♥ local love
KATIE and ANTHONY
July 16, 2017 // Maria Burton Photography
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WE DID NOT HAVE A THEME, we just wanted a good time,” says Katie of her marriage to Anthony on July 16, 2017.“ People kept asking what our theme was and we kept responding that it was‘ getting married.’” This simple sentiment is clear in the day’ s details: DIY projects that instilled personal touches throughout the entire occasion; a Ben and Jerry’ s bar for the ice cream-loving groom; a talented yet down-to-earth photographer that just“ got” them as a couple; a DJ that played everything from Beyoncé favorites to French and Haitian hits; and an all-inclusive venue that allowed for a stress-free planning process.“ The Bohlin was exactly what we wanted: outside and relaxed but still very classy,” Katie explains.“ It provided our out-of-state friends and family with a true taste of Rhode Island. We can’ t tell you how many of our guests are planning to come back next summer.”
Fitting for a couple’ s who’ s relationship was basically set in motion thanks to the Ocean State. It all began with a homesick phone call:“ Anthony overheard me talking to my Dad outside of our freshman dorm at the Catholic University of America in Washington D. C.” says Katie.“ He could tell I was upset when I hung up, so he came over and said,‘ Don’ t tell anyone, but I miss my family and home too.’ He was the first friend I made in college.”
They, of course, didn’ t stay just friends for long; less than a year vs. the ten that they were together before getting engaged. And while the proposal technically involved an impromptu hiking date( suspicious because Anthony hates hiking), no questions were popped along the trail, nor at dinner afterwards.“ On our way home I remember looking up and saying,‘ Who already put Christmas lights up, it’ s not even Thanksgiving?” Then I realized that it was our house decorated in white lights and flowers,” Katie recalls. Their friends had set the scene for Anthony’ s sweet proposal and then waited patiently at a nearby pub for the couple to join them and celebrate.
Those same friends were then present come wedding day and they even made appearances in the newlywed’ s favorite memories. For Anthony, it was seeing everyone gathered together in the church followed by the fun trolley ride to the reception, while Katie says,“ I loved when we walked up to the venue and saw all our friends and family in one place and so genuinely happy for us. It was overwhelming and so humbling.”
126 | RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY ' S ENGAGED 2018