Macey wearing the Camilla Dress

How did you meet the love of your life?

We knew each other in high school through mutual friends, but we did not interact until after college when we kept seeing each other at the gym on many different occasions.

When did you know that this person had stolen your heart?

On our second date we went for a hike and he was thoughtful enough to pack my favorite candy bar, which he remembered from our first date many days earlier.

Tell us the story of the proposal.

Kevin and I love walking around a luxury resort in our hometown of Colorado Springs called The Broadmoor to see Christmas lights each December. Kevin arranged for us to go there early to see the lights and then meet his parents for dinner a couple of hours later. He was extremely patient with me when I told him I wanted to stop at my mom's house to pick up a pair of stockings to wear with my dress, but I had no idea we were late to meet a photographer Kevin hired to capture our proposal. By the time we finally reached the resort to walk around, Kevin seemed nervous as he talked about the sweet memories we shared and the plans he had for our future family. He brought me to a spot near a lake and proposed while a photographer captured the moment. He received a very quick and resounding yes! We later had photos taken in different areas around the resort and finally met his parents and my dad for dinner to celebrate.

How long was your engagement? What went into the decision about date and location?

Neither of us wanted a long engagement, but it lasted nearly two years anyway (haha). We originally selected a wedding venue in a forest near Kevin's childhood home because the location had special meaning, and a date on Memorial Day weekend that we thought would be more accommodating to the busy schedules of our out-of-state friends and family. When businesses were closing and events put on hold in March due to the pandemic, we were extremely anxious to host a big event with loved ones at the risk of spreading disease, which was a huge concern of mine since I am in a graduate medical program and I see sick people daily. We eventually canceled our plans entirely, thinking we would never host an event safely and unsure when we could get married with our families and close friends present due to our completely inflexible work and school schedules. We ended up finding another wonderful venue in Colorado Springs called The Garden of the Gods Resort in a spur of the moment decision to host a very small celebration with appropriate health precautions in place. By then, I think we both felt as though being married and committed to each other was so much more important than having a huge event for tons of guests. We loved that the location was gorgeous and had panoramic views of Garden of the Gods rock formations. The date we selected was November 1st because we liked the ease of remembering 11/1 as an anniversary, and we were somehow able to make it work with our schedules. Despite having to plan a new wedding from scratch in only two months, the day turned out so special, and we married in an outdoor ceremony with immediate family and a couple of close friends with the sun setting on the mountains in the background.

How would you describe your personal style?  What were the most important factors for you as you considered how you wanted your bridal look to manifest?

My personal style is a mix of bohemian, casual and preppy. I love "flowy" fabric, florals, lace, pastel palettes and comfortable trendy outfits. Being comfortable and feeling beautiful were so important, and to me that looked like a long sleeve white A-line dress that would be freely movable with elements of my favorite styles (i.e. floral and feminine).

How did you find Wear Your Love?

I found Wear Your Love scrolling through Pinterest after typing "long sleeve wedding dresses" in the search bar and was immediately drawn to a photo of a Wear Your Love dress that was linked to Etsy. From Etsy I found the website url to the full collection.

When did you know you had found your perfect dress?

I scoured bridal stores and websites for months looking for a dress that had many specific elements including long sleeves, A-line, comfortable, light, and had floral details. I guess I was looking for a "you'll know it when you see it" type of feeling, but I felt it instantly when I found the Camilla dress on the Wear Your Love website. There was no doubt in my mind that I found my wedding dress because I was overwhelmed with excitement (a feeling I did not experience trying on other dresses or looking in other places).

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?

I was excited and nervous simultaneously, hoping that I did not somehow screw up the measurements. When I opened the box I had butterflies because it was exactly how I imagined it would be. The dress fit perfectly and exceeded my expectations when I finally tried it on. There was an overwhelming sense of relief in feeling so confident and beautiful in the dress.

What is the name of the dress, and did you request any custom aspects?

I purchased the Camilla dress with no custom aspects.

What was your wedding theme or style?

Our wedding theme was simple and romantic with mountain-themed elements in recognition of the beautiful state where we grew up.

How involved was your love in the planning? Did your families help with planning? Did you hire a co-ordinator, planner, or event stylist?

My now husband tried to be as involved as possible, but his long working hours further complicated by the pandemic proved to be a huge barrier. He made suggestions to components he wanted and felt were important to include, and I blended his ideas with mine to bring our wedding elements to fruition. Because I was also very busy and had less than two months to plan the event, I reached out to a wonderful wedding planning company called Dream Catcher Weddings that incorporates eco-friendly practices into the big day. Our super sweet wedding planner communicated with other vendors to carry out the day's events seamlessly.

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

We married at the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club. The views of the mountains and natural rock formations from the ceremony location are unmatched and we loved that our wedding venue was overlooking a park that has such significance to the city we were raised in.

What was on your wedding soundtrack playlist, aisle, reception, and first dance?

Our aisle music consisted of instrumental versions of modern-day songs, like "Something Just Like This" by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay. We danced to "The Way You Look Tonight", by Tony Bennett for our first dance, and our cocktail hour and reception had music selections featured on the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack. Kevin loves The Office, so we also included the show theme song as our entrance to the reception. We wanted a broad variety of music that appealed to both our friends and our parents - our DJ did an awesome job helping to fill in the gaps.

What was your favorite moment of the day?

My favorite moment of the day was when Kevin and I were able to sit alone together in a large conference room at the wedding venue after the ceremony and before the reception started to enjoy appetizers and drinks. It was so special to have a moment alone to take in the excitement of our official commitment to each other. Neither of us could stop smiling and the appetizers were delicious.

Who was involved in your special day? We'd love to shout out to all your favorite vendors! Add all social media information, so each person gets the credit they deserve.

Photographer, Jill Houser @jillhouserphotography

Wedding Planner, Dream Catcher Weddings @dreamcatcherweddingsco Wedding Venue, Garden of the Gods Resort & Club @ggresortandclub Hair and MUA, ElePosh @eleposh_ Groom suit, Men's Wearhouse @menswearhouse Bride jeweler, The Diamond Reserve @thediamondreserve Groom wedding band, Manly Bands @manlybands DJ, MC Events Co. (on Facebook) @mceventsco

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for anyone planning a wedding?

I have a great appreciation for couples planning a wedding during a pandemic. While it was heartbreaking at first to downsize our guest list and switch venues at the last minute, it became so much more special having the intimacy of immediate family and a couple friends. Our new plans turned out even better than I imagined our original wedding to be. Cast aside everyone else's concerns and truly evaluate what is most important between the two of you. That and hire a wedding planner when you feel completely overwhelmed. The big day is so much more enjoyable when you have a professional to worry about the placement of the decor or keeping to a schedule minute by minute.

Now that you can look back with 20/20 hindsight, was there anything you'd do differently?

I think I tried too hard to honor the wishes of our family members and friends early on and ultimately they were happy for us despite our selections contrary to their opinions. In hindsight I would have had a small intimate wedding all along too. We were able to enjoy more quality time with our closest loved ones as opposed to rounding at dozens of tables throughout the night.

What's your favorite thing about being married so far?

There is a special comfort associated with the commitment of marriage. I feel at peace knowing I have the unwavering support and love of my best friend and favorite person in the world. There is relief too in having finally married after encountering so many barriers along the way. Now we can continue to build beautiful memories together with even stronger building blocks.

Congratulations Kevin and Macey!

 

Macey is wearing The Camilla with white lining and an 8 inch sweep train. Paired with The Oceane veil in a 22 inch court length.