Karen Wearing Custom Ari Dress
So tell us, how did you meet the love of your life?
We met the old-fashioned way: at a bar! We were out with friends on Halloween weekend. He was dressed as a cop, and I was dressed as a cat. Sparks flew!
When did you know they were the one?
For me, I knew Brad was the one when he surprised me one date night by taking me to an Acrocats show. Acrobatic cats!! I knew he understood me perfectly at that moment. For Brad, he says it wasn’t a sudden epiphany, but rather that his love grew for me steadily every day - and still does <3
Tell us the story of the proposal!
Brad can’t keep a secret - he gets too excited and wants to share the surprise right away! He had been doing just that all December by giving our son his Christmas presents early, so it made total sense that he proposed the day he picked up the ring! It was Christmas Eve, and we were snuggled at home on the couch, chatting by the light of the Christmas tree when he popped the question.
How long was your engagement? What went into deciding your wedding's date and location?
We were engaged for a year and a half before getting married in Monterey, CA. Summer seemed the perfect time. We fell in love with the gorgeous garden venue via Instagram, and thought why not do a destination wedding?! We were hopeful that the world would be a little safer and people would be ready to travel by June 2021. We are very grateful for how fortunately the timing worked out for us, when it’s been so hard for so many couples.
How would you describe your personal style? What was most important to you when you were planning your bridal look?
My style was a bit romantic boho. I fully embraced the garden setting with my bridal look, from my long-stemmed rose lace gown to my preserved-floral earrings! I was all about individual elements of the day complementing each other. It was fun to plan!
How did you find Wear Your Love?
The same way I found our venue - Instagram! But I found Wear Your Love and the Ari dress almost a year before we were engaged, and couldn’t get it out of my mind. I would even say the dress influenced the venue - I had “rose garden” on my mind while we were searching, thanks to Ari!
When did you know you had found your perfect dress?
A year or so before we were engaged, I saw the Ari dress and fell in love. When I started putting our wedding mood board together, the visual of it all together was perfect.
Which dress did you choose, and did you request any custom aspects?
Ari, with a custom V neck and custom 28” fully-lined 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 didn’t want to take it off, it was so comfortable! I just wanted to spin and spin and spin!
Did your wedding have a theme or style?
Romantic garden/al-fresco
How involved was your partner in the wedding planning? Did your families help? Did you hire a coordinator, planner, or event stylist?
Brad was sweet and helped whenever asked! My sister was my MOH. She did our engagement photos and helped coordinate people for photos on the day-of. We were super grateful for our families’ help throughout the process. And we couldn’t have pulled it off without our month-of coordinator, Katie Hillenga and her assistant Chelsea at Atlas Design Studio!
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?
The Memory Garden at Monterey State Historic Park - we fell in love with the gorgeous garden setting and all the beautiful flowers! It was so serene.
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?
I walked down the aisle to Brooklyn Duo’s cover of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” and our first dance was Brandi Carlile’s “The Story” - both songs are so powerful and seemed perfect for those meaningful moments.
What was your favorite moment of the day?
There were too many!! Brad holding our son Wesley during the entire ceremony; Wesley diving into the donuts immediately; all the special dances; every moment where I stopped and looked around and saw our closest family and friends having such a great time. It was wonderful.
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.
Photo/video: @apollofotografie Planning: Katie Hillenga, Atlas Design Studio Musician/DJ: Marcus Cappelazzo Dessert: Alexis @tartandtin Catering: Paella Time Guest portrait painting: Rosaura, Pigment and Parchment Rentals: Chic Event Rentals Floral: @bloominous (fresh) and @sbblooms (silk)
Do you have any advice or helpful tips for others planning a wedding?
If you are able to, splurge on what’s important to you - you will never regret making these memories! But at the end of the day, remember that it’s all about marrying the love of your life and to enjoy your day <3
What has been the best part so far about being married?
If possible, I think we are even sweeter to each other! And Brad was already such a sweetheart ☺️
Karen is wearing The Ari with a custom v-neck, nude lining, and a full 28 inch train.