Each one was totally unique, which was so much fun for us; we love the opportunity to challenge ourselves and be creative, so this was just perfect!
So, Kathryn and Dan. What can we say about these two? Sometimes you meet people and you know you’re meant to be. That happened with Kathryn and Dan when they met, but it also happened with US and this hysterical/brilliant/incredible/sarcastic/kind/wonderful couple. We instantly hit it off and knew they were our soul friends.
We dont know how we got so lucky, but we sure did!
Kathryn: My favorite part was walking in right before we went through the sword detail. Seeing the cookie table, then the cake, and then the ballroom for the first time was just incredible. Looking at all of our family and friends assembled in one area was very exciting, and we were both significantly more relaxed than we had been during the ceremony and family photos. We were definitely ready to celebrate!
Dan: Aside from the obvious of telling the whole world how much I love Kathryn ("Ditto on Dan"-Kathryn), being able to share that incredible venue with all of our family and friends was really incredible. That is probably the only time all those people will be in the same place; certainly the only time that will be the case to celebrate us. Being able to share all of that in such a beautiful space was indescribable. Also, the cookie table and bourbon-infused chocolate cake. Because we know how my sweet tooth goes.
Kathryn's mom embroidered lace handkerchiefs for Kathryn, the bridesmaids, and her dad...they had Irish lace on them and it's a family tradition to carry those with the bouquets. Kathryn's dad also ALWAYS carries a cloth handkerchief on him, so it was absolutely fitting that he have one on him for his girls, "just in case" someone needed an extra. We always do.
Kathryn's mom insisted on doing a groom's cake for Dan. She also insisted on it being a surprise, which Kathryn thought was just the sweetest thing, and classically her mom. Kathryn loved how we were able to incorporate some of Dan's favorite flavors (chocolate and bourbon) with the Marines and his alma maters. And more bourbon. (Pretty sure half the family thinks we're alcoholics.) Kathryn and her mom strongly considered doing a bleeding armadillo cake as an homage to one of her family's favorite movies, Steel Magnolias, but we didn't want to horrify Dan's family with too many of our Southern traditions...we figured the bourbon and Charlie Daniels were enough.
Just kidding--the planning process was smooth-ish. We definitely had some bumpy moments, but trying to set and stick to deadlines absolutely helped us along. Kathryn's family mocked the planning spreadsheet (let's not forget that Kathryn is a consultant by profession and her colleagues thought this was a GREAT way to manage things), but everyone was appreciative that activities and responsibilities were spelled out.
Kathryn: To be honest, I think the obstacles really came from just not communicating enough or advocating enough for what we wanted. Getting out of your own head and realizing that asking for something specific doesn't make you a Bridezilla--especially when they're not unrealistic requests--was probably the hardest part for me.
Dan: Would just add that Kathryn is insanely well organized and had this thing planned to a standard that would rival most military operations. ("Wow, that might be one of the top five nicest things you have ever said to me."-Kathryn)
Photos from the Harty, a team of lifestyle, wedding, and event photographers. We love capturing moments and telling your stories! If you like what you read and like what you see, please reach out to us. We look forward to meeting you!
