howe Farms

Photographer: Beasley Photography