THE MEETING

Danielle and Emily met through a dating app in 2019 when they were both stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

It was around the holidays while we were both traveling so we didn’t actually meet until about a month later. 

THE FIRST DATE

Our first date was supposed to be brunch, but the day prior I was going to see Bad Boys for Life and on a whim invited Emily.

We called it a pre-date date and still met up for the official first date the next day. 

THE MOMENT

We knew early on that we were it for each other. We both remember thinking on the first date that she was the one. 

THE QUIRKS

We spent over a year apart and would talk to each other almost every day on FaceTime. Somehow blowing kisses turned into smacking lips at one another. It’s still a regular thing now that we’re together. 

THE SONG

Do we have a song? Does singing like Linda from Bob’s Burgers in response to one another count?

THE I LOVE YOU

Danielle [said I love you first], and she’s still embarrassed about it.

THE PROPOSAL

We did everything backwards. After Emily left Japan, we set a date over FaceTime and started planning. She hoped to make it back to Japan to actually propose, but because of COVID restrictions she wasn’t able to return. So instead, with the help of a friend who lived where we were moving, Emily surprised me on the day she got back to the states (over a year after we set the date). I’m still shocked that my family was able to keep it a secret for so long. 

THE WEDDING DAY

Danielle and Emily celebrated their wedding with us on October 29, 2021.

[Our favorite part of the day was] finally getting to see one another and be together to share the day. Close second was being able to see all our family and friends after being away from them for so long. 

THE VENUE

I had known for a while that I wanted to get married [at The Haight]. I went to school in Chicago and had Nicole Vega (The Still Life Photography) do my graduation photos. It was through her that I learned about The Haight. Luckily, Emily liked the venue too. 

THE ADVICE

Don’t be afraid to ask your vendors for advice.  

THE MARRIAGE

Danielle [on how marriage has changed their relationship]: There is more trust and compromise.

Emily: Everything is funnier because she’s stuck with me. 

THE SHOUTOUTS

All of our vendors were amazing and we highly recommend each and every one of them. However, Nicole Patterson (The Haight), Nicole Vega (The Still Life), Jaysin Osterkamp (For Love Films), and Anita Vaughan (AnitaWeds) truly made it so much more of a memorable experience for us. They probably got more than they bargained for with our unique situation, but they were so patient and helpful and made it as stress free as possible for us.

THE ATTIRE

Danielle’s dress was made by Rosa Clara – Couture Collection.

Emily got her tux from The Suit Shop. Her shirt was from Suit Supply and her bow tie from The Tie Bar. Her shoes were made by Cole Haan.

THE VENDORS

Venue: The Haight | Photographer:  The Still Life Photography | Florals: Town & Country Gardens | Videographer: For Love Films | Cake & Sweets: The Sugar Path | Catering: Cuisine America | DJ: Sounds Abound Entertainment | Hair & Makeup: Crystal-Eyez Makeup & Beauty | Event Rentals: Rustique Swan | Officiant: AnitaWeds