Kait & Brandon’s wedding professionals:

PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDORS:
Photographer: Annaberry Images

Videographer: Sam Fathallah | Ceremony, Reception, Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Glen Oaks | Bridal Shower: Vino209 | Caterer: Glen Oaks | Cake or Dessert: Costco | Floral: Plaza Florist | Hair: Shelby at Serenity Couture | Makeup: Brandee at Serenity Couture | Wedding dress: BHLDN in Chicago | Bridesmaids dresses: David’s Bridal | Men’s suites or tuxes: The Black Tux | Stationery: Basic Invite | Reception Music: A Special Event DJ | Event Planning: Emily Fairbairn, Glen Oaks | Décor Design & Rentals: Vintage Love Rentals

See all the vendors we LUST for, that can help you with your big day!

Down on one knee in Daytona.

A birthday vacation can be a surprise proposal.

Daytona was a favorite place of Kait’s, where her parents would bring her and their family nearly every summer. So for Kati’s birthday, they decided to fly down. And Brandon ALSO decided that would be the perfect spot for his proposal.

On their last night, they went to one of her favorite restaurants, followed by a walk on the beach. “I sort of had a feeling that maybe he would propose on the trip, but I was actually SHOCKED when I turned around to see him down on one knee!” Kait told us. “I definitely blanked on what Brandon was saying, but I remember him tearing up while he asked me.”

She said yes! And to her surprise, there was a photographer there the whole time capturing the moment. So many surprises! The couple enjoyed a wonderful time down in Daytona and came back with memories they’ll never forget.

Talented wedding vendors for the day.

Trust your big day to the professionals.

Anna Berry of Annaberry Images shot Kait’s brother’s wedding. She absolutely LOVED his photos so she knew she would do an amazing job with their day. Anna has an eye for finding striking colors and the perfect detail.

After touring a few barns/outdoor venues, the couple eventually decided on Glen Oaks. Again, there were family ties, her two older brothers both got married at Glen Oaks and now the family can proudly say they hold the record for the most weddings from one family at Glen Oaks! “Emily Fairbairn (event director) was basically our wedding planner and did such an amazing job handling both the big and small details of the wedding,” Kait said. “We just knew that whatever the issue, Glen Oaks would be able to handle it and they did.”

For DJ and Photobooth, the couple contacted A Special Event DJ, based on friends’ review from their wedding. They even rounded up all the photos and put them in a book for the couple and let their guests sign it.

Cynthia and her team from Vintage Love Rentals made the day beautiful. “I never would have come up with the gorgeous details that Cynthia did — the beautiful cake display, the vintage doors I walked through during the ceremony, and all the gorgeous vintage furniture,” Kait told us. “Cynthia also created a cigar lounge on one of the patios that was a huge hit during the reception. There were more people out there than on the dance floor!”

Honor family on your special day.

It’ll remind you of all the support and love they have given.

Kait’s had a chance to ring shop with Brandon and her mother before she unexpectedly passed away. It was a very important to Kait that they incorporated her in any way they could.

After the father-daughter dance, they danced to one more song just to pay honor to her mom. Cynthia created a beautiful area for photos of Kait’s mom and all the couple’s loved ones that have passed. The florist, Carrie created a beautiful bouquet of red roses. Kait’s dad always got her mom red roses for special occasions, and the couple decided they wouldn’t use roses anywhere else in the wedding. They saved them only for Kait’s mom’s bouquet that they placed on a chair reserved for where she would have sat during the ceremony. And finally, all the jewelry Kait wore that day was all her mom’s. Her dad even gave her a gold bracelet from Lebanon that was her grandmother’s. “It was very special to me that all my jewelry came from the women I love dearly and wish could have been there,” Kait said.

Advice for those planning their day.

Stop and soak it all in.

We know it’s easier said than done, but Kait reminds us, don’t sweat the small stuff. Nothing is perfect. The day is about you and your partner. Appreciate all the moments — good and bad — that led you to your big day.

Our favorite piece of advice from Kait: “Try to take a moment during the day when you and your partner can sit back and look out at all the people enjoying themselves at your wedding. It’s such a special feeling to have everyone you love under one roof, so try to find a time during all the craziness to sit back and soak it all in.”