Kaitlin + Donnie

How did you meet?

Donnie and I met on a blind date! Prior to the meeting, we both had been expressing to our friends that we were “so over dating” and tired of the repetitive first dates that seem to go nowhere.  Our friend Megan texted us both pictures and asked if we wanted to be set up. We both (semi-reluctantly) agreed.  Donnie picked me up for a pizza date.  It was one of those dates where the restaurant staff are putting up chairs around you at closing time but you’re so interested in the conversation it is hard to pay attention to your surroundings!  We knew right off the bat that something was different about this relationship- something wonderful.

When did you know they were the one?

I think we both figured this out very early on.  When we were first dating, we had very magnetic chemistry.  We couldn’t get enough of each other.  We knew very quickly that we got along well and the attraction was there.  However, I truly knew Donnie was the one a week before our wedding. I had to go to the ER after experiencing lightheadedness, shortness of breath and chest pain.  The doctors found that I had a hemoglobin level of 4.6 when a normal range starts at 12.  I was admitted right away and after days of testing and blood transfusions, the doctors found a malignant GIST tumor in my stomach, which had been causing me to slowly lose blood.  Donnie was there for me every step of the way, even suggesting that we move or rearrange our wedding in Hawaii if that would help.  I refused to let this ruin our dream day, so the doctors agreed that we could go to Hawaii and then come back to Kansas City for the surgery the following week.  Donnie carried my bags the entire trip, listened to my needs, and made me laugh and smile the entire time.  Even after our wedding, he took care of me during and after my surgery, including grocery shopping, house cleaning, taking care of our dog, and sitting by my hospital bed.  It is a huge relief to know that my husband has already proved “in sickness and in health”, and I know that he is forever the one for me.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

Donnie is funny, thoughtful, and passionate.

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

I got my dress at a local shop here in Kansas City called Bride!  Bride offers incredible, modern, and unique wedding gowns.  I only made one wedding dress appointment, and I found my wedding dress within the first 30 minutes!  Actually, when I was chatting with the store owner in advance, I had sent her a picture of the Made with Love bridal dress (Riley in boho lace) and told her I was looking for “something like this”- I ended up buying this exact dress!  I loved it because it was elegant but also perfect for a wedding by the ocean in Hawaii.  The dress fit me well and made me feel confident!

Who proposed and how?

Donnie!  Since our first date was a pizza date, he spread rose petals all over our apartment, lit candles, and had a giant pizza waiting for me (and champagne of course!)  Unfortunately the pizza shop had offered to write “marry me” in pepperonis, and when Donnie showed up to get the food they told him they forgot.  It’s the thought that counts, right?  After the proposal, Donnie had organized a big surprise party with all of our closest friends and family.  It was an incredible night filled with love.

Where did you go to Honeymoon?

We were originally going to Japan, but with my tumor surgery, we had to reschedule!  We are now going to Canada this fall!  We are going to Toronto and Montreal, and then we will make Japan an anniversary trip next year!

 

 

 

Details.

MWL Design:

Riley Boho

Venue:

Olowalu Maluhia – House rented in Maui

MUA:

None, the bride did her own!

Flowers:

Maui Palm Tree Floral

Rings/Jewelry:

The engagement ring was from Ben Bridge in Seattle, wedding bands were from Meierotto in Kansas City.

Suits:

Bonobos

Shoes:

Barefoot!

Photography:

Kim Aihara Visuals

Your MWL stockist:

Bride KC