How did you meet?
We met at Eric’s older brother’s wedding! Eric’s brother married a fellow nurse from the same hospital where Kate worked, who invited some friends, including Kate to their wedding in Napa. Eric was single and Kate was in the middle of a breakup at the time. Once the dancing got started, Kate hit the dance floor with her nurse friends. It was only around the third song when Eric threw an invisible fishing line at the nurse crew. It miraculously hooked on to Kate, and Eric reeled her in to dance. Eric and Kate would spend the next four hours dancing only with each other.
There was a bonfire that night after the dancing, and Eric played some Jack Johnson songs on his acoustic guitar. That pretty much sealed the deal.
Our advice: Reel in the prettiest fish on any wedding dance floor–it could end up being your future wife!
When did you become engaged, and how?
We were on a family trip celebrating Kate’s dad’s 60th birthday at the Hudson family cabin in Mammoth, CA. The next day Eric’s dad, brother, sister-in-law and their daughter came to visit the cabin. Eric had the idea to take “family” photos on the rock bluff above the cabin, and that’s when Eric proposed to Kate in front of their families. It was the most joyous golden-hour in the mountains. We then had an impromptu engagement party on the deck of the cabin with our two families. It was completely perfect.
How did planning go?
Planning went pretty smooth! At times Kate was overwhelmed with DIY projects for wedding decor but some friends and Kate’s dad were so helpful. Also, one of the most helpful things, was that at the same time Eric was carefully planning the two week honeymoon all by himself.
#Wedding Goals
We both agreed that the most important things for our wedding were the energy and vibe, and having meaning in the details—so all of the photographs, calligraphy, artwork, and every vow said
was very carefully chosen.
What was the biggest challenge of wedding planning?
Fortunately, when we look back at our wedding planning we can’t really think of what the biggest challenge would be. It can feel so overwhelming so we did our best to try to make it fun.
#CeremonyGoals
Our neighbor, Eric, who lived across the street from us for about four years, was our officiant. We became quite close with him, his wife, and two kids during the pandemic, as they lived so close and were so fun. He gave a beautiful speech prior to our vows about how he has seen us grow as a couple. Our vows were so special. We took a long while to write and rewrite them. Although it was nerve-wracking to speak in front so many people, it was something that meant a lot to us. People still refer to my vows where I assimilated us to a pair of sea otters, in homage to my hometown of Pacific Grove.
Kate’s Memorable Moment
My husband played and sang the song “Don’t Give Up on Me” by Zach Bryan on his acoustic guitar during the reception. This song is very close to our hearts because if you listen to the lyrics, it speaks about “if my mom was here…” and how much his late mom would love his girlfriend. It hit so close to home because Eric wished that his beautiful, fun-loving mom, Lynn (who passed away when he was 11) could have met me, since he knows that she would’ve loved me.
What was the best part of your day?
Kate’s favorite part of the day was actually in the morning before everything started. She had a really terrible night of sleep before the wedding, anxious about details she kept thinking of and things that she didn’t want to forget. We were planning on just kissing and saying goodbye until the ceremony, but Kate was so anxious and wound up that Eric couldn’t bear to leave her side, so he stayed with her for a bit and helped with calming her nerves. Tradition went out the window, but it was so sweet and gentle and it only solidified the fact that we were made for each other.
Eric’s favorite part was the dance floor. Our wedding photographer had a fantastic idea, where she got one massive group photo of everyone on the dance floor. The moment the picture was taken, our wedding DJ put on Earth Wind & Fire and the entire dance floor was grooving until well past midnight.
Special Songs:
First Dance Song:”6’s to 9’s” by Big Wild
Father/Daughter Dance Song: “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
Mother/Son Dance Song:
“L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole
Eric danced with each of the important mother figures in his life to celebrate his mom who passed away when he was 11.
Bouquet Toss Song:
“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain
Any Special Dances?
We did the Anniversary dance where all the married couples dance until their anniversary year is called out and the last one standing wins. Eric’s aunt and uncle won with 40 years! The song was “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor.
Special Detail:
Kate’s dad designed the invitations – the art is from a watercolor painting that Kate’s paternal grandfather painted, and then all the calligraphy was all done by Scott Hudson, Kate’s father.
What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?
Kate was able to borrow and wear some beautiful jewelry from her grandmother, who was not well enough to make it to the wedding. Eric wore a purple angel pin on his suit lapel that belonged to his mom.
#VendorRaves
Our DJ was absolutely stellar! Not only did he absolutely do incredible with the music selection and blending songs, he brought the best energy to our dance floor. The music lasted from 8pm to 3am, and when he left around 12am, he left speakers and an auxiliary cord so that our cousins could take over.
Looking back, what do you think your guests will remember most about your wedding?
NOTHING, because our alcohol supply was drained! Jokes aside, we think that our guests will remember the summer-camp vibe venue, our vows because they were so unique and heartfelt, and our absolutely epic dance floor.
What tips or advice would you give to couples planning their wedding today?
Focus on vibe more than aesthetics! You want people to enjoy your wedding, and while having a perfectly aesthetic wedding is great, having an epic dance floor that people talk about for years on end, or having guests remember how you compared yourselves to sea otters in the vows, is absolutely what should be aimed for.
What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
I would have made sure the DJ announced that there was dessert! Everyone was too busy having a blast on the dance floor, that the dessert went overlooked.
