A World of Love

by Laura Vietmeyer

 

After a year and a half engagement planning their travel themed international nuptials, Andy and Kristin’s officiant asked them to close their eyes and take in the moment during their ceremony, which became an especially memorable moment for Kristin. From the ceremony and reception in Wisconsin to a Blessing in England, Kristin and Andy’s love and marriage brought two families from across the world together to celebrate the future.

 

Q. How did you meet? 

Andy and I met online. I was in Houston for my residency and told my friends that the only thing that would prevent me from moving back to Wisconsin would be if I met the man I was going to marry. Towards the end of my residency, I joined Match.com just as Andy joined after moving from England for work.

Q. How did he propose?

Andy took me on my first trip to Europe to meet his family. He planned a whirlwind tour of the most popular places, including Paris. We spent an amazing day visiting the Louvre, Notre Dame and placing a padlock on the Love Lock Bridge. He suggested a nice dinner after our long day to relax. When the taxi dropped us off at the Trocadero, my jaw dropped at the amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. After taking a few pictures I turned to ask Andy which restaurant we would be eating in and he pointed at the tower itself. When dessert was served, I was instructed to open an intricately wrapped box and inside was my amazing engagement ring. I was speechless! To top it off, our waiter captured it all on our camera.  

Q. Did he ask permission from parents before the proposal? 

Andy took my parents out to eat during one of their visits to Houston to get their blessing. I actually asked him to take them out while I was working an overnight shift, so I set it up without even knowing what was happening.

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

The venue was the most important. In England, the buildings have a lot of character and most weddings are in beautiful castles. In Madison, the options aren’t quite the same, but The Madison Club was absolutely perfect because it has a lot of character. 

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

One of the most memorable moments was having Bucky and the UW Marching Band come to the reception. It was a surprise from my parents since I’m a UW alumni and it was fantastic! It was definitely a culture shock for our British guests, but they loved it and it was great to see them taking photos with Bucky.

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

Andrea, our wedding planner with Cherry Blossom Events. Andy and I were able to enjoy the entire wedding weekend without having to worry about any details.

Q. Did you include any special traditions or customs?

British tradition is for the groom to go to the Pub before the wedding, which Andy did with his friends. For the recessional we followed British custom and had the father of the groom exit with the mother of the bride and vice versa.

Q. Did you have a “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue?”

The “Something New” was my wedding dress, shoes and earrings. The “Something Old” was antique napkin rings from England that I used for my bouquet handle. One of these was the napkin ring from Andy’s christening. My “Something Borrowed” was my grandma’s broach, which has been used by all the grandchildren in our wedding bouquets. My “Something Blue” was a pearl incorporated into my bouquet.

Q. Tell us about your bridal ensemble. 

My wedding dress was actually picked out by my mother. I had wanted a simple lace dress, but decided on the opposite. It had exquisite beading on the upper bodice. I wore a cathedral length veil for the ceremony and a headpiece at the reception that was made by a family friend out of my grandmother’s wedding dress.