alyssa & cody

married 9-3-2016

 

"Our Love Story"

 

Veil Magazine vendors

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Stone Manor Bridal
LINEN RENTALS Windy City Linens

OVERNIGHT GUEST ACCOMMADATIONS
The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
STAGING Barking Pony Studios

RECEPTION LOCATION Milwaukee Art Museum

 

other vendors

CALLIGRAPHY, INVITATIONS & STATIONERY Cheree Berry • DECOR RENTALS Tablescapes • FLOWERS Frontier Flowers of Fontana • GUEST FAVORS Macaroons by Le Reve • HAIR Harpo’s Salon • MAKEUP High Brow Boutique • MEN'S FORMALWEAR Black Tux • OFFICIANT Deacon “Buck” Buth (Cody's grandfather) • PHOTOGRAPHYJenna Kutcher • VIDEOGRAPHY Best Man Media • WEDDING CAKE The Cake Lady • WEDDING GOWN Mariée Bridal • WEDDING PLANNING & DESIGN Kate & Company

My Someday

by Michelle Drewek

 

Having become accustomed to traveling since day one of their long-distance relationship, it’s no surprise that Alyssa and Cody found a passion in seeing the world together. After falling in love with the city of love — Paris — during Alyssa’s time studying abroad, Cody knew when his own studies landed him there that he had to seize the opportunity. With the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop, Cody proposed, and the pair began their adventure of a lifetime.

 

Especially Us

Cody: I used to make a new playlist every month with some of our new favorite songs and songs that reminded us of each other, especially because we weren’t always together and couldn’t always talk when we wanted. It came to a point where I really couldn’t listen to any song without thinking about her anymore.

Key Resource

Veil Magazine was one of the first magazines I picked up to begin wedding planning. I absolutely loved the gold sequin dresses on the cover and ended up using them for the bridesmaids!

Must-Have Detail

Alyssa: Upon landing from our engagement trip to Paris, I immediately contacted Jenna Kutcher to be our wedding photographer. Between the photographer and videographer, we wanted to make sure that we had a team to perfectly capture every little moment throughout the day.  

Biggest Surprise 

We both love to host, so planning a party didn’t intimidate us… to start. Planning a party for 275 guests was a lot to take on. If it weren’t for Kate & Company, we probably would’ve lost track!     

    
Personal Touch

My family is super Italian, so we included a traditional Italian cookie table. Also, Alyssa’s parents’ wedding invitation had a quote on the front that we incorporated into our wedding invitation as well.

Bridal Ensemble

I found my dress on a whim when going to browse bridesmaid dresses in Scottsdale, Ariz. I absolutely loved the lace detail! My veil had sequins that reflected off the sequin/lace dress and a gorgeous barrette that fit on top of the veil. I later used the barrette to hold my hair off to the side during the reception.

First Look

Cody: I don’t know if I had a thought, really, I just remember a flood of emotion. None of the stress of planning was there anymore, just happiness and excitement that at the end of the walk, she would be next to me and we would be beginning our life together.

The Ceremony

Cody’s grandpa, a deacon, performed the ceremony. His grandpa married all of his children and baptized all of the grandchildren. We are lucky enough to be the first of the grandchildren to be married by him.

Additionally, Alyssa’s cousin, Annemarie Weyer, was the ceremony pianist for two special songs. I walked the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by the Piano Guys — absolutely beautiful. During the unity candle lighting, Annemarie played the piano and my sister/co-maid of honor, Gina LaBarbera, and bridesmaid, Monique Gamache, sang “For Good” from Wicked. It still gives us goose bumps to watch the video.

Keepsake

Make sure you keep a list of all of your vendors and pricing. My mom still had her receipts from the wedding and it was fun to compare!

Brides & Groom Gifts

Alyssa: Going with the theme of travel, I gave Cody compass cufflinks to match a globe I pinned with all of the places we’ve been together. I had different colors represent different times in our relationship that we can continue to add to as we grow old together.

Cody: Unknowingly coordinating with Alyssa, I put together a travel-themed suitcase that had an embroidered sunhat for our honeymoon with the phrase “My Someday” on it, something we’ve always talked about as a future thing to aspire to. I also gave her first monogrammed gift with her new initials, a stamped Louis Vuitton passport holder, for all of our travels and adventures to come.

If Only I Knew Then… 

Cody: With both of us very busy with work and often coordinating pieces from long-distance, we realized a little late in the process how important it was to set aside dedicated time at least weekly, if not nightly, to talk through all the little pieces that needed to come together.