Chloe + Stephen

How did you meet?

Our love story began in September 2015 on Facebook of all places. Stephen appeared in my suggested friends page with a profile picture with his Great Grandma looking verrrrrry good, so I fatefully decided to hit the “send request” button. He immediately messaged me trying to figure out if we knew each other, and from there we got to know each other asking questions back and forth. We kept our digital friendship alive and soon expanded to every social media platform that existed. Finally asking for my number, we then starting exchanging texts, all while having that “what if” feeling. Our first-time meeting in person was on our first date at The Tippler in the Meatpacking District of New York City almost 22 years later. From laughing over drinks, to an impromptu dinner and eventually crashing 2 corporate holiday parties, our love was born on that unforgettable night.

When did you know they were the one?

No relationship is perfect. We had a bumpy road in the beginning of our relationship, figuring out life and what we wanted, shifting priorities and growing up in all the hustle and bustle of NYC. But we always knew in the back of our minds we were soul mates and we could never find a love like this, but I think the ups and downs truly solidify a relationship and that made me realize this is the man I am meant to marry.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

His heart – he loves hard and is very compassionate for the people and things he loves.
He’s mindful – hes goes out of his way, he does little things that are so special and he cares about how people will react or feel.
He’s determined – he sets his mind to things and he succeeds. When he says he’s going to do something, oh he does.

Who proposed and how?

We planned a ski weekend in Vail, CO, splurging on everything left and right. After a fancy French restaurant for dinner, we headed back to the hotel when Stephen told me that he had pre-arranged to have a romantic drink in the hotel lobby when they returned. One we got back, the holiday decorations were in full display next to the roaring fire and at the center of the room was a bottle of champagne with two glasses. We made our way to the sofa, poured some drinks and Stephen begins to fumble over his sweet works, which turned into a proposal speech. Before I knew it, the cameras flashes filled the room, Stephen was down on one knee and all I hear is “Will you marry me?” To which I responded, “Are you sure???” It was the start to the best weekend of our lives filled with love and memories and still completely over the moon!

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

While I was visiting my best friend/MOH in Charlotte we decided to pop into my first bridal store just to see what it was like, try on some dresses and drink some free wine. Lovely Bride Charlotte was so cute and Allie was the best stylist ever. We had NO intention on buying a dress whatsoever, but once I tried on my 8th dress, I just had a feeling that it was the one. It took my breath away, with the intricate detailing, the hint amount of shine, the modern lace and the way I felt so confident in it.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

Honestly, the best moment for me was mid-way through the reception, when everyone was sitting down and I was sitting at our wedding party table. I took a deep breath in, looked down at my left hand, looked over at my new husband and then glanced up around the room, I truly felt overcome with emotion. I had the most brief moment to myself where I felt so much love. Love for myself and how far I have come in life to get to this point. Love for my mom, my guardian angel who guides me through life and who was watching down on me that day. Love for my husband and what I’ve always dreamed for myself. Love for each and every person in this room and the impact they have made in my life and that they choose to be here today with us to celebrate us and our love. It was truly a moment where everything went quiet, I truly felt weightless and I felt the best I ever did right in that moment.

What were your favourite details?

We were very non-traditional for our wedding, and focused more on the lack of details. We didn’t have really any “events” during the reception, we wanted it to flow naturally without any interruptions, guests to move around out of their seats early and have conversation with new friends and old, and for us to be involved in the entire night. We also kept the florals, tablescapes and decor very simple so we could let the mountains and views be the focus, and I’m so glad we did. My favorite little addition of the whole night, was spending some alone time after the ceremony and before pictures/reception just to spend some time alone and take in the moment. It was magic.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Do not stress over the little things. Do not buy the most expensive things. Focus on what matters and what YOU want. No one will remember the napkins or the charger. Everyone will have a good time. Also, I used google sheets for tracking all things wedding (guest list, budget, RSVP tracking, gift tracking, etc.) and highly recommend it.

Any standout vendors?

MACY FREAKING FRANCES JIMMERSON – I am SPEECHLESS on how gorgeous our day turned out. She captured our love and complete joy so well. Her talent and skill is unmatched, I don’t even have the words to describe our gratitude for her. We are obsessed with our photos.

Jennifer Roubal with Anna Rae Events – I didn’t realize how much I needed her until I had her. She was fantastic for our day of coordination, even supporting our planning 3 months out. She’s was so organized, so amazing, had answers for everything before we even asked, and completely blew us away with how well the day went.