WELCOMING SUMMER WEDDING WITH A DASH OF SOUTHERN CHARM

Kristen and Austin wanted a welcoming wedding with a hint of Southern charm and HOT DANG did they nail it. Their Friday June wedding had absolutely perfect weather for their outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour. The lawn was dawned with lounge furniture and modern touches while staying true to the timeless Hawthorne House feel.

This POWER COUPLE said, “I do” after ten months of dating and got engaged while they were in medical and dental school (I know, right?!)! Between their hectic lives and their long distance relationship, Kristen and Austin executed a dreamy summer wedding that was a total blast.

The proposal:

“We were long distance for 4 years while completing medical and dental school, so our visits were few and far between. One weekend in July 2019, Austin was supposed to visit his sister in Indianapolis. My friends had made plans to go to dinner and check out a wedding expo for my other two friends that were engaged. My girls got together and were on our way to "dinner" when my friend Claire, who always was great at directions, suddenly missed her turn. We ended up by the park near the Nelson Atkins and the car suddenly pulled over on the side of the road. My friends all turned to me and handed me an envelope with my name on it, and I instantly started crying. I remember hurriedly reading the note from Austin and looking out the window for him asking "where is he??". My friends told me to get out of the car and I spotted him a ways away in the park. He had set up photos from over the years hanging between two trees and had flower petals and music playing. I started to walk toward him but he was pretty far away and it was taking too long, so I took off running toward him. He asked me to marry him and through my happy tears I said yes! He had set up a party with our friends for after but we were starving so we went to Sonic just the two of us haha and called and Facetimed our out of town family and friends. We spent the rest of the night surrounded by our close friends and celebrated with champagne - it was a night we won't forget!”

I’m not crying, you’re crying. I mean SHE RAN TOWARDS HIM. I’m picturing the scene from The Notebook, or the scene from Dirty Dancing or, let’s be real, all the “first looks” on Love Is Blind (this is a judgement free zone).

One thing I’m glad we did on our wedding day:

“I think the first look is essential if you tend to be an anxious our introverted person. We both don't love to be the center of attention so a day that's focused with all eyes on you can be tough! The first look allowed us to have a moment together that was just us two. It was private and special and allowed us to relax. We also mingled with guests during our cocktail hour which allowed us to say hi to everyone early in a more organic way, instead of going table to table during the reception. We then knew we could enjoy the reception and relax and dance and really let loose! I also recommend having a wedding planner or day of coordinator so you don't have to even think about the details or staying on your timeline etc. and you can just have fun!”

One piece of advice I’d give to an engaged couple is:

“Decide what are your top priorities for each person and create a list of "must haves". Adjust your budget around these items to ensure you both have your desires met for the big day. If you can, hire a planner or coordinator to take the pressure off you and your loved ones. Try to be flexible and know that even if every detail isn't perfect, your day will still be memorable and special. Don't be overly influenced by friends or family - it really is about what you as a couple want. Finally, try to relax and really take in the day - focus on each other and let yourself really feel all the emotions of the day, soak in every moment.“

Kristen finished by apologizing for adding more than one piece of advice to engaged couples, but I say AMEN to each piece she mentioned! If you’ve met me for longer than five minutes then you’ve heard me talk about how the impact of hiring a wedding planner or coordinator is immeasurable. To have all of the pressure taken off your shoulders so you, and your family and friends, can truly enjoy the day and soak in this wonderful life step you’re taking is priceless. OKAY OKAY I know you all have budget’s so I’m not saying go out there and drop 80% of your wedding budget on one one vendor! There are different levels of service and a range of business out there. Need a rec? Hit me up!

I’ll never forget working Kristen and Austin’s wedding day. The smiles you see on their faces NEVER left. They were calm, excited and so gosh dang happy to be exactly where there were in each moment. Their first look was INSANELY cute and Kristen was bouncing up and down with excitement as she said her vows. Their guests were SO ready to congratulate the newlyweds during their outdoor cocktail hour and the glow sticks were a seriously fun hit. Take a peak into their welcoming day with a hint of southern charm!

Happy Planning from Hawthorne House!