page 130 X metropolitan weddings X summer/fall 2020
written by | Tatumn Skinner
photographed by | adam + Dawn Photography
�under the sycamore�
From what started as a gentle friendship, Kaylee and Nate’s
relationship blossomed into more than either of them expected,
but had always hoped for. The two met while attending the
same physical therapy program in Southern Missouri through
their lab courses, sand volleyball tournaments and mutual
friends. Kaylee, who at the time was not expecting to meet
her future husband, recognized Nate's ability to be a dedicated
friend and eventually the two grew into something more.
Fast forward two years: the day of their engagement. Nate
took an unexpecting Kaylee to the Navy Pier in Chicago.
This is where he grew up and where the realization that he
would someday marry Kaylee first hit him. The two enjoyed
an architectural boat tour of the city overlooking a perfect
sunset and then headed back to the Navy Pier for ice cream.
They then sat down on their familiar bench and Nate popped
the question! At first Kaylee thought he was teasing her,
but quickly realized how meaningful this moment truly was
when friends and family from across the country surprised
her on the Navy Pier. They celebrated with them in Chicago
that evening; nothing could have made them happier.
Through the transition of graduating physical therapy school
to beginning their traveling careers, the two kept each other
balanced, not only in their everyday lives, but during their
wedding planning period as well. Kaylee did a majority of her
planning during their engagement’s initial few months with
the help of her sister and step-mother. Nate went to each wedding
show with Kaylee – note pad in hand for their decision
making. Their largest items such as venue, caterer and photographer
were all the first items crossed off their list. Planning
a year ahead made the anticipation of everything they
had chosen coming together that much more special when the
big day finally came. Their venue was especially close to their
hearts as the 100 year old Sycamore tree captured both their
attentions from the moment they first saw it. They knew that
this was the perfect atmosphere for their ceremony.
Fast forward again: the day they say 'I Do.' Kaylee’s something
borrowed was a special memoir to her late mother. Her bouquet
incorporated lace from her Mother’s own wedding dress, a special
tribute of remembrance. Her Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority pin
was tucked into her wedding dress also as her something blue.
Kaylee and Nate each had nine wedding party members, consisting
of close friends and family of course. Their wedding favors
for standing with them on the most important day of their
lives were tank tops for the bridal party and engraved whiskey
glasses for the groomsmen. Kaylee even gifted Nate a Bible the
day of their wedding as a surprise!
The wedding was filled with warm colors of dusty rose pink,
wine colored maroon, navy and accents in copper which all
complimented their outdoor venue perfectly. The two incorporated
a wooden heart for guests to write in as a guest book,
which now hangs in their home as a daily reminder of those
that came to celebrate them. Their ceremony calmed their
nerves in the sense of knowing that the day they had anticipated
was finally here. Their officiant crafted traditional
vows unique to their love for one another. Honoring their
connection of physical therapy, a resistance band was tied as
their symbol of unity. The moment they had been waiting for
through the months of planning had come. They were finally
husband and wife!
After photos were taken and the cocktail hour commenced,
Kaylee and Nate’s reception was next on the agenda. A favorite
memory of Kaylee’s was a special surprise Nate had up his
sleeve for her: a choreographed Backstreet Boys dance with
his groomsmen! He had been practicing this even up to the
night before in the hotel room. The effort paid off – as a highlight
of their evening!
The guests were another favorite memory of both Kaylee and
Nate. They recall looking out into the ceremony as well as their
entrance into the reception; seeing their 300 guests who had
traveled from all across the country there in person to celebrate
their love’s significance was heartwarming.
Their wedding day went smoothly, however they had made a
promise to each other from the very start – no matter what
curve balls were thrown at them, as long as they were there
with their officiant to marry them, all would be right. Similarly
their advice to brides and grooms just beginning their
own wedding planning journey is – keep in mind that what
truly matters is that even if every detail does not turn out to
be absolutely perfect, you are marrying the person who will
make your life afterwards perfect. XmW