Charlottes Weddings

HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?

If 2020 showed us anything, it's that love can not be canceled or postponed, and despite a nationwide lockdown and Sara's typical dating rules, Sara and Daniel's cozy first date was nothing short of magic.

We met on Hinge at the end of 2020. We matched and decided to meet up, but it was during a lockdown and no restaurants were open for a date. Instead, we met at Dan’s house and went grocery shopping and made dinner together (against my usual rules of not going to someone's house before meeting them), something about him made me trust him. It was an easy night together, we both felt comfortable with each other right away and had very intentional and honest conversations. We spent the first 2 months of our relationship over facetime as Dan was overseas on a deployment and we were able to really get to know one another in a deeper way. 5 months later we were engaged.

HOW DID HE PROPOSE?

It was a drizzly morning in Anchorage, Alaska when Dan, Sara, and her family set out on a fishing trip in the Prince Williams Sound for Sara's birthday in May of 2021. On the two-hour excursion back to the harbor, Dan decided to get some fresh air on the back deck and admire the snow-covered mountains that were now sunlit against a beautiful clear blue sky.

Sara was following behind to take some photos of the gorgeous scenery when Dan took her phone from her hands, dropped to one knee, and pulled the ring out of his pocket to ask for her hand.

It was intimate and perfect. After about 20 minutes of the two of us out on the deck, I went over to the window where my parents were sitting and held up my hand, they came out and took photos of us and we got to share the celebration with them. It was such a special moment to have been able to share all together.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE FINDING THE ONE AT CHARLOTTE’S?

Like most brides, Sara had a few ideas of what she wanted in her wedding dress. She always pictured herself in something simple and clean, but Sara's cousin Lindsey, who has worked at Charlotte's for over 12 years, knew better!

Growing up together Lindsey, knows me pretty well and knows my style to a ‘T’. I had sent her some dress ideas I liked ahead of time but she knew better! She showed me a few that were similar to the dresses I had sent, but then she had a few surprises stocked up behind them.

Sara Said yes to Lillian West '66187', a beautiful fit and flare gown with embroidered chiffon allover lace, an illusion bodice and thin straps that lead to a gorgeous spaghetti crisscross back detail.

DID YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MOMENT DURING YOUR WEDDING DAY?

Sara had always dreamed of getting married on her parent's 30-acre hazelnut orchard, and with the everchanging covid restrictions, it made their choice to wed there even easier. They set up a large tent strung with bistro lights and filled it with their closest friends and family. Dan's father was the officiant for their ceremony and to both Sara and Dans' surprise, they agreed that the ceremony was the highlight of their day.

Both of us were expecting it to be nerve wracking and awkward but we loved it and it felt so intimate, it was really special. It made my heart so full seeing so many special people from both mine and Dan’s lives, from different seasons of time getting to meet and share conversations together. Having all those people we love in one place is something I will forever cherish. That and the DJ kept everyone on the dance floor all night long!

ANY ADVICE FOR OUR BRIDES-TO-BE?

After months or years of planning, many brides can agree that it can feel derailing when things don't go according to plan. The day can go fast and it is important to feel present, spend a special moment with your partner, and always go for the bathroom upgrades!

Don’t sweat the small stuff that won’t be noticed, get the fancy outhouses, and spend a moment or two with your husband during the wedding to look around at all the people you love in one place celebrating your forever together.