{SBB Bride of the Week} Kristen
K R I S T E N
+
O L I V E R
{September 16th, 2023}
{Photos by: Alicia Marie’s Photography}
She is GORGEOUS!
Introducing our beautiful bride, Kristen!
For her September wedding, Kristen was stunning in a strapless, sparkling ballgown by Allure Bridals! She added off-the-shoulder straps from Essense of Australia and a veil and headpiece from Bel Aire Bridals!
It all came together so beautifully, as you can tell by her bridesmaids and father’s reactions to seeing her as a bride for the first time!
{Photos by: Alicia Marie’s Photography}
Kristen’s flowers were so gorgeous, thanks to April from the Valparaiso Strack and Van Til!
{Photos by: Alicia Marie’s Photography}
Kristen and her hubby, Oliver, were married in an outdoor ceremony in the gazebo at Avalon Manor in Merrillville!
{Photos by: Alicia Marie’s Photography}
After the couple said “I do”, everyone went inside for the reception!
We love how happy everyone looks! It was clearly such a blast!
{Photos by: Alicia Marie’s Photography}
Where did the newlyweds first meet?
“We met in college at Purdue University, BOILER UP!”
How did Oliver pop the question?
“I was proposed to at Stacks in Valparaiso, IN. We were supposed to go on a double date, but my friend backed out at the last second. I was like awwww man that’s not like her, but we still went (part of the plan that I didn’t know about). We ordered drinks and the waitress brought mine with an edible flower and a gorgeous ring sitting on top of the flower! After dinner and the proposal he took me to a surprise party with all of our family and friends to celebrate.”
Was it a surprise or did Kristen know it was coming?
“I had absolutely no clue it was coming. Even the day it was happening, I got home from work (I’m a teacher and it was Jean Friday) and he asked if I wanted to change. I figured we were just going to Friday night dinner so I said nahhhh im good….that in itself showed him I had no idea hahaha.”
After the proposal, Kristen made her appointment to dress shop at SBB!
“My experience was great, I loved working with Amber, she was awesome. My sister had her too for her dress! It was meant to be!”
How did she know her dress was "the one"?
“I had a feeling it was the dress the moment I saw it online. At my first appointment I was torn between 2 dresses. The second appointment after I tried it on again, I just knew it had to be mine.”
What was Kristen’s favorite {and least favorite} part of planning her big day?
“My favorite part of the planning process were the little details…tastings, picking out flowers with the florist, dj playlist, etc!
My least favorite part was the SEATING CHART… people would RSVP last second or CHANGE their RSVP and you’d have to rearrange…worth it though!”
Looking back, does Kristen have a fave wedding day memory?
“My favorite moment of the wedding was walking down the aisle with all my friends and family around. It took me forever to solidify which song I wanted to walk down to…the wait was worth it though because it truly felt like the most perfect moment!”
Does Kristen have any advice for current brides-to-be?
“Seriously, do not sweat the small stuff. Things are not going to go perfectly and you just go with the flow. It was the fastest day of my entire life so make sure to take it all in!!!!”
Congratulations, Kristen and Oliver!!
Check out more of their stunning wedding photos by Alicia Marie’s Photography in the gallery below!
