Going the Distance

by Laura Vietmeyer

 

Love knows no bounds. David and Briana’s relationship endured two graduate programs, three cross-country moves, six new jobs, and countless miles of travel. David made the decision to move to Miami, surprised Briana with a romantic proposal and after a one and a half year engagement and long distance wedding planning, the happy couple finally said “I do” in front of family and friends on a picture-perfect summer day.
 

 

Q How did you meet? 

We met through mutual friends (who are also now married and were attendants at our wedding) at a party over eight years ago! David approached Briana and we had an instant connection, bonding over our mutual affection for traveling, trying new ethnic cuisines, craft beer and college football.

Q How did he propose? 

The proposal was a huge surprise, especially since Briana always said she would know “without a doubt” when David was going to propose! David casually mentioned that a co-worker gave him a gift card that was expiring to a restaurant in Miami. They usually picked a new restaurant to try every Friday night, so this wasn’t out of the ordinary. That night, David picked Briana up and drove to a romantic ocean-side restaurant settled on a marina overlooking the downtown skyline. There, David handed Briana the gift card, which had a QR code on it. When Briana scanned the code, a video appeared with pictures and videos of their relationship through the years. On a secluded bench with the most breathtaking sunset, David turned to Briana and proposed with a gorgeous emerald-cut Tacori ring.

Q What style was your wedding? 

Fun, glamorous and GOLD! We wanted a fun atmosphere with unique details, but still a chic, glamorous feel. I believe our photographer used the words “Hipster Glam!”

Q What was the first detail that you knew you absolutely had to have at your wedding?

Beautiful flower arrangements and bouquets to complement our theme. Our wedding colors were black, white and gold, and we used our flowers to add in pops of bright fuchsia, pinks and greens.

Q What was the most important item for your wedding that you knew you just had to splurge on?

Photography. We used Heather Cook Elliott for our engagement and wedding photos. Heather and her team are incredibly professional and made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. We could not have asked for more, as our photos were absolutely beautiful and captured every little detail of our special day.

Q Were there any funny things or moments that happened at your wedding?  

In the hot summer sun, one of our groomsmen fainted right before we were about to take our vows. That is something we will never forget and will never let him live down!

Q What part of your wedding day was worth every penny?

Our wedding planner! Amanda Felsman of Tailored Engagements planned our wedding long-distance for a year leading up to our big day. The day of the wedding was spectacular. If there were any issues that arose, we never even knew about them! The two of us, our parents and the wedding party could focus 100% on having fun!

Q Did you include any special traditions or customs? 

We chose to replace a lot of classic traditions. Instead of a sit-down dinner we had tapas bars with mahi-mahi tacos on margarita shooters. Instead of speeches and a grand march, we entertained guests with a photo booth, a temporary tattoo bar and coffee baristas.

Q What advice would you offer to future brides? 

If you are able to within your budget, enlist the services of a professional to help you plan. It’s wonderful having a third party help you make impartial decisions with vendors or handle the timeline of events! Also, enjoy the entire wedding planning process; it goes by in the blink of an eye. It can be extremely stressful at times, but always remember the big picture—you are marrying your soul mate. For the two of us, planning our wedding was one of the happiest times of our lives!