Heidi’s older brother, Luke, actually went to college with Kyle…whose name was always casually thrown around by the family whenever Heidi’s dating prospects were being discussed. She always thought the whole idea to be pretty far-fetched, considering the fact that they had never met, were never in the same state and had not even been single at the same time. In fact, they only met for the first time almost a full decade after Kyle and Luke’s graduation, when Heidi moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Annapolis, Maryland, with Kyle living just miles away, in Baltimore.
Shortly after Heidi moved, Luke convinced her to join him for Baltimore’s famous ‘Baltimore Bike Party’, where thousands of cyclists dress up in costume and cruise the streets and neighborhoods of downtown Baltimore: Kyle would be there. He noticed her borrowed bike and was quick to offer his assistance in finding her a new ride. It didn’t take long for Heidi to discover that Kyle wasn’t just quick to help her but that helping others was essential to his way of life. Kyle dedicates his life to improving the lives of homeless high school students in Baltimore County. In her heart Heidi knew that her family’s suggestions had been well founded…this was the type of person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with! Well, it was only a matter of time before Heidi got exactly what she was hoping for.
When the young couple was visiting the ‘Wonder Exhibit’ at the Renwick Gallery in Washington DC, Heidi happened to mention how cool it would be to get married in the fist installation they viewed…I guess you could only call it fate because just a few moments later she found Kyle down on one knee, proposing, with both their sets of parents (who he had secretly invited) snapping pics and taking videos in the background. It was an incredible moment for the whole family.
She happened to come across the ‘Holly’ lace dress from Dreamers and Lovers and fell instantly in love. Nothing, however, could have made her decision more clear than when, a day later, her mom (who is also her best friend) sent her a picture of the exact same dress
Speaking of fate…I found this dress-shopping story to be more than a little star-touched… Heidi had wanted her dress shopping experience to be as casual and as laid back as possible so she avoided the big-box stores and chose instead to find her inspiration online. She happened to come across the ‘Holly’ lace dress from Dreamers and Lovers and fell instantly in love. Nothing, however, could have made her decision more clear than when, a day later, her mom (who is also her best friend) sent her a picture of the exact same dress. Holly was the first, last and only dress she ever tried on and for Heidi there was never a doubt that it was absolutely made for her!
Looking at photo’s of the pair on their wedding day, I can only agree with Heidi: she looked magnificent with her gorgeous golden skin and her exquisitely detailed flower crown perfectly matching the embroidered cotton of the Holly Dress, she honestly looked like she’d stepped out of a dream!
When it came to wedding planning, Kyle would have been quite happy just to have the birds, the bees and their families as witnesses, whereas Heidi would have liked to invite the entire world. Luckily they found a healthy compromise, with Kyle inviting one or two guests…and Heidi inviting all the rest! They ended up inviting 85 guests.
The wedding venue, being in Annapolis, Maryland, was crucial to the pair. That was where they had really fallen in love. Both of them being water lovers, the Bay was where they’d spent time together and gotten to know one another. So they decided to get married at Heidi’s parent’s community beach in Annapolis (Cape St. Clair Community Beach), overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. They got married looking out over the water, with a harpist playing a combination of old and new wedding songs. The reception followed immediately after, right across the street at the beach clubhouse.
To Heidi and Kyle, adding small, personal touches wherever they could was a part of their focus. They included pictures of deceased loved ones along side their wedding decorations. They also kept their eyes open for inexpensive ways to express themselves creatively. They tried to use only vendors that they knew personally. Heidi’s uncle Hoyte (Wilhelm) married them, her friend Sarah Saxon did the photography, and Kyle’s friend DJ Gurf provided a personalized musical experience. The wedding party consisted only of the twin girls (Harper and Teagan) for whom Heidi is a nanny. They made the most precious flower girls and being very dear to Heidi, it was a real blessing to have them feature on the day.
The only reading done was of Corinthians 13.4. It was also very important to the couple that they write their own vows:
His favorite line was: “I know that together, our hearts and minds can move mountains, and I cannot wait to make the world a better place with you.”
Heidi’s favorite line from Kyle’s vow was: “I vow to create a life with you filled with love, passion, acceptance, creativity, and peace.”
One of the most sentimental details of the day, for Heidi and Kyle, were the dream catchers, which they hand, made and hung from the ceiling of the reception. The couple spent many a night and afternoon putting their love, creativity and energy into crafting them and at the end of the reception they encouraged guests to take one down so that they could hang up a small piece of the happy newlyweds in their homes.
The personal touches didn’t stop there…even the flowers and wild berries for the guests were all hand picked! A day before the wedding, the couple and an intimate group headed to a local pick-your-own farm in Woodbine, MD: Larriland Farms. They picked ample raspberries and blackberries to place on the tables at the reception, and then they strolled the wildflower fields searching for the perfect blooms for bouquets and centerpieces. Next to the wedding day itself, Heidi says this day was the most magical. I think this this is such a wonderful idea and an ideal way to add a personal touch whilst spending that little bit of extra time with loved ones!
The couple opted for a very traditional cake with butter cream frosting from Main Ingredient in Annapolis, MD. They decorated it with beautiful handpicked wildflowers.
focus on why you’re getting married and know that, provided you’re marrying your best friend, the day is already a resounding success. Cost and complexity doesn’t make the day more special, the rest is all just details
Heidi’s advice to other chilled out brides is this: focus on why you’re getting married and know that, provided you’re marrying your best friend, the day is already a resounding success. Cost and complexity doesn’t make the day more special, the rest is all just details. In fact, the simpler the wedding, the more you can focus on your friends, family and the lover standing across from you. Heidi felt that because they did simple things, which meant a lot to them as a couple, their guests got the opportunity to really witness their love.
The couple has just purchased an adorable little beach cottage in Chesapeake Bay, their very first home together. As their list of home renovations grows, so does their appreciation for one another. Heidi still works as a nanny and Kyle as a homeless youth advocate. They both delight in spoiling their rescue dogs, Leon and Biggie. They make a point of constantly surrounding themselves with friends, family, music art and love. We definitely wish them all of the best and undoubtedly more of the same. It was a pleasure being a part of their magical lives, even if only for a day!
See other brides wearing the lovely Holly Bohemian Off-Shoulder Lace Wedding Dress :
A California Wedding at the Casino – San Clemente
Amy + Nick’s Wedding
