There is so much about Hillary and Chris’s wedding to love. Classic! Vintage in a can’t-tell-what -era-this-took-place-Edwardian-or-now way! Sweepingly romantic! The choir in which Hillary sings performed at her ceremony!
But, dolls, it’s Hillary’s advice to other brides planning their weddings that takes the proverbial cake:
“…Pick the priorities that are most important to you and focus on those elements; try not to get stuck in the details. And when you do find yourself stressed, hold on to the joy of the big picture to keep it in perspective. Remember to spend your engagement preparing for the marriage, not just the wedding, both as an individual and as a couple. Deepen your relationship, discuss difficult topics, make decisions together, and build your love and commitment toward one other.”
Because what is a wedding without the marriage?
Our lovely bride and gallant groom channeled the elegance of days gone by with modern grace—she in our Chandra gown from Brides by the Falls and he in a classic tux.
Hillary shares more about how they met and planned their celebration below:
How did you guys meet?
“Chris and I actually met at my best friend’s wedding in Charleston, South Carolina. I was the Maid of Honor and he was a friend of the groom who was videotaping the wedding. Chris was in Charleston serving in the Navy, and my best friend’s husband was in the service along with him; so, this girl from Ohio and this boy from Texas met in South Carolina by the strangest chance! Chris and I got to know each other for awhile and eventually started dating from afar while he continued his service. We made our long-distance relationship work, and we are so happy to finally be together!”
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Chandra customized with hand-beaded Swarovski crystals via Brides by the Falls | photographer: Derk’s Works Photography | scroll down for full vendor list
How did your sweetie propose?
“After Chris finished his time in the military, we decided to take a trip back to visit our beloved Charleston. He proposed on a gazebo in Waterfront Park near The Battery as we went for a walk one morning.”
How did you choose your gown?
“I first saw Lea-Ann Belter’s gowns while doing some initial Google research to get a sense of the kind of wedding dress I liked. I knew I wanted something classic, timeless, feminine, sophisticated, and elegant. I loved Lea-Ann Belter’s aesthetic. After trying dresses at several boutiques in Ohio hoping to find the look I had liked online, I just was not satisfied. So, I decided one snowy evening to drive with my mom to a boutique in Cleveland that was having a Lea-Ann Belter trunk show. I tried a few Lea-Ann dresses that I loved, but the one I chose was everything that I had hoped for! It felt like me and really was my dream dress.”
Tell us about your day!
“Our day was beautiful. We got married at my church, Saint Joseph Cathedral, in Columbus, Ohio. I sing in the cathedral choir and I was so moved that the choir sang for our ceremony! It was so special. The style for the day was classic elegance with a bit of a natural garden feeling. We loved having our favorite people—dear friends and family—all together in one place. It was a little piece of heaven.”
What was your first dance song?
“Can’t Help Falling in Love”—Elvis Presley”
Describe your wedding day in 5 words or less:
“Beautiful, joyful, forever.”
Three words that best describe your partner:
“Loving, loyal, generous.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We are spending our summer together in Austin, Texas, where Chris has a summer internship now that he is in law school. However, we are taking a short weekend trip to San Diego, one of our favorite places where we spent a lot of time together during Chris’s military days.”
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
“In terms of preparing for your wedding, pick the priorities that are most important to you and focus on those elements; try not to get stuck in the details. And when you do find yourself stressed, hold on to the joy of the big picture to keep it in perspective. Remember to spend your engagement preparing for the marriage, not just the wedding, both as an individual and as a couple. Deepen your relationship, discuss difficult topics, make decisions together, and build your love and commitment toward one other. Enjoy the special time of happy anticipation!”
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Chandra customized with hand-beaded Swarovski crystals via Brides by the Falls | photographer: Derk’s Works Photography | ceremony venue: St. Joseph’s Cathedral | ceremony music: St. Joseph’s Choir and Brass | reception venue: High Line Car House | men’s barber + lounge: Goodfellow’s | caterer: Together & Company | hair + make up: Hey Pretty! Beauty | menswear: Romanoff’s Classic Tuxedo | bridesmaids gowns: BHLDN | florals: Orchard Lane Flowers | reception music: Buckeye Entertainment (DJ Gene) | cake + desserts: The Suisse Shop & Pistacia Vera | stationery: Minted
