{SBB Bride of the Week} Taylor
T A Y L O R
+
M I L A N
{June 21st, 2024}
{Photos by: Leah Rife Photo}
Is she gorgeous or what??
We’re so happy to introduce you to our bride, Taylor!
For her summer wedding, Taylor chose a sparkling fitted gown by Essense of Australia and accessorized it with a Bel Aire veil, Olive + Piper earrings and the coolest pearl gloves by Essense Designs!
{Photos by: Leah Rife Photo}
We can’t tell you how in love we are with Taylor’s beautiful flowers!!
All of her bright wildflowers came courtesy of Hickory Hills Flower Farm in Valparaiso!
{Photos by: Leah Rife Photo}
Taylor had already enjoyed a few special first looks the morning of the wedding, but her last one was the most important: her first look with her soon-to-be hubby, Milan!
{Photos by: Leah Rife Photo}
They are the cutest!
Taylor and Milan were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at White Oak Farm Venue in Michigan City!
{Photos by: Leah Rife Photo}
After the couple said “I do”, it was time to celebrate!!
The reception was held in the big barn and the decor was so pretty! We will forever be suckers for flowers and candles!
{Photos by: Leah Rife Photo}
How did the newlyweds first meet?
“Milan and I met through mutual friends a few years before we started dating. We had plans to go on a date shortly after first meeting, but it fell through. Fast forward to a few years later, and we started hanging out in the same circle again. A few of our friends were pushing for us to give it a shot. So, he asked me out again and the rest is history!”
How did Milan pop the question?
“We had dinner plans to try out Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier. I’m a teacher and it was the last day of school and I wanted to celebrate. I made a reservation for us and we arrived a bit early. We walked around the pier for a bit, and Milan took me off to the side where it was private. Not sure exactly what he said I think I blacked out from excitement! He asked and I said yes is really all I remember!”
Was it a surprise or did Taylor know it was coming?
“It definitely wasn’t a surprise. We had gone earlier in the year to try on engagement rings, so I knew it was coming and that he had the ring. As we were on our way to dinner I thought maybe he would do it then, but I remember looking at his pants to see if I could see a ring box in his pocket lol. I didn’t see one, so I convinced myself it wasn’t happening!”
And then it was time for the most exciting {in our opinion} part of wedding planning: dress shopping!!
“I had the best dress shopping experience! I knew from the start that I wanted to go to Something Blue. I went with a friend in college to try on her wedding dresses and absolutely fell in love then. I brought my mom, mawmaw, and a few of my closest friends. The entire staff was so incredibly helpful and kind. You truly feel at ease and so comfortable with all the ladies. The dress I actually ended up picking was one that they pulled for me! Also an added bonus, I had unexpected ACL surgery a few months before my wedding.. which was right around the time that my dress arrived. I was in a huge brace and just wasn’t feeling excited about trying on my dress again. The ladies at SBB were so incredibly kind and helpful. They helped me step into my gown since I couldn’t do it alone and also helped me stand. Sounds so silly and small, but I really appreciated their extra effort!”
How did you know your dress was “the one”?
“I knew my dress was the one when I wanted to try it on again. I went in thinking I would want a simple, A- line gown. I ended up loving the tight beaded gown instead! I purchased that day! I even had made an appointment at another bridal store and ended up canceling it. I think I tried on a total of 7 dresses and just knew! After leaving the appointment and looking at the pictures my friends sent me of the dresses I tried on, you could just see in my face how excited and happy I was when I had my dress on.”
When it came to planning her special day, what was Taylor’s favorite {and not-so-favorite} part of the process?
“My favorite part of the planning process was dress shopping and planning all the small details. You spend so much time planning every little detail, so watching it all come together makes it all worth it. Overall, I really enjoyed the wedding planning process. It was really beautiful to see my entire vision come together on my wedding day.
My least favorite part of the wedding planning process is how expensive everything is!! I also found coordinating the transportation pick up times and drop offs to be a bit stressful.”
Does she have any special memories from the wedding day?
“My favorite moment of my wedding was all the first looks. The first look with my husband took away a lot of the anxiety I was having and just put me more at ease. I finally felt ready to just enjoy the day once I was able to see and talk to him.
I also enjoyed the first looks with my family and friends. They were emotional and I really felt all the love and happiness from everyone during those times.”
What is the best piece of advice Taylor can give brides-to-be who are currently planning their own big day?
“The best piece of advice I can offer brides is to not drink too much the night before! I heard this and chose to ignore it lol. Wasn’t feeling 100% wedding morning which I think also added on some anxiety. Enjoy the day, be present with everyone, don’t leave your spouse’s side, and have fun!! Soak it all up- the day really does go by SO fast!”
Congratulations, Taylor + Milan!!
Make sure you check out more of their beautiful wedding photos by Leah Rife Photo in the gallery below!
