Collyn + Steve

How did you meet?

4 and 1/2 years ago, I was living in his hometown for medical school rotations. One weekend, my apartment flooded and so I was staying at a friend’s house. She decided to have a party and there was a married couple there who I was really getting along with, so much so that the wife said “Do you want to be my sister-in-law? You should date his brother!!” And then told me all about how great he was, and they texted him that he needed to meet me. We began to exchange a few messages and around two months later we finally met and had our first date. 4 years later, they were both in our wedding party!

When did you know they were the one?

When we first started dating, I knew I was a year away from finishing medical school and moving away for specialty training, and he had just built a house and was really settled, so I did not think our relationship would go anywhere. However, he continued to be the most thoughtful person who was completely understanding of my crazy schedule and was not needy in any way, as at this point I was doing month-long audition rotation in other states and was rarely home. But throughout our intermittent time spent together we began to develop feelings for each other and he started hinting that he would consider moving with me. Then one weekend I was finishing up a 24 hour call in Denver, CO at the end of my month there, and was going to take a nap then drive 9 hours back to Kansas City, MO. Instead of letting me drive, he flew to Colorado just to drive me back to Missouri and I really realized how amazing he is. Now, I work 80+ hours a week often on 24 hour calls, and he does anything he can to help make my life easier while working a full-time job himself. I am currently finishing up my third year of residency in surgery training and every single morning he wakes up before I leave (4-5am, 2 hours before he would have to be up) and makes me an iced coffee, sets out my allergy pill, and walks me to the car. A few months of him doing that and it really sealed the deal.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

I love how easy-going he is, he can meet anyone or be in any situation and be completely comfortable and a calming presence for me. I love how funny he is, he can make me laugh even if I was awake all night at work. And most importantly, I love how supportive he is. A career in medicine can be very hard on relationships and I have seen so many fail, but he provides constant understanding, support, and reassurance.

Who proposed and how?

He proposed to me. We had a trip to Mexico planned in March 2020 as my first vacation since starting training and we were looking forward to it so much, we watched videos on YouTube every week of the resort. However, the pandemic started and we had to cancel our trip. Little did I know, he had planned to propose on that trip. We made the best of the situation and took daily outings to the park with the dogs and had fun dates at home. On one of the last days before I went back to work, we went to the park and he said since the “vacation” was almost over we should bring snacks and champagne, I drink champagne often as my go-to drink so I did not think much of it, but while we were there I was standing and playing with the dogs and I turned around to him on one knee. It was just us and our two dogs and it was perfect.

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

I have loved MWL dresses for years so once I was engaged, I could not wait to go try them on! The closest stockist is 1 hour away but did not have a great selection, so I instead drove 4 hours to St. Louis and met my mom, aunt, and friend there. I told her I wanted to try on all of the MWL dresses, and many of the designs I had specifically come there for. I loved all the lace and beading, but she had also brought me Georgie crepe which did not have as much embellishment as I thought I wanted, however, when I tried her on I fell in love! The flattering silhouette, the perfectly deep V, low back, great fabric, buttons, I could go on and on.. We knew it was the one and was very “me.” … Story does not end there, though; I have emailed with MWL about this back during the fiasco, but essentially, 1 1/2 years after I bought my Georgie she was ruined by the cleaners. So one month before my wedding and the night before a big work exam, I was in tears and calling every MWL stockist in the US (no exaggeration) to see if anyone had this dress in my size as their sample and would be willing to sell me it. Since the dress had been discontinued, I was not able to find one; but a store 1.5 hours away said they had Jordann in my size in stock and given the circumstances, would allow me to purchase it if I wanted. The next day after the test, two friends and I drove there, tried it on, and were ecstatic. I loved her for all the same reasons but thought the spaghetti straps were even more perfect for my beach wedding. We left with the dress that day and I’ve never looked back. I feel lucky to have had two MWL dresses that I am still obsessed with.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

The best moment for me at the wedding was probably the first dance. Our ceremony was perfect but of course I was nervous to say our vows in front of everyone, and then there was a million pictures and waiting for the reception to start, but once the reception was underway and we were dancing to a song we both loved, I was so content, in love, and surrounded by love. I knew the rest of the night was going to be full of fun without as much of a schedule, and it was possibly the happiest I have ever been.

What were your favourite details?

My favorite details from our wedding were: our specialty drink sign we had made with our dogs pictures on it, my MWL veil with little pearls on it, the flower garlands for the head tables, the champagne seating chart, and the fireworks that went off at the end of our first dance.

What advice would you tell other brides?

I would tell them to not stress about the little things because no one notices them but you, especially on the day of! You only get to do the day once so try to just take in and enjoy each little moment; things are bound to go wrong (hopefully not a ruined dress) but you will still end up with an amazing day.

Any standout vendors?

My makeup artist, The beauty bar by Emina from St. Louis. Emina had done my makeup a few times before for other weddings, so I knew I had to have her on my wedding day. I emailed her and asked if she would come to Mexico for the wedding and she agreed! She did my whole bridal party and was also nice enough to squeeze in my mom and mother-in-law.