Nicole + Robert

How did you meet?

Rob and I met at an iconic dodgy dive bar in New York City. Rob was celebrating his best friend’s birthday and I was celebrating my best friend’s arrival to the city. Being the only two groups occupying the bar at midday on a Saturday we quickly fell into group conversation. After telling stories of my experience as an orthopedic operating room nurse I was directed to the identical twin and aspiring orthopedic surgeon of the friend group. Once recovered from the shock of seeing double, we discussed the battleground that is our profession and found we shared many other interests. New York pizza being one of those interests, we ended the night, together, sharing a slice.

When did you know they were the one?

I knew Rob was “the one” the first time he met my family. We spent a weekend at my childhood home in Virginia surrounded by my sisters, parents, and a lot of love. He fell naturally into place and was adored by every member of my family.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

I adore that Rob is goal- oriented and driven. The first night I met Rob, he spoke of his determination to become a surgeon. Since that conversation, he has proven he will do whatever it takes to reach that goal. In a few short months, he will be graduating medical school and starting his residency in orthopaedic surgery. However, my favorite attribute of Rob is his similar love for adventure. I believe this is what makes us most compatible and keeps our relationship exciting.

Who proposed and how?

The morning of New Year’s Eve we took our 3 month old puppy, Lucy on a walk across from our favorite Cathedral in Savannah, Georgia. Rob suggested I take a photo of Lucy frolicking in Lafayette square with the Cathedral in the background. Once I snapped the photo and turned around, Rob was on one knee with a beautiful ring.

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

The “Archie” Made With Love gown was presented to me at Annalise Bridal Boutique in Richmond, Virginia. It was the simple elegance of the crepe that caught my attention. Unlike many other wedding gowns, the focus is on the wearer rather than busy details such as lace, buttons, sparkles, etc.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

I will never forget being pronounced husband and wife by Father Schrek at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, surrounded by everybody we love. Rob and I went through a rigorous process to be deemed suitable for marriage in the Catholic church and, to date, it is one of our biggest accomplishments we succeeded in together. Those we love traveled far and wide to witness our proclamation of love and faith, showing exuberant support of our future endeavor as husband and wife.

What were your favourite details?

I decided to DIY many elements of our wedding simply because I did not want to settle for the limited options on the market. My intention was to curate an environment that reflected Rob and I’s personality as a couple, rather than replicate the generic wedding “templates.” My advice is to get ideas from the market and then run with it. For example, I put together my own mirror seating chart and card collection station. I enjoyed thrifting the pieces that spoke to me including a whitewash vintage mirror and matching birdcage. I then assembled them with blush cheesecloth from Amazon to pull in the wedding colors, and it all came together with a few florals added the morning of the wedding.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Trust in your decisions as a couple wholeheartedly. Lean into your personal preferences and style to create a day that will truly reflect your personality as a couple. Leave out the unsolicited advice and opinions, as it’s just noise that confuses the authentication of your day.

Any standout vendors?

The Virginia Wedding Planner made my dream wedding a reality. The owner, Christina, was not only talented but communicative and organized throughout the entire process.