A mutual friend introduced Rebecca and Corey while they were both in Washington, DC, and their relationship took off from there! She knew he was the one when, in her words, “Corey came back to DC for his first visit after he had gone back to school in New Haven, CT. I was perplexed/giddy/nervous that this boy who said he wanted to come back and visit was actually coming back and visiting. We were on a walk in my neighborhood, and I guess I was doing my best “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” because I kept asking him extreme questions and he aced them all! That’s when I knew.”
Their wedding at the Delta Flight Museum reflected Corey’s love of airplanes and Rebecca’s hometown of Atlanta, as well as her fave airline. And Rebecca’s gown was just as special. Inspired by Michelle Obama’s official First Lady portrait, she visited Kelly’s Closet in Atlanta where she met our Soleil skirt, but she couldn’t find a top that worked! So, she and her mom decided to visit us in Toronto, where together with Vanessa (our amazing stylist) they created the custom gown she envisioned.
More details from our adventurous bride, who danced to “Something to Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt and jetted off to Bora Bora for a divine honeymoon, below!
How did Corey propose?
“Corey orchestrated so many proposal surprises! Because the weather wasn’t great on that December day, he went with plan B (or maybe C?). He took me to brunch at the Tabard Inn, and then to the Jefferson Memorial (my favorite memorial in DC) and proposed on the front steps. Little did we know, a tourist happened to take pictures of the engagement in real-time. (Margaret, wherever you are, thank you!)
We didn’t have much time to celebrate because we had to go home to prepare for the holiday party that we were hosting that evening. He was still all nervous and anxious about me taking my sweet time to finish the desserts and get ready. I found out why (he was blasting Mariah Carey at full volume) when I opened the door to welcome our first guests, and both of our families walked in! I had no idea they had all traveled from out-of-state and had been hiding at our friend’s house upstairs, waiting to come down and surprise me. Corey put the pictures up from the engagement on our TV, and we all toasted to Margaret, the photographer hero of the day!”
wedding dress: custom Lea-Ann Belter via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: James Ton Photography | full vendor list at bottom
How did you choose your gown?
“My mom suggested that I include a pop of color in my dress (inspired by Michelle Obama’s official First Lady portrait), and we went to a few bridal stores in Atlanta in search of something I wasn’t sure existed. I found the Soleil skirt at Kelly’s Closet, and it was like a coup de foudre. Unfortunately, I didn’t find a top to match the skirt at her store. After doing some research, my mom suggested that we go straight to the source! So, I made an appointment with Vanessa at the flagship store, and we bought tickets to go to Toronto in February. It was the best decision we made during the whole wedding process! Vanessa helped create the “Rebecca dress” (a direct quote from Vanessa!) and bring her to life. I cannot thank her enough!”
Tell us about your day!
“Our wedding took place at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, GA, which represented both of us: Corey’s love of airplanes, and my hometown and hometown (and favorite) airline! We were very conscious of only incorporating traditions and wedding elements that were important and meaningful to us. We wanted our wedding to be slightly different than the norm, and I think we succeeded! One of the best things we did was to write our own vows. Many people came up to us afterward and told us how much they thought they were the best vows they’d ever heard.”
One detail you couldn’t live without?
“She’s not a detail, but I couldn’t live without my beautiful maid-of-honor, Margaret. (Not the same as photographer Margaret!)”
Describe your wedding day in 5 words or fewer:
“Surreal, hectic, fun, crazy, sweaty.”
What was the funniest moment of your day?
“Because of logistics, Corey and I drove over to the venue together for our first look. To make that happen, Corey was blindfolded and guided to the car, while I sat in the backseat next to him. It was funny to watch that process unfold and be all dolled up sitting right next to him, while he couldn’t see any of it!”
What was your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue?
“Something old – my grandmother’s pearl necklace
Something new – the Rebecca dress!
Something borrowed – my mom’s pearl earrings
Something blue – my engagement ring (a sapphire)”
Three words that best describe your partner (you or both of you can answer!):
“Thoughtful, driven, and handsome.”
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
“Wedding planning is a wild ride, but it is worth it in the end.”
Rebecca + Corey’s Delta Flight Museum Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: custom Lea-Ann Belter via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: James Ton Photography | venue: Delta Flight Museum | hair + makeup: Brielle Brenner | band: The Free
