On a rainy spring day, after 999 days of dating + over a year of being engaged, Kristin + Timm were finally married! They celebrated with relatives + friends from around the globe (some from Germany!) at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee.
Kristin + Timm’s wedding day was one like no other filled with lots of firsts. Along with all the usual firsts like a first married kiss + first dance as husband + wife, it was truly the first day of the rest of their lives together — the first day they wouldn’t be dating + enjoying each other’s company long distance. They met in England + had fallen in love long distance, though it was difficult at times, mostly by writing letters back and forth, phone calls, and occasionally visits to Southern California (where Kristin lived) or Germany or Chicago (where Timm lived and went to school).
When we first met, their engagement story literally brought tears to my eyes — it was just that sweet! Read the full story from Kristin’s perspective at the end of the blog post. Now, what you’ve been waiting for, their beautiful spring wedding!
Reception venue: Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Milwaukee, WI // Floral design: Belle Fiori // Bride’s gown: Vera’s House of Bridals // Bride’s makeup + hair: L. Hiatt // Bridesmaids’ gowns: Little Borrowed Dress // Groom’s attire: Breuninger // Groomsmens’ attire: Breuninger // Photography: Laurelyn Savannah Photography // Videography: Robert Ingraham // Paper goods: created by the bride // Catering: Chef Jack’s // Cake: Beans + Barley // Rentals: Relics Vintage Rentals // DJ: Milwaukee Airwaves
How did you get engaged? Timm and I got engaged on October 13, 2013. At the time, I was living in Southern California, and Timm was in the Midwest. I was with some friends in San Luis Obispo for the weekend, and, as far as I knew, Timm was in Chicago. We went to the stunning Montaña de Oro State Park for an early morning walk. Shortly after we arrived, I sat down seaside to pray with a friend. Before I knew it, Timm was at my side, and it was his voice that began praying. I sat breathless and started sobbing. He took my hand, helped me stand up, and walked me to a place he had a chair and a guitar. He sat me down and played me a song he’d written. He then walked me to a small tree filled with a dozen notes from my family and closest friends. After I read and wept over the gracious words from loved ones, I met Timm near the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. There he had an English flag (where we met) with the number “999” written on it. He’d done the counting, and on that day, we’d been together for 999 days. There, on one knee, he asked me to be his wife, and I said, “Absolutely, yes!”
Describe the style and feel of your wedding day, for those who weren’t there to experience it. Elegant, rustic, natural, simple, and delicate are words that come to mind when I think of our wedding day. We wanted the whole day to represent our love for nature and classic elegance. Some of the elements of the day were inspired by the places we’ve traveled—we named each table after a city we’ve adventured in together. All-in-all, we felt the day was a true reflection of our love story.
What is your most memorable + lasting experience from the wedding day? Kristin’s: Walking down the aisle to my groom. As any bride knows, that moment is full of indescribable joy and powerful emotion. Also, overlooking our room full of guests as we ate dinner together—guests from various seasons of life, various states in the U.S., and various countries, all gathered to celebrate our marriage. It was humbling. // Timm: Our first dance. The chorus of the song says, “I’m sailing home to you, I won’t be long.” The song became really special to us during our 4 years of long-distance dating, and finally dancing to that song together as man and wife was an indescribable moment.
Any advice or words of wisdom to couples currently planning their wedding? I have two words for you: Relax and rejoice. Relax in the fact that your wedding day will be beautiful no matter what, because—at it’s very core—marriage is a stunning, divine, and beautiful thing. And rejoice because your wedding day is the gateway into an even richer celebration of life together.
The colors from their big day are perfection. What joy they are exuding! I love all of her details including her floral crown!! I LOOOOOOOOOVE IT!
What a sweet couple! Love all the little styled elements throughout.
OMG Laurelyn this is so beautiful! I couldn’t stop scrolling through this post. All the pictures tell the story so well and the way you captured it! Colors are perfect. Seriously in love!
3