Amazing Missouri couple Katie & Nick

Our gorgeous couple, met at a Seven Lion’s concert at the Old Rock House in St. Louis. There was a long line for drinks, Nick offered to show Katie to an area with a shorter line or to keep her company until she realized he was right… He turned out to be right. They shortly after made plans for a proper date before dancing the night away. Nick and Katie had plans to jet set to Europe on May 7th, 2020. Nick’s plan was to propose in their house with a romantic scavenger hunt the day before their departure. He had a series thoughtful and clever clues hidden throughout the house in gorgeous money envelopes. The last clue read, “You’ve come so far and so have we, there’s adventures to be had and many more to seek. Clue #7 is the luckiest you see, it’s you and me what’s meant to be. There will be life to live and love to give. Give me your heart and for life we’ll live. You’re oh so close to earning a toast, look to the one that loves you the most…” Katie turned to find Nick on one knee with a beautiful Marquise diamond family heirloom diamond ring.

Due to Covid-19, they could not celebrate in Europe, so instead took the doggies to Nick’s family cabin in Piedmont Missouri. Leading to the joke #PiedmontOverPrague. Nick and Katie share a passion for traveling. They love to explore new places, food and music scenes, meet new people, and learn about new cultures. Nick travels frequently for work, earning the companion pass with Southwest, leading to more frequent travels and the use of their #companionpassendeavors. In 2012, Nick and Katie traveled to the Dominican Republic together and absolutely fell in love with the scenic views and people. Shortly after becoming engaged, they very soon realized they wanted to incorporate their love for travel into their wedding day. The Dominican Republic was the perfect setting. The natural beach setting was the inspiration for the color palette. The setting of Secrets Cap Cana is picturesque in itself and did not need a ton of additional decor in order to look beautiful. Bistro lighting, soft pastel flowers, and natural elements such as wood trivets were small accents that accentuated the already amazing natural backdrop.

The venue, Secrets Cap Cana, helped make a custom wedding arch shaped as a triangle, like delta, representing the change. The arch was decorated with hydrangeas, roses, and greenery with soft pastel colors. The bridal bouquet was roses and lilies with greenery. The something blue was a bracelet gifted by Katie’s Aunt Mona and was wrapped around the bridal bouquet. Something old/borrowed was a beautiful handkerchief the groom’s mother Joetta brought to the Dominican Republic that originally belonged to Nick’s Great grandparent in Italy. Our couple requested coconuts with rum to give the reception an island feel, as well as bonfires and tiki torches to for a true beach party vibe. With the Caribbean setting, the couple wanted fabrics and designs that would speak to the setting. The groom found a collarless linen shirt from Cubavera and a tan linen suit from Men’s Wearhouse. Linen was in high demand in 2021 with limited sizing, yet he finally found the perfect suit. The groom wanted a shoe that would not trap sand and found a pair of leather loafers on Etsy. While shopping in St. Augustine while visiting the Groom’s mom, they found the perfect hat to accent his linen suit.

The bride originally aimed for a romantic and flowy dress, but instead found a crepe spaghetti strap gown from Cleo Bridal. The buttons down the entirety of the back and intricate lace applique made the dress stand out above the rest. Shoes were champagne satin from Belk. The most anticipated moment of the day was seeing each other for the first time. The bride stayed in a separate room and the couple did not see each other until walking down the aisle. It was a truly special moment. Now, wise words of advice for future couples planning a wedding in Dominican Republic: “Take in every moment, it goes so quickly!”