Stacey's Wedding
Wedding Date: October 13, 2018
Guest Numbers: 180
Wedding Location: Eagle Brook Country Club Geneva, IL
Photographer: Tom Nichol Photography
Tell Us Your Love Story
We actually went to high school together but he was a year older than me and we had some mutual friends but we didn’t really know one another. Many years later we became friends on Facebook but it wasn’t until both of us swiped right on Tinder of all places that we began our love story.
How did he put a ring on it?
We were out running errands and when we got home he kind of nudged me forward so I would go through the front door first and when I walked in there were candles, roses and rose petals everywhere. Then our dog Chloe came to great us and she had the ring tied to her neck. He got down on one knee next to her and then proposed. After he proposed he had my favorite Rose champagne and we had a toast. After that he said we had to go because he wanted to take me out to celebrate. He took me to where we had our first date and when I walked in our family and friends were waiting to celebrate.
What made the wedding personal to you?
We had little touches that were not overt. We had our cake topper made to also include our dog. It looked just like her. We also had a signature drink names The Chloe after our dog, it was a pumpkin spice sangria. I love my pumpkin spice. My husband loves cigars so we bought some of his favorites and had a cigar bar. Our officiant was a very good friend to my husband’s late father so he was able to make the ceremony more personalized to us and as a thank you to him I had out string quartet learn how to play the Notre Dame fight song from when he walked up to the ceremony site. Our wedding favors were a sugar and spice theme. I love Sugarfina Bubble Bears so we had those and my husband loves to smoke meats as a past time on the weekends so we also had his favorite spice rub he uses while smoking. Finally we chose to forgo the bouquet and garter tosses and did an anniversary dance instead. It was our way of honoring my husband’s grandparents 61 years of marriage.
Now, the most important part - the Dress!
Tell us about your dress?
I chose the Serena wedding gown. I loved the bead work on the bodice and the subtle sparkle tulle in the skirt. I thought I was going to end up with a very fitted dress but was shocked when I fell in love with this more full princess style.
Where did you find it?
I found my dress at Bella Bianca in OakBrook, IL
What was your experience like?
It was an all around beautiful and emotional experience. I tried on the dress for the first time along with some others with just my Mom, Grandma and aunt there. I went back the very next day to try it on again with my mom, grandma, aunt, 103 year old great grandma and great aunt. When I tried it on for the second time I knew and Taylor, my amazing consultant at Bella Bianxa, put the veil on and it was water works for all of us and then we got some champagne to celebrate. I am so thankful that I found my dress and said yes that day, because a month and a half later my great grandma passed away so I was just so happy she was able to see me find my dress. For years she kept saying that she thought God was waiting to take her until I got married and I guess he was just waiting until she at least knew I found my prince and my perfect dress.
What was your most memorable moment from your day?
I had so many moments that were memorable to me but the top two were our first look and then when our officiant pronounced as husband and wife.
What does marriage mean to you?
Marriage is a life long commitment to your best friend. It takes lots of work to keep your marriage happy and healthy and that should not be ignored.
Something New? My Mom bought me a beautiful pearl bracelet and gave it to me that morning of the wedding
Something Old? I wore my cross necklace that I was given to me by my mom on my 21st birthday
Something Borrowed? My veil ripped before the first look and it was taken to a local shop to be repaired so I guess I borrowed their seamstress for a small portion of the day
Something Blue? I didn’t have a garter so that was really the only place I would’ve had something blue so I did not have a something blue
Anything words of wisdom you can pass onto future brides & grooms?
Don’t sweat the small details of the wedding and let yourself relax (as much as you can) and enjoy the day. It does by so quickly and is such a blur. We were on the fence about getting a videographer but I am so so glad we did because I can now look back on that day whenever I want and not rely on the blurring memories. Also make time to enjoy your family during the whole process and let them be a part of everything. They are your support system and will keep you sane.
