Tell us your love story!
Both Joe and I were in recovery, and that’s how we met. We both graduated the program and quickly became friends. I first realized I had a thing for Joe when we went to see my favorite band at a concert with some of our friends. I got up close to watch the band when a mosh pit started, and Joe picked me up and got me out of danger. l lost an earring, but gained a crush on Joe! Then we started going to concerts together, and he asked me out. We dated three years before he proposed, but were good friends for five. My relationship with Joe came as a surprise, but it has been the most incredible thing to happen to me. First I found sobriety and then I found a wonderful man to share it with. I fall in love with him more and more each day. Our wedding was exactly what I had dreamed!
How did he propose?
Joe asked my dad’s permission, and he spoke to my mom prior to the engagement to get the exact replica of her ring. It was diamonds with a Morganite stone, they nailed it! He had the ring shipped to his parents house. On Christmas Eve in our pajamas, getting ready to open gifts with his family, he followed me into the room we stayed in. With just the two of us, he reminded me that it was the place he first kissed me. He told me how much he loved me and that he wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. I loved that he did it with just the two of us. We shared the news with everyone and I was able to Facetime my family and tell them!
How did you choose your venue?
We went to a few venues and just weren’t satisfied. It was really disappointing, and led me to enlist the help of Jerry Houck with The Caterer. The first place he took us was Churchill’s in Berea; we walked in and were in complete awe. This was a place where we could have both the ceremony and reception, and it was indoors. Joe and I didn’t say much to each other but once we finished the tour we both said, “this is it!” We LOVED it. I told Jerry, “no more, I’m not wasting anymore time looking at venues.” The same day, we arranged to put the deposit on it.
What elements were most important for your wedding day to you?
Family
Music
Photography
Peace of mind (our planner)
The ceremony
What advice would you give other brides?
WEDDING PLANNER!!! There is no way you won’t stress, but having someone take on the details and call the shots when you can’t, is the only way to do it. Jerry promised me that, “if something were to go wrong, or not according to plan, my mother and I wouldn’t know of it.” The rehearsal was the most stressful time for me, so if you feel as I did, my advice would be to hang in there! On my wedding day, I let go of the unimportant things I was holding on to at the rehearsal. I also would suggest if you are not doing a first look, do as we did. I never saw Joe until I walked down the aisle. Lastly, find a great photographer. As a bride you are too busy to soak everything in, and trust me, you want lasting memories.
Photographer: Brett Barnett Photography
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Churchill’s
Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Planner: The Caterer
Caterer: The Caterer
Wedding Cake: Sweets By Cindy
DJ: Hey Mista DJ
Florals: A Lasting Impression
Rentals: The Caterer
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant
Rings: The Castle Jewelry