♥ 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