REAL BRIDE: Alli

AJ + Alli

6.27.20

Alli + AJ’s Kansas City wedding was an incredible combination of rustic style, rolling with the punches [ thanks, covid-19 ] + their loved ones coming together to ensure their best day yet. The couple originally chose a local venue, but due to covid-19 regulations, ended up hosting their reception at their maid-of-honors parents’ barn + property. It was important to Alli + AJ that they use smaller businesses + people that they know in order to achieve their wedding day + we absolutely love their thoughtfulness + all of the meaning this put into their day.

For her bridal look, Alli rocked a tulle Blue By Enzoani gown + cathedral length veil + custom Ti Adoro earrings [ all from yours truly ]. For their reception, family friend, Kristina Albright [ owner of ShananiGanns Boutique in Downtown Shawnee, Kansas ] provided rustic decor + custom signs/etc from her boutique + Meredith Graves Photography was there to catch every last detail of this gorgeous wedding.

Keep scrolling to see what I mean!

What made you decide to get married on June 27th?

“We decided to get married on June 27th because I have always wanted a June wedding + it was, miraculously, the only date that both the church + our original venue were available, so it really felt meant to be!”

How did the two of you meet?

“We actually met in 8th grade when our grade schools competed in the same city track meet. We dated for the first time right at the start of our freshman year of high school for a month + then broke up. We were only 14 + didn’t even go to the same high school so it seemed silly. Then we got back together at the end of our junior year of high school + have been together ever since. We made it through long distance all four years of college with AJ at Texas A&M and me at KU.”

Tell us about the proposal!

“We were on our first trip together! We went to Colorado to celebrate graduating + making it through long distance. He proposed on a hike at the top of a mountain with the most beautiful scene in front of us. I had no idea it was coming!”

Where did you draw your inspiration//ideas from?

“I’ve been planning “weddings” since middle school, so from a young age I kind of knew what I wanted. I started a Pinterest board when I was 16 called “wedding” + have been pinning things I like since then. So a lot of my inspiration was from Pinterest + just searching for things that I liked + fit us as a couple. I also used Instagram + followed wedding photographers + other vendors to see pictures + ideas from other weddings to piece ours together.”

What was one of your favorite moments from your day?

“One of my favorite moments was the church doors opening + seeing our family + friends there for us. I loved getting to walk down the aisle to my crying groom. It seemed so surreal + I just couldn’t wait to get to AJ + start the ceremony so I could officially call him my husband!”

What advice would you give to other brides in regard to dress shopping?

“Go in with an open mind. I honestly had no idea what I wanted or what I would like. Of course, I had looked online at pictures but did not want to go in with the mindset of “I want this style, this cut, this fabric + this detailing” because I feel like you never truly know until you try them on. The style you might think you want might not look best on you + then you might be sad about that instead of excited about the other dresses. The style I thought I would lean towards was actually my least favorite when I saw myself in it. I think it’s important to be willing to try on anything + everything because you just never know. Go with your gut + also have fun with it. It’s not everyday you get to put on beautiful gowns + it’s also not everyday you get married, so take it all in + enjoy every moment!”

Did you have a specific theme in mind while planning?

“Yes! Rustic is our style + so that was a theme. I also love the color yellow + with it being a June wedding, it was perfect to be our main color. My other two favorite colors are grey + blue so those three colors made up our color theme! We wanted it to be a relaxed + easy going reception so we went with barbecue for dinner. Another thing I tried to do was add personal touches with some of our decorations - quotes + bible verses that mean a lot to us.”

How did you know your gown was the one?

“The gown I chose was actually on display in the window the day I got my dress. It caught my eye immediately - I thought it was breathtaking. I asked if I would be able to try it on at some point + Carly said of course, but suggested I try on a similar style first to see if I would like that style on! This was great advice + I’m glad I did that. I tried on six dresses before trying on the one in the window. When I was stepping into it I got so giddy - like I couldn’t wait to get it all the way on + see it + show everyone who was with me! I hadn’t felt like that with any other dress. Once I got it on, it was the only one I stood in the dressing room for an extra minute or so just looking at the dress + taking it all in. I was so excited to walk out but also loved having that moment to admire it. When I walked out, my grandma [ who is one of my best friends + has Alzheimer’s ] said “oh that’s the one!” Her saying that brought a tear to my eye because she had been so quiet the whole time. But, she was right! It was perfect + I felt so beautiful. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room - which is saying a lot because three of the people with me NEVER cry. Someone said “AJ is going to love this” + I could just see myself marrying him in it. It was perfect.”