Katie and James

We met our Sophomore year of college, at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. I was actually dating someone else when we met, but James was determined to get to know me. When winter break had ended, I was single. And after a kiss at a party, we were inseparable. We spent so much time together for the remainder of the school year, and I was so sad when he left for the summer, and I had to stay behind for work. We went to two weddings that summer, and I remember saying to him while dancing at one, "This may be us one day." He replied with "Well, we will have to go through a lot to get there." But I definitely knew; I did not want to be with anyone else.

We were together for two and a half years. By then, we had graduated college, and attempted to begin "adult life." On July 4th, 2018, James took me on a "walk to remember" through a park near his house. It was 85 degrees and humid, but he was still wearing a NorthFace jacket. We stopped by a bridge, and he got down on one knee, asking me to marry him. I ugly cried while saying yes, and then wedding planning began!

We set our date for 12/14/19, and I went shopping for my dress in February. I wasn't expecting to find my dress that day. I actually had an appointment in Orlando, where I was flying to the next day. I knew I didn't want elaborate beading or lace, but was struggling to find one what gave me the feeling that I was looking for. My bridal consultant took me out on the floor, and I pulled this dress. I tried on a few others, leaving my dress for last. When I put it on, I didn't want to take it off! It was exactly what I was looking for.

Our wedding day was perfect, even if it was freezing. Our venue was beautiful, the flowers were amazing, and the love was very much present. I cried about 5 or six times that day, which definitely confused the flower girl, who thought I was sad. Walking down the aisle, I couldn't stop looking at James, and ugly cried some more on the way down. The whole day was over so fast, I wish I could go back and re-live it. Thank you for creating such a beautiful gown! I wish I could wear it every day!

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