Jermaine and Kara
Blending the traditional and the personal, Jermaine and Kara went for an ambiance of “casual elegance,” ditching the garter/bouquet toss, anniversary dance, and wedding party introductions in favor of a bit more spontaneity and time to mingle with guests.
“We did not do a first look, but went for seeing each other for the first time when I walked down the aisle with my father. It was worth the anxiety and the excitement before because we were both so happy and emotional.”
Kara and Jermaine’s special day was the culmination of a seven-year (occasionally long-distance) relationship forged during the couple’s time spent at the University of Kentucky in which Kara allegedly made the first move. Jermaine reversed the roles by orchesting a completely surprise proposal in Kara’s favorite park, White Pointe Garden in Charleston, South Carolina, where she had studied.
In addition to their wedding cake (and cupcakes) by Our CupCakery and donuts from Duck Donuts, the family pitched in to add snowflake cookies (pizzelle) from a recipes passed through the family for a few generations as a nod to Kara’s Italian heritage.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
- Food: Metro Cuisine, Catering & Event Rental
- Apparel: White of Dublin/Men’s Warehouse
- Booze: Giant Eagle/Costco
- Officiant: William Axtell
- Standout Vendor: Madison House Designs
- Budget: $30-35,000
The big day in six words:
Whimsical, elegant, but a great party!
Who was someone who made your big day run smoothly?
Courtney Heibel with Aisle & Co., our day-of wedding planner! She was seriously the best human ever, handled all of the small (& big) details on our wedding day. Jermaine and I didn’t have to worry about anything. She made it so enjoyable, unforgettable, and perfect!
Any standout stories from that day, or something that you’d do over every time if given the chance?
Jermaine and I wanted to hear “In The Middle” on the dance floor. We were both pulled away greeting guests, heard the song came on, and ran to the center of the dance floor at the same time. Our family and friends surrounded us while we danced and sang together, and now whenever we hear the song, it puts us in the best mood! Our sparkler exit was how we left the reception, as our ceremony and reception were at the same venue. We asked all of our guests to exit and fill in the stairs and patio that lead from the main door to our car. After timing up with the photographer, we were “announced” and we ran out through the arch of sparklers, stopped for a kiss, and got in the car! We would run through that over and over again!
Did anything go comically wrong, or was there anything you wish you had skipped?
The air conditioning went out ONLY during our ceremony, so we were a little toasty for those 30 minutes. However, our guests and photographer enjoyed the sweet moments between Jermaine and me dabbing each others foreheads and reminding each other to breathe!
Was there anything you did or had that made the big day easier?
We constantly reminded ourselves (or were reminded) to leave the planning and details to the people we hired and to enjoy the day! We also took a couple moments throughout the reception to step back, take it all in, and take mental photos!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
