When trying to find love, sometimes you need a little help from your friends. Though Katherine met James on Bumble, she wasn’t the one to see him on the app. Instead, “My oldest friend swiped him! I was so over the dating apps, and he said, “Give me your phone,” and started swiping on people, and Jamie was one of them!”
It wasn’t long before Katherine knew James was her person. “I knew he was the one because he felt like home.”
These two got engaged while on a weekend getaway at Mohonk Mountain House. James planned a dreamy weekend for them that culminated with a sunset proposal on top of a mountain.
Get all the details of their proposal, Chicago wedding at Adler Planetarium, and more of their pup (and groomsman), Noodle, below!
How did you two get engaged?
“We were in upstate New York visiting his family. On the last week of the trip, he told me to pack my whole suitcase and wear hiking clothes. So we got in the car, drove for 45 minutes, and pulled into this beautiful resort, Mohonk Mountain House. After we checked in, he told me we had until 3 pm to walk around and hike. It was stunning. Then, he brings me to the resort spa for a manicure. After my manicure, we had a drink and sat looking out at the mountains. At 6 pm, he said we needed to shower and get ready for dinner. We got to the beautiful room overlooking the lake and mountains, and after I got ready, we went down to the lobby and rode on a golf cart to the top of the mountain before sunset. He told me we were going to a group BBQ, and then I got annoyed because I was waiting for him to pop the question. When we got to the top of the mountain, the golf cart driver told us to walk the rest of the way for scenery. We walked for about a minute, and as the sun was coming down with a gorgeous sunset, I saw a table with champagne, rose petals, and flowers. He got on one knee, and I started sobbing, and he asked me to marry him.”
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Sofia via X | photographer: Jai Girard Photography | scroll down for full vendor list
Tell us about your outfits! How did you choose your gown?
“I actually went to start looking with my mom, and the 4th dress I tried on, I didn’t want to take off! Finally, my mom started crying, and I had the biggest smile on my face and knew it was the one.”
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
“We got married at the planetarium because of my connection to the night sky and deep love my soul has for the stars. The venue also overlooks the entire city and is on the water. It was magic.”
Tell us about your day!
“The most meaningful part of the entire wedding was our vows because they came deeply within our hearts. The ceremony was outside at sunset, and there was just so much love the entire weekend. The amount of love felt at the wedding was a reflection of how much we love one another as a couple and how powerful love is.”
What was your first dance song?
” ‘Back At One,’ by Brian McKnight.”
One detail you couldn’t live without?
“Our dog Noodle being a groomsman!”
What was the most important aspect for you in terms of planning your wedding?
“Our wedding planner Katie Goggin from Designer Event Chicago.”
What was your something old, new, borrowed, and blue?
“Something old was my grandfather’s ring, something new was the hanker chief my mom’s best friend got me I put it in my bouquet, and something new was my earrings.”
Three words that best describe James:
“Romantic, loving, and funny.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“Paris, Maldives, and Dubai.”
Any tips for couples getting married?
“Enjoy the process and stay as present as you can. Wedding planning can get stressful, and remember the day is about you two and your love, not anything else!”
Katherine + James’s Chicago Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Sofia | photographer: Jai Girard Photography | planner: Designer Event Chicago | venue: Adler Planetarium | makeup: Shannon O’Brien | hair: Erin Ahern | florals: Flower Firm | catering: Food for Thought
