How did you meet?
We met online. He messaged me first. In my dating profile I stated that I loved animals and animal facts. The weirder the better. He messaged me asking if I knew that the platypus was venomous. I answered back and said, “yes I did, but only the males are venomous.” And that’s how our relationship has been since the beginning. It’s also why I wanted to find a platypus skull to add to our table centerpiece. We just didn’t expect the platypus skull to look so alien.
When did you become engaged, and how?
We got engaged April 10, 2022, the day before my birthday. We had gone to a birthday lunch with my parents that afternoon. The little town that we were in, right next to our lunch spot, was having a wedding expo. My mom kept turning to David and saying, “I had no idea this was going to be here! Please know this isn’t something that was planned and there’s no pressure!”
Little did any of us know, David had been planning on proposing that night. After a dinner of my favorite fast food, In N Out, and a horror movie, David told me to go into the bathroom because he had a surprise for me but he needed to set it up. I came out a few minutes later to a scavenger hunt. I was running all around the apartment finding the next clue until I got to the last one in our dogs toy box. Then I turned around and he had a small, coffin shaped box with the ring inside and asked me to marry him.
I obviously said yes.
#WeddingGoals
I knew that I wanted dark green, gold, and black as my color scheme and I knew that I somehow wanted to incorporate animal skulls into the wedding. We both have a love for animals and I have a fascination with their skulls. I find them so intriguing and beautiful. Finding the right ones with enough variety was the hardest part.
How did planning go?
Planning was so fun! I loved talking to all the vendors about my plans and having them be so excited to do something so different. Once they found out we wanted spooky, elegant, and gothic, they jumped on board and seemed to be just as excited as I was.
What was the biggest challenge of wedding planning?
My dress took a little longer to get here than planned. So finding someone that could do the alterations quickly and had the availability was definitely the most challenging and expensive.
How would you describe the ceremony? Was there anything specific that made it unique to you as a couple?
The ceremony was short and sweet just like we wanted. We are a pretty private couple so we wanted to make sure that the ceremony was private and simple. We did our first looks and our own personal vows together, alone. It made it perfect for just the two of us. And gave us some extra time alone to take everything all in.
Memorable Moment
We had people recommend songs in our invitations. My grandma wanted “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus. Little did we know that she would teach everyone the Electric Slide—it was hilarious watching my 86-year-old grandmother teach everyone the dance!
Funny Moment
When I was planning on giving the bouquet to my mother, I started my speech and noticed she was nowhere to be found. I asked my dad, “Where’s my mother?” and he shrugged. “Well, this is awkward…” I said as we waited for my mom to appear. But then, with a slightly drunken brain, I came up with the idea to have everyone start clapping as soon as she came back from the bathroom. My mother’s face was priceless as she walked back into the room and the whole place erupted with applause. Then came the happy tears, as I explained how grateful I was to have her and how helpful she had been throughout the entire process.
Special Songs
First Dance Song: “Can’t Help Falling In Love (Cover)” by Ice Nine Kills
Father/Daughter Dance Song: “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins; chosen because of bride’s love for Disney, and her dad’s love of Phil Collins.
Mother/Son Dance Song: “Africa” by Toto; chosen because of the groom and his mom’s mutual love for the ’80s music scene.
Last Dance Song: “Rains of Castamere” from Game of Thrones. We wanted to instill a little fear into the remaining guests. At least to those that have seen Game of Thrones.
What was the best part of your day?
Emily: Getting ready with all my friends and family. We got ready in my hotel suite at the Citizen Hotel while watching The Great British Baking Show and talking about the plans for the day. Obviously the best best part was our first looks. Seeing his face when he saw me in a white dress instead of black like I had originally planned was priceless. Listening to the vows he pledged and reading him mine in the privacy of the Sterling Hotels backyard, with the fountain was perfect and amazing.
David: The first look of seeing my future wife in her wedding dress. The dress was white and even though she thought that I thought it was going to be black I knew that it would be white because she does the unexpected. She doesn’t conform to what others want. Even though it wasn’t black it was still her. Seeing her that day cemented that I made the right choice. She was my favorite part of the day.
What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?
Oh, my bouquet and the centerpieces. Not only did they look perfect, but now I have added several more skulls to my collection!
#VendorRaves
Our floral designer, Brie from Wild Flowers Design Group, really went above and beyond in making our bouquets and centerpieces look amazing. The skulls that I picked to put in the centerpieces looked as whimsical, spooky, and slightly cottagecore-y as I had expected. Also, the team at The Sterling Hotel by Wedgewood Weddings was amazing; they helped make our day as seamless and easy as possible. All we had to focus on and worry about was getting ready and getting married!
Looking back, what do you think your guests will remember most about your wedding?
The donuts. My mom does not stop talking about them.
Advice from the couple:
Deep breaths. Take some time with your partner to do other things as well. Don’t stress about the little things. In the end, they won’t matter. The best is getting to spend the rest of your life with your partner. And no one will remember the little things that didn’t go right.
