How did you meet?
We met online, and had our first date at a Brewery in the rain.
When were you engaged, and how?
We were engaged in Calistoga, CA after a romantic weekend in Wine County. Fun fact – Tyler waited until just hours before popping the question to get her parent’s (and 5 other family members) blessing. Better late than never!
#WeddingGoals
We wanted our friends and family to have an amazing time and celebrate with us on our day. Expectations were to have an elegant and timeless event, with relaxed vibes and a strong sense of love—we’re old-fashioned cheeseballs that way.
How did planning go? Favorite time? Worst moment?
Worst moment – Cancer.
During the planning process we were very much trying to make it easy and getting decision fatigue which worked because it ended up being a more family focused relaxed event. While beginning planning Cherine was in nursing school and looking at venues. We got news that Cherine’s toddler (2yo) niece was diagnosed with liver cancer. She then spent time doing all the things from planning, school, clinicals, and babysitting her other neice and nephew. The diagnosed babe was a triplet (2yo) and the trips had an older brother (4yo) Dominic, the ring bearer. Our niece ended up going through chemo and was ok after some time but planning took over 1.5 years at this point. We got a break for 2 months then Cherine’s dad was diagnosed with brain cancer (WTF, I know right), two months later he passed. At that time there was a two week limbo on if the wedding was going to happen. We were 6 weeks away. The family was so supportive and told us that is what her dad would have wanted. It was absolutely the worst and hardest time leading up.
After the hard decision we decided to move forward and shift the “party” aspect. The ceremony was now the focus with a potential for after party for out of town friends at a small local bar. The ceremony was better than what we had hoped. Tyler’s dad Chris, who is a past minister, created and produced a beautiful flow that was both modern and traditional. We had no idea it would be that, and everyone said that it was the most beautiful ceremony they had been a part of.
Favorite time was practicing the ‘dip’ we would do in the hallway of the hotel the night before the wedding. The video was caught by Cherine’s cousin and it is the sweetest moment between the two that is cherished still.
What was the biggest challenge of wedding planning?
Deciding whether or not to go through with it. As well as the fatigue that came with figuring out all the puzzle pieces that need to fit together that the venue did not provide.
How would you describe the ceremony?
Loving. Tyler’s father officiated, so that was a great personal touch. We wrote our own vows and each tried to make each other (and the audience) laugh. As per usual, Tyler had the better jokes but Cherine had the better stage presence. It was light and heavy at the same time but you could tell that everyone in attendance felt the immense love between us. Tears of joy and laughter filled the garden. Only two or three guests noted that Tyler walked down to an instrumental version of an explicit song by Tenacious D.
Any memorable moments from your reception? Toasts? Fun dances? Performances?
Tyler’s brother gave a killer Best Man Speech and really recognized the bond and strengths of Tyler and Cherine. Amy (Cherine’s MOH) gave a loving speech of how the couple supported her family while one of her toddlers was going through chemo treatment.
Special Cultural Features
Yes! Cherine’s family is Palestinian and they put us in chairs and raised us up while we were a tad scared, holding the chair for dear life, and danced. Tyler also surprised Cherine by getting some Arak (anise spirit) from the West Bank city of Ramallah, where Cherine’s family is from. It’s delicious.
Funny Moments
We found out later that we were both semi-frantically putting the finishing touches on our vows as we were getting ready.
Best Part of the Day
Tyler: The time from in between the first look and the ceremony. We did most of the pictures before the ceremony so it was incredible to be able to see her in her dress, embrace, have some laughs, a beer, and enjoy some quiet moments before showtime. Plus, the after party was a lot of fun.
Cherine: Every time I looked at Tyler he had just the biggest smile. Throughout the ceremony and getting to walk in and just celebrate us solo with a dance was incredible. In addition, seeing all the guests and family mingling with smiles was a huge deal to me. It was a happy but also heavy day and I felt guilty for it to be honest. It felt so good that others were so happy for us.
Favorite Detail
Probably the natural beauty and togetherness that the venue provided. It felt like something out of time and unique for just us, away from the world and with the people most important to us.
Looking back, what do you think your guests will remember most about your wedding?
The ceremony for sure. Cherine making people laugh, Tyler getting a keffiyeh placed on his head and turning beet red, and hopefully an amazing time.
Advice from the Couple:
Don’t be afraid to kick awkward traditions to the curb. We forewent the garter toss, money dance, bouquet toss, some dances, and some speeches. We had Han Solo and Princess Leia action figures as cake toppers and used questionable songs. It’s your night, and it’s cliché, but you should absolutely attend and enjoy your own wedding. Things go wrong, but we found that the things we can control went wonderfully, and the things we couldn’t control didn’t, but it was still an amazing time. Have fun, get married somewhere close by but not too familiar, and have no regrets.
What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
The food was a bit cold and that was a let down. We’d think twice about going with an all-inclusive space. The venue was absolutely gorgeous, and the people were great, but the things that really made it come together were our family, friends, and outside vendors.
