Ali Wearing The Mason Dress

So tell us, how did you meet the love of your life?

We met through church. We went through a class to join a small group and ended up in the same one!

When did you know they were the one?

The moment I saw him from across the room I got goosebumps and thought “I think I’m going to marry him” I had no clue we would end up in the same small group. Fast forward two years later, I was so ready to fall in love with him when he wanted to date me. It only took a few times of saying goodbye for me to realize that I never wanted to say goodbye to him ever again. I knew then that I loved him with all the depths of my heart and soul.

Tell us the story of the proposal!

The ring took forever to get made and he was dying. I asked him why and he finally told me that he was just waiting on the ring to ask me, so I knew it was coming, but I didn’t know when. A few weeks later, we were going to meet for our small group and he came up to me and said he wanted to talk. I’d been encouraging him to reflect on his days and finding the highs in the midst of busyness, so I didn’t think anything of it. We made it down the street before he got down on one knee. He was so nervous. He picked up the ring and two hours later we were engaged!

How long was your engagement? What went into deciding your wedding's date and location?

We were engaged for about 6 months. I wanted an affordable yet beautiful venue and I had been looking around. I happened across the perfect spot and it was both affordable and absolutely stunning. We toured and had to pick between a November and December date. We decided November because we were just longing to be married.

How would you describe your personal style?  What was most important to you when you were planning your bridal look?

I am allllll about comfort. I only wear soft comfy clothes and anyone who knows me knows that. I knew my wedding dress probably wouldn’t be comfy, so I was focused on the look. I wanted a fitted look, but being curvy and plus sized I didn’t want to be self conscious. I didn’t want low cut and I wanted sleeves as well. I never knew I could find all of that and still keep the comfy aspect of my dreams.

How did you find Wear Your Love?

I never dreamt about my wedding. I’m not a dreamer by any means. I like black and white thinking and logic. I had a wedding Pinterest board and it had one pin. A wear your love dress. I just remember seeing the pin and thinking “oh that’s beautiful.” I think I was looking for gowns and searched “comfy boho simple lace dress.” So it was meant to be from the beginning. Much like my love story with Matt.

When did you know you had found your perfect dress?

I was between the Haven and the Mason dress, but I’d never tried dresses on before, so I decided to go to a chain wedding dress store. I left feeling so self conscious, my skin was covered in a rash from all the scratchy fabric, and I was in tears. I went home with my mom and showed her the Mason dress and we both knew it was the one. We ended up buying it that weekend.

Which dress did you choose, and did you request any custom aspects?

I chose the Mason dress and added a 24 inch train.

What went through your mind when the Wear Your Love box arrived at your doorstep and you tried on your dress for the first time?

I had a whole realm of emotions. It looked beautiful, but I was worried it would look too nude and not white. The second I put it on, with no zippers or clasps, I knew it was perfect. It looked stunningly white, fit me perfectly, and was the comfiest thing I’ve ever put on my body! I added a bustle and that was it. There was not a single alteration that I needed, and that gave me the ability to feel beautiful and like a bride.

Did your wedding have a theme or style?

It was really natural. Lots of greenery and wood. Not quite rustic. Just simple and natural.

How involved was your partner in the wedding planning? Did your families help? Did you hire a coordinator, planner, or event stylist?

Matt was there to help make decisions when I couldn’t make any more. He didn’t have a lot of opinions, he just wanted to be married. I was the same way though. It would not have happened if it wasn’t for our parents. My mom and his mom worked so hard to make the day beautiful for us!

Let's show your wedding venue some love! What is the name of your venue, and why did you choose it for your special day?

Our ceremony was at Redeemer Fellowship Johnson County. They finished renovations the week before the wedding. It was absolutely breathtaking. It was an old building that they bought and gave it some modern updates while still keeping the beauty that is the old church building. The reception was at Thompson Barn in Lenexa, Kansas. It was so beautiful and had the simple natural look we were going for. We couldn’t have chosen a more perfect spot to celebrate.

Tell us about your wedding playlist! What song did you walk down the aisle to? Did you have a first dance song that was meaningful to you?

The bridal party and I walked down to a piano version of “The Goodness of God.” I felt overwhelmed throughout our story that God had a plan for us and that He was who brought us together, so it seemed fitting that it was playing as I got to marry Matt. Our first dance was to Biblical by Calum Scott. The whole song echoed how we feel about each other and how we feel loved like Jesus loves us, by one another.

What was your favorite moment of the day?

The first look. I had been calm all day, but just so eager to see Matt. He is my home, and I felt like once I saw him I knew nothing else would matter. The moment he turned around and looked at me, the whole world stopped spinning. It felt like it was just him and I.

Who was involved in your special day? We would love to shout out your photographer, favorite vendors, and anyone else who made your day magical.

Photographer: (Blooming June Photography) Flowers: Instagram (@flowermoxie) Food: (@slapsbbq) Venue: (@redeemer_joco)

Do you have any advice or helpful tips for others planning a wedding?

You don’t have to do everything. At the end of the day, you will be married. Pick the important things to you and your partner, then the rest will fall into place.

What has been the best part so far about being married?

Knowing I have a partner for life. I feel a oneness with him that I’ve never felt. I can’t believe I get to do life with my best friend.

Congratulations, Ali and Matt! Ali is wearing The Mason with nude lining and a full 24 inch train.