{SBB Bride of the Week} Kayla

K A Y L A

+

J O E

{May 6th, 2023}

Introducing our stunning bride, Kayla!

For her spring wedding, Kayla chose a gorgeous satin ballgown by Something Blue’s private label, Emilia Leray!

We love the lace top mixed with the classic skirt!

{Photos by: Region Weddings}

Kayla worked with Strack and Van Til in Schererville to create all of her beautiful bouquets!

We love a classic combo of ivory and greenery!

{Photos by: Region Weddings}

Before heading down the aisle, Kayla and her soon-to-be hubby, Joe, shared a super sweet first look.

{Photos by: Region Weddings}

Kayla and Joe were married in a beautiful ceremony at Thornton Distilling Company in Thornton, IL!

{Photos by: Region Weddings}

The reception was also held at Thornton Distilling Company and was so beautiful!

Specialty drinks and a dessert table? Yes please!

{Photos by: Region Weddings}

How did the newlyweds meet?

“Although we grew up in the same town and went to the same schools growing up, Joe and I didn't really know each other until 2012. We started as friends and eventually that grew into the life we have today.

While on a quick trip home from Spain in July 2014, Joe and I reconnected while hanging out with our mutual friends. When I returned to Spain, Joe and I stayed in contact despite the 8 hour time difference. I moved back home that November and we decided the friendship we built may actually be something special. 8 years, 1 house, and 2 cats later, we finally made it official!”

How did Joe pop the question?

“Joe proposed on Valentine's Day 2022. We both planned to have the day off because the Super Bowl was the night before and we didn't want to have to wake up early for work the next day. We spent the day running errands and stopped at the pet store to get what I thought was my Valentine's Day gift, a new fish. Later that evening, Joe started acting really weird and pacing around inside and outside of the house. He eventually came back to the couch were I was sitting and handed me a small bag. The first thing I thought was, crap..I didn't get him anything! Then I saw that it was a jewelry store bag. I opened the bag and inside was an empty ring box. When I turned around to hit Joe for messing with me, he was on one knee with the real box. The rest of that night is a blur of happy crying and shock because Joe swore he would NEVER propose on a holiday.”

So it was a total surprise?

“While I knew we were eventually going to get married (we'd been together 8 years at that point), the timing was a complete surprise. He had asked my parents' permission the Friday before and I remember my Mom telling me afterward that every time I called her that weekend (which was a lot) she was expecting to hear the news and it was one of her best kept secrets.”

After saying yes to Joe, it was time for Kayla to say yes to the dress!

“I had a lot of fun with the dress buying experience. I don't wear a lot of dresses in my normal everyday life so I really was open to trying anything and everything because I really wasn't sure what I wanted. We went to 3 different stores to try on dresses and I can say with complete confidence that Something Blue was the best experience. Colleen was my consultant, and I really felt like she listened to the small amount of input I had and ran with it to find me the perfect dress.”

How did she know her dress was "the one"?

“I was in between two dresses and actually ended up leaving the store without anything. It was later that night when my best friend and I were looking at the two options side by side that I really knew. There was one picture in particular of my mom looking at me in the dress and she had the biggest smile on her face and that sealed the deal for me. I called Something Blue that next morning and made another appointment to come put the dress back on and purchase!”

What was Kayla’s favorite part of the wedding planning process?

“My favorite part of wedding planning was seeing everything come together. I had a lot of different ideas for decor and I really enjoyed trying out different place settings, centerpieces, floral, etc. It really brought out a creative side in me I didn't know I had.”

What about her least favorite part?

“Dealing with my florist. The place I used went through 3 different managers in 6 months and I had to meet with all of them each time and go everything all over again. It eventually worked out, but I was really stressed that something was going to fall through the cracks.”

Looking back, what is her fave moment from the wedding?

“My favorite moment was right after the ceremony when Joe and I had a moment to ourselves to take everything in.”

Does Kayla have any advice for brides-to-be who are currently planning their own big day?

“My best piece of advice is to enjoy every moment in the process. I lost my mom unexpectedly 3 months before my wedding and I look back and am so thankful she was there for all the planning and I got to share all that time with her leading up to the big day. We made so many memories together during that time and I will always cherish that.”

Congratulations, Kayla + Joe!!

Check out more of their beautiful wedding photos by Region Weddings in the gallery below!