Some love stories start with grand gestures, some with years of friendship, and some, like Katie and Kyle’s, begin at a house party. That night, 8.5 years ago, neither of them knew their lives were about to intertwine in the most beautiful way. Through laughter, milestones, and challenges, their bond grew stronger. Katie knew Kyle was the one when she faced one of the hardest days of her life—saying goodbye to her beloved dog. In those three days of grief, Kyle never left her side, staying in bed with her as she mourned. That unwavering support and deep love set the foundation for a lifetime together starting with a luxury lakeside wedding.
A Proposal By the Water
Kyle, ever the romantic, proposed in the most meaningful place—his childhood home on the water, surrounded by their closest friends and family. It was the perfect setting for the next chapter of their love story, filled with nostalgia, love, and a promise for forever.
A Dress Trio
Every bride has a vision for her wedding dress, but Katie had three—each one a stunning representation of different parts of the celebration. Her first dress, from Kathryn’s Bridal in McHenry, was straight out of a fairytale—floofy, glittery, and fit for a Disney princess, perfect for her church ceremony. The second, also from Kathryn’s Bridal, was a sultry and elegant number, designed for twirling and dancing the night away at the reception. And the third? A short, sparkly after-party dress from Rosie Etienne Bridal, the perfect way to end the night in glamorous style.
A Black-Tie Affair
Katie and Kyle’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration; it was a statement. Guests were dressed in all black, creating an effortlessly elegant and timeless aesthetic. Set against the backdrop of the water, under a starlit sky, the outdoor wedding exuded sophistication and romance. The couple shared a private first look before the ceremony—one of the best decisions they made. That intimate moment allowed them to take a deep breath, be present, and share in their excitement before saying ‘I do.’
Most couples walk into their reception—but Katie and Kyle? They made an entrance like no other. Arriving by boat, they set the tone for a night of high energy and unforgettable moments. The excitement didn’t stop there—their second grand entrance turned their reception into a full-blown club scene, getting the party started in the best way possible.
Words of Wisdom
Katie and Kyle have a few golden nuggets of advice for couples planning their wedding:
- Trust your photography team! They know what they’re doing and will make sure you get incredible photos.
- Wedding planning will be overwhelming, and arguments will happen. But when tensions rise, stop and say, “I love you.” At the end of the day, the small fights aren’t worth it.
- Only one meltdown is allowed at a time! If one of you starts to stress, the other stays calm and helps work through it.
Looking Ahead
The wedding may be over, but Katie and Kyle’s journey is just beginning. On October 10, they’ll embark on a dream honeymoon—a Virgin Cruise through Spain, France, Italy, Malta, and Greece. A well-deserved getaway to celebrate their new life as husband and wife.
As Katie beautifully puts it, “I truly think it’s an honor to be married to such an amazing guy. From the day we started dating, he’s always taken care of me and loved me no matter what. He is my biggest supporter and #1 fan and makes me feel so safe and so loved. He is my emotional support human.”
Katie and Kyle, your wedding was as breathtaking as your love story. Here’s to a lifetime of adventure, laughter, and unwavering love!
We Would Love to be Your Wedding Photographer
It would be an honor to become a part of your wedding team. We create that timeless keepsake of your big day you’ll love forever. Myself and my team of wedding photographers at videographers at Lauren Ashley Studios will go above and beyond to capture the atmosphere of your special occasion, and share it with passion and authenticity.
