The Meeting

Kaylen first met Jacob in high school—she was a sophomore and he was a senior. They went to the movies for their first date and saw a horrible comedy, but were able to laugh about it afterwards.

The Moment

We knew we wanted to get married when I went to college at UIC. We just knew we were going to stay together.

The ‘I Love You’

Jacob said it the first month we were dating and then I said it without even thinking when we were talking on the phone the following month.

The Proposal

Jacob proposed when we were camping in a lightning storm on the beach of IL Beach State Park. It didn’t go exactly how he planned, but it was a very magical moment being on the beach with the wind and the lightning in the distance. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful moment.

The Wedding Day

My favorite part of the wedding day was the ceremony and our first dance… which we danced to OUR SONG—“First Date” by Blink 182.

The Venue

We chose The Haight because it is so beautiful and the people who work there are awesome!

The Dress

I actually got my dress on a second-hand website called Still White. It cost me less than half the price of a brand new one. I was able to get exactly what I wanted at an awesome price. The designer was Maggie Sottero and it was an Ivory A-line sheath style dress.

The Marriage

Our relationship hasn’t changed that much. We had been living together and we’ve been together for so long that it really feels the same. Changing my last name was the biggest change. That… I am still getting used to.

The Advice

My advice to newly engaged couples? Focus on what’s important. The things that matter are the small things during the day. But do get a really good photographer to capture the special moments.

The Shoutouts

Uncle Bub’s had amazing food and all of our guests told us how much they enjoyed the food. Platinum Occasions DJ, Jim, did an awesome job playing the songs we requested and we ended up dancing the night away.

THE VENDORS

PHOTOGRAPHER: LANCE’S STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

FLORALS: TOWN & COUNTRY GARDENS | CATERING: UNCLE BUB’S

CAKE & SWEETS: THE SUGAR PATH  | DJ: PLATINUM OCCASION’S DJ

HAIR/MAKEUP: ELLE SALON | ALCOHOL: DRINKS ON ME CATERING