Aubry + Austin

How did you meet?

Austin and I met at our college orientation day. We both had problems getting our schedules and IDs made and ended up being basically the last two there. Little did we know that while we were trying to get things sorted out, our families just happened to be waiting for us in the exact same place on campus and hit it off. We laugh now because they seem to think that they “set us up.” Once we returned to campus to actually start classes, we started going to events together and attending church together. We honestly just became best friends. Apparently it was pretty obvious that I thought he was cute but it was not obvious at all that he reciprocated the feelings. We started hanging out more and more outside of events and we watched the whole series of the Office together. Eventually he wised up and decided I was pretty cool and asked me on a date. It was very hard to hide my excitement and play it cool. We went on a date, and another, and another. Our parents were stoked lol. The rest is history!

How did you know he was the one?

From the very beginning it was pretty obvious that this was different than other relationships I had been in. When I was in junior high, I had made a list of everything I wanted in a guy and as petty and cliche as it sounds, Austin literally marked off all of the boxes down to looks and personality. It was actually hilarious reading them out loud to him because he thought I had written it about him after we started dating. There wasn’t a specific moment that sticks out, but just the whole journey made it apparent that we were a perfect match.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

Austin is such a gentleman. My dad did our ceremony and made the joke that I haven’t touched a door in three years because Austin always opens my car door, the door to a building, etc. He is so caring and protective and I think that that is something every girl longs for. There’s just something about a man that wants to protect you and comfort you that gets you in your feels. He also is so Christ-like. This was so important to me because my faith is the center of my life and I wanted someone to walk that out with me.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

The day we were going dress shopping we all met up at my parents’ house and were laughing as I tried on my mom’s poofy sleeved wedding dress to get the “first dress” out of the way. Then we started talking about what I might want my dress to look like. The only thing I knew for sure is that I wanted “texture.” I didn’t know what that meant exactly but I knew I wanted it throughout the dress and that I LOVED 3D type effects. We went to Chantilly Couture in Oklahoma City and I tried on several gowns. My dad has always had a strange knack for picking out things in stores that I end up loving. He pulled the Carla gown off the rack and even just hanging in the dressing room I had googly eyes for her. When I tried her on, it was pretty obvious that she was perfect but I had cold feet because it was the first store I had gone to. We went to the next boutique on our schedule I could hardly try any dresses on because I just wanted to put the Carla gown back on so bad. We ended up cancelling all of our other appointments and going back to get Carla from Chantilly. She fit perfect on my figure, had texture all over, and was such a great fit with the style I had planned for our wedding day.

Who proposed and how?

I was so hopeful that we would get engaged in 2018 that I made it a New Years Resolution. By the time December came I was getting nervous because that was the last resolution I hadn’t crossed off of my list. (I love my goals and lists can you tell?! lol) Austin thought it was hilarious that I had no idea when he was going to pop the question so he savored it for as long as he could. On New Years Eve 2018 he took me to The Gathering Place in Tulsa, OK which is one of my favorite date spots. We walked out onto the lower dock and looked at the scenery, then he got down on a knee. After I said “YES!” he pointed to the upper dock where all of our parents and siblings were standing and cheering. It was a day I will never forget.

What was the best moment for you at the wedding?

I would have to say the best moment was Austin and I’s first look. He hadn’t seen the gown and I had lied to him about what my hair and make-up would be so he was in complete shock. It was so surreal seeing him for the first time on the day that he would become my husband. We originally hadn’t planned on doing a first look but with a winter wedding and the time of sunset we were forced to in order to have light for pictures. Now I am so glad we did. We were able to share our feelings with each other and live in the moment of seeing each other for the first time instead of just having to move on with the ceremony and it was the best time. Those emotions were so special and I wish I could just relive it all again.

What surprised you most at or about your wedding?

I was most surprised at how fast the day went by. Our ceremony felt like it lasted about 5 minutes and when we got our videos back and watched them it was more like 20. It also felt like we had just hit the dance floor and then it was time for our exit. It helped that we had a private dinner for the two of us after the ceremony so that we could have some time alone and give each other gifts, talk, embrace the day, etc. I highly recommend doing this because it gives the two of you time to be together as husband and wife in the midst of the whirlwind of a day.

What advice would you tell other brides?

People won’t remember all of the details that you spend weeks and months putting together and making perfect, but they will always remember the love they saw between you and your spouse and the fun they had. Make your day how you envisioned it but don’t get so caught up in the little details that you forget the true meaning of the day. People will feel your sincerity and love and that will make it beautiful to them.

What was the one thing you did differently for your wedding?

I have always been a fan of all things monochrome so my wedding was no different. The deep dark blacks and greys contrasted with bright whites with the texture of greenery to accent it is basically perfection if you ask me. Since it was winter and white flowers would be out of place I went for a more moody look and did greenery only. There weren’t any flowers in our bouquets, boutonnières, or centerpieces. The deep dark leaves and wispy greens turned out so perfect and unique. It was one of my favorite choices I made for the wedding day and I loved how well our florist, Robyn, executed my out of the box idea. We had a private dinner for the two of us after the ceremony. We had seen this in some bridal magazines and thought it would be a great way to slow the day down and take in the moment with each other. I highly recommend adding this to any wedding timeline!