Featured Couple - Heather & Nate
How did you meet? Nate likes to call me his "internet stalker." Some of his friends asked him to be their bachelor of the month on famefifteen.com. After they harassed him enough, he agreed. I had pictures from a night out with friends on the site and happened to see his profile. I never sent him a message because it's just not my style. Apparently, my style is to randomly think of him months later and search him on facebook. Ha! We had a mutual friend on facebook and she was happy to send a message that started it all!
Tell us about your engagement? Heather was relatively in the dark on this one. I'll get back to the "relatively" part later. I had intended to ask her to marry me way before I actually did, but life events changed my plans on that front. So after her incredible patience, I knew I had to go big or go home. I coordinated with the music director (Bill Legg) at the local high school, here in Clarkston.
I took a cue from the old 90s movie "10 Things I hate About You" and asked Bill if he could help me out with a small horn section to play the song "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You." Well, being the true romantic he is, Bill pitched the idea to his students and all of a sudden it turned into a big event and everyone in the school wanted to join in somehow. The "small horn section" turned into the full marching band in full regalia, the cheerleading squad, the choir, the color guard, the floral design class students and the ASB.
I told Heather we had a charitable event to go to that night, so she would be dressier than just a regular dinner. You see she had told me she wanted to be looking good and have her nails done when I finally popped the question. So I had the dressed up part down, but as for her nails... Yes, I understand the importance of that because the attention is focused on the hands and the ring. So I turned to my KLEW co-anchor Meg McNamara and asked her to offer to have a girls day at a local nail salon. But she was headed out of town so she set up an appointment for Heather and told her it was a Christmas present.
So now my bases are covered. However the whole thing was set to go down at the high school auditorium, so I had to come up with the perfect excuse to get her there, because you know a woman who's been waiting for a long time for a question she knows is coming is suspect of every little thing. "Is this the moment he finally gets off his duff and asks me? Is this when he does it?" She'd been suspicious for a long time. I told you she was relatively in the dark earlier, so she was always a little suspicious, but no more than when I'd ask her if she wanted to go to Wal Mart.
I told her that I got a call from one of our reporters that she needed a tape for her camera at a basketball game she was shooting. I told Heather, I was going to drop one off and then head home to pick her up for the benefit. While I was there I met up with the kids, who were all beyond excited to get this show on the road. Now to get her there. I called Heather and told her our reporter had a minor "wardrobe malfunction" and we needed Heather to bring a long coat over so no one would see. That didn't happen, but Heather didn't know that.
When she showed up to the school with her long coat, I had a custodian ask her if she was lost. He was a great actor too. Then he showed her in. The small horn section started, the choir popped out of the seats to start singing, the curtains on the main stage opened to reveal the whole band (with a sign that read, "SAY YES"), the color guard and cheerleaders came out and the floral students dropped flowers all around Heather. I also arranged for members of her family and mine, as well as some friends to be there to watch. I dropped to my knee and asked the question. She said yes, and the band then changed the sign to say "WOO HOO" and they played "All I Do is Win." And you can see it all right here: [button url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIjBAbpvqdw"]Watch Video![/button]
What do you love most about one another? Heather is my partner in every way. She is supportive, beautiful, understanding and makes me feel loved even in those moments where you don't particularly feel like you want to be loved. She's the only person in the world I want to tell something to first. And most of all we can be goofy together. Because, I'm a bit of a goofball. Okay, more than a bit.
Nate is just amazing. He is my best friend and I can talk to him about anything. He has a great smile and sense of humor. He's ambitious, outgoing, friendly, funny, goofy, very smart, caring, and the list goes on. I know he would do anything for me and that is a great feeling.
What is the inspiration for your wedding? Bright, sophisticated, romantic
What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day? Heather : Seeing Nate for the first time. I am also so excited to spend time with my family and friends that don't live nearby. I just want to soak up the whole day and savor every minute because I know it goes by so fast!
Nate : Besides saying I do, the reception with all our family and friends.
Give us three tips on planning a wedding from out of state. 1. Have a lot of online photos to share of things you like. You end up doing a lot via email and it helps a lot. 2. Occasionally, I make trips home to meet with vendors. Most wedding vendors have tight schedules so I try to schedule with them well in advance as I usually only have 1-2 days for meetings. 3. Accept help. My mom searched for venues for me before I could come home to look. Initially, I wanted to do it all myself, but her help saved several days that I would have spent looking for a venue.
Why did you chose Ira & Lucy Vintage Rentals & Styling to be part of your special day? I chose Ira & Lucy for many reasons. Heidi was great to work with, she totally put my mom and I at ease. I LOVED that she shared my enthusiasm about my wedding. It is so fun when other people are excited about your wedding and planning. I loved that they kept up with my pinterest boards and even shared things they thought I would like. It has just been a great experience and I will recommend them to everyone!
Cake or Dessert Bar? Both? Cake
[pullquote width=300 float=left] I think the most important detail is all the little details. The little details make your wedding personal to you as a couple.[/pullquote]
What's the most important detail for you both? Nate : The most important detail is that Heather feels that it's the special day she's been dreaming.
Heather : I think the most important detail is all the little details. The little details make your wedding personal to you as a couple.
What do you both envision in your first year as newlyweds? Having lots of fun and enjoying our new life together! Maybe we'll squeeze in starting a family ;)
A BIG thank you to MLittlePhotography for the stunning e-session pics!