Kelli Wearing The Madelyn 2.0 Dress
Joe & Kelli O'Brien
How did you meet the love of your life?
We sort of knew each other through friends in college, and after we graduated, we were at the same party, and we hit it off, but we lived a few hours away from each other, and the timing just wasn't right. We would occasionally see each other at parties after that, and after some time I realized I was completely falling for him.
When did you know that this person had stolen your heart?
When I knew he would be in town for a friend's Christmas party and I was literally counting down the days until I would see him
Tell us about the proposal?
We were at an orchard apple picking! It was a gorgeous day and just a private moment between the two of us. He knows me well enough to know that I wouldn't have wanted an audience.
How did you come across Wear Your Love?
I'm not a big fan of the super traditional wedding dresses, so I was looking on Etsy for more bohemian styles. I came across Wear Your Love and was completely in love with every style of dress you make!
When did you know you had found your perfect dress?
I'm very methodical about my purchases (to a fault) and spent hours upon hours doing research! (Not a very free-spirited answer, I know.) There were a few other dresses I liked, but I just kept coming back to the Madelyn 2.0. I stalked your entire Instagram account to find more real brides wearing the dress, and I even reached out to 2 of them! They were so kind and helpful -- one even shared more photos and a trailer of her wedding video with me! They both assured me that they were also nervous to buy a dress online, but said they absolutely LOVED wearing it on their wedding day.
What went through your mind when the Wear Your Love box arrived at your doorstep, and you pulled out your dress for the first time?
Pure joy and excitement! It felt so soft and luxurious, and the lace detail was so intricate and beautiful. Of course, I was nervous it might not fit, but it was absolutely perfect! No alterations needed, which is pretty extraordinary for a wedding dress.
What was your wedding theme or style?
It was a combination of rustic and boho, with some classic elements.
Let's show your wedding venue some love! What is the name of the wedding venue you chose and why did you choose them for your special day?
Steppingstone Farm Museum http://www.steppingstonemuseum.org in Havre de Grace, Maryland. We chose it because: 1) It was a beautiful outdoor venue, but also a blank slate, so we could transform it to be whatever we wanted. It's so versatile; the various weddings they've had there tend to be very different from each other! 2) It was also a good halfway point for our families. Most of my family is in Virginia, and his is in Pennsylvania.
What was on your wedding soundtrack playlist, aisle, reception, and first dance?
Aisle: -Groom & groomsmen: T.I. - Bring Em Out -Parents & grandparents: Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross - Endless Love -Bridesmaids: Israel Kamakawiwoʻole - Over the Rainbow -Bride: Twenty One Pilots - Can’t Help Falling in Love Recessional: The Beatles - All You Need is Love First Dance: Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat - Lucky
Tell us your favorite moment from your wedding?
It's hard to pick just one, but if I have to, then it would probably be reading our vows to each other. I'm usually pretty terrified of public speaking, but reading my vows was different since they really came straight from my heart. I was overcome with happiness and proud to be standing there in that moment with the person who was minutes away from becoming my husband.
Tell us who was involved in making your special day perfect?
Photographer: Kyle Willis
Caterer: Sunny Day Cafe @SunnyDayCafe Mobile Bar: Get Hitched Mobile Bar @gethitchedmobilebar This is actually our business! My husband, his family and I built this ourselves for the wedding and are now renting it out for other weddings and private events. Cake & Day-of Coordination: Lena Kang, a very talented friend of the family Farm tables: Freedom Farm Tables @freedomtables Flowers: purchased from @fiftyflowers & @bloominous; arranged by me! Bridesmaids dresses: Show Me Your Mumu @showmeyourmumu Hair: My sister & Maid of Honor! Kristi Lyman IG: @kristi.lyman; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/k.limey Make-up: myself Planning & design: myself, with help from my mother-in-law Jeanette Beauchamp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanette.beauchamp.77, and we put the entire bridal party and all immediate family to work setting up that morning. We are very grateful for all of them!
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for anyone planning a wedding?
Stay true to yourself. Everyone has their own idea of what a wedding should look like, and while you can definitely be open-minded and consider other ideas, that day should really be about you and your future partner. If you try to individually cater to every single guest (or potential guest) at your wedding, you will drive yourself crazy! It's not possible, because people don't all think the same way or want the same thing.
How would you rate your overall experience with Wear Your Love?
5 out of 5 stars
Congratulations Joe & Kelli!
So happy and excited for the shared life you’ve got ahead. Congratulations and best wedding wishes!