{SBB Bride of the Week} Joelle
J O E L L E
+
J A C K
{May 27th, 2023}
{Photos by: Alyssa Grace Photography}
Introducing our beautiful bride, Joelle!
For her May wedding, Joelle looked absolutely stunning in a fitted, lace gown by Something Blue’s Private Label, Emilia Leray!
She paired it with a cathedral length veil by Essense Designs and looked so perfect!
{Photos by: Alyssa Grace Photography}
When it came to flowers for the wedding, Joelle worked with Monarch Floral and Events for her arch flowers and Jewel-Osco Crown Point for her bouquets!
Everything turned out SO pretty!!
{Photos by: Alyssa Grace Photography}
Joelle married her best friend, Jack, in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana!
{Photos by: Alyssa Grace Photography}
After Joelle & Jack said “I do”, everyone headed inside for a gorgeous reception!
Our fave detail? The handwritten love advice from Joelle’s second graders! SO sweet!
{Photos by: Alyssa Grace Photography}
How did the newlyweds meet?
“Jack & I met freshman year of high school in 2013 in an English class. We knew who each other were because of this class but became close sophomore year through mutual friends. We soon became best friends but did not start dating until the end of our junior year in 2016.”
How did Jack pop the question?
“Jack proposed at the Dunes beach on September 17, 2021. We brought snacks for a sunset wine date and when we started setting up I turned around to see a different set up with lights that said “Marry Me” surrounded by pillows, rose petals, candles, and pictures of us. My best friend Liz and our moms had arrived earlier to set up everything Jack had planned for the proposal.”
Was it a surprise or did she know it was coming?
“We had talked about getting married for a long time so I knew that it would eventually be coming. There was a couple times where I really did think it was going to happen. The night it did happen I had a little gut feeling but told myself it was too good to be true. I had told Jack I wanted to go watch the sunset this day so I thought for sure I was overthinking it since I was the one who planned the date! I was totally surprised by the set up and my best friend and both of our moms being there to capture the special moment!”
After securing the ring, it was time for Joelle to secure the dress!
“Buying my dress was an experience that I never want to forget . I was able to bring both of our moms, sisters, and my best friend/ maid of honor! It was so surreal putting on the first dress because it made me feel like I was a real bride! I was able to have Colleen help me and she also helped my oldest sister find her dress for her wedding in 2018. The whole staff at Something Blue made me feel comfortable and made the day nothing but positive.”
How did she know her dress was "the one"?
“I did not know at first that my dress was the one. It was not what I had pictured myself in when I thought about my wedding day. But I knew it was the one when I kept putting it back on. I think I tried it on 3 times. I actually said yes to a different dress and immediately thought about the other one. Colleen was so kind and reassured me that it was okay to put on the dress one more time. Then I officially said yes. I knew it was the right decision when we put the veil on and made a small change that was making me hesitant. Everyone had let me say my thoughts on all the dresses before sharing theirs but when I said it was the one all the girls admitted that was the one they loved on me the most.”
What was her favorite {and not-so-favorite} part of wedding planning?
“My favorite part of the planning process was being able to pick and choose what we wanted. Jack was very helpful throughout the whole process. It was fun to see both of our choices come together and getting to do fun little details. Even when it was overwhelming I knew it would all be worth it in the end. Seeing things I had thought about for years finally happening was so exciting!
My least favorite part of planning was allowing myself to speak up for what I wanted. I am mostly a very easygoing person when it comes to decision making so having to be the one to stick to what I was saying took some time for me to adapt to. I never want to hurt anyone’s feelings and although it was our wedding I still felt like I had to ask for opinions.”
Now that they’ve celebrated their first anniversary, what are some of Joelle and Jack’s favorite memories from their big day?
“There were so many favorite moments of our wedding including spending the morning with all of my favorite girls getting ready. But my absolute favorite moment was when I saw Jack at the end of the aisle. I was so nervous all day and don’t like a lot of attention on me. I even hid behind my bouquet for a second when our guests stood up for me to walk out. My anxiety was all over the place but as soon as I made eye contact with him it was like no one else was there. That is a moment I don’t think I will ever forget.”
What is the best piece of advice Joelle can give brides-to-be who are currently planning their wedding?
“My biggest piece of advice to a bride-to-be is to do what makes you and the person you are marrying happy. If that means cutting the guest list or doing things out of the “norm”/other’s expectations so be it! The people that are there for you on your big day will celebrate you getting married. It won’t matter if they didn’t get exactly what they wanted. This day is about you two and every decision you make in the process will all be worth it. It might be stressful at times but the day really does fly by and you won’t get to relive it. Enjoy all the moments!”
Congratulations, Joelle + Jack!
Check out more of their beautiful wedding photos by Alyssa Grace Photography in the gallery below!
