Photos from Ali and Brian’s Kansas City summer wedding at Hobbs Building by Kansas City Wedding Photographer Jerry Wang Photography.
Tell us how you first met? Who what when where why? Give us the dirty details.
Brian and I met on Halloween, at Merchants Pub in Lawrence. I was dressed up as a ballerina, but Brian just thought I was in my normal going out clothes…even though I had a huge pink bow in my hair. He did not participate in the holiday that year. I saw him from across the bar and mentioned to my brother in law how I thought he was cute. Sean went over and mentioned that to Brian and he came over to our table. As soon as Brian put on my sisters Eva wig (from Wall-e and Eva) I knew this was a good guy.
So, the other side to the story would be that I was reluctantly dragged out that evening by my buddy Chris. After dinner I agreed to go to Merchants for just a drink while he waited to meet a girl. I noticed Ali when I walked in—her striking eyes to be specific, perhaps why I didn’t notice or think much of the pink bow, as she correctly points out above. However, being a shyer guy and still wanting to head home, I let my notice of her pass. When Sean came over with a mutual friend of ours and mentioned to me that his sister-in-law thought I was cute my first thought was that it was some kind of joke or he was messing with me. But when I asked who is sister-in-law was and he pointed to Ali, I decided I could hang around for another drink. As they say, the rest is history and Ali has continued to charm me every day since.
When did you know he / she was the one? Was there something he / she did?
It didn’t take very long for me to know Brian was the one. About one month after we met, my cat Henry got super sick. It was really overwhelming and I didn’t really know what to do with the little guy, but Brian stayed in Kansas City with me and made sure we got Henry to a vet and then to the emergency pet hospital. When I was still upset the following Monday, because Henry wasn’t able to come home yet, Brian stayed again with me in Kansas City. And he came with me Tuesday to pick Henry up. A lot of people don’t like cats; they get a bad rep…but Brian, who was not a cat guy, stepping in without hesitation because he know it was important to me.
Oddly enough it centers on this Henry Cat story for me as well. However, for me it was the thoughtfulness Ali showed in appreciation for helping her with Henry. I actually don’t know how much help I really provided, but she went out and bought me a thank-you card and present. Actually, she will tell you Henry bought me the card and present, nothing big, but so thoughtful.
What is the most memorable date you’ve ever had?
For me, the most memorable date we had was our first one. My classroom pet, a beta fish, had died and Brian offered to take me fish shopping. He helped me pick out a fish that looked just like the fish that had passed away, so I wouldn’t have to explain to 20 five year olds what happened to Elsa. After fish shopping we went to dinner. Brian capitalized on the death of a fish for a really creative first date, and he got a lot of props for that!
It would be the same for me, and man was I glad that fish died. I knew I wanted to ask her out, but I needed something to break the ice, alleviate some of the pressure I was putting on myself not to blow it with this girl.
Tell us about the proposal (did you see it coming, how long was it in the planning? How did you feel? Nervous, excited, freaking out?)
The proposal happened on a trip to Mexico we took last spring. It was the second morning that we were there. I woke up to a ring on the pillow next to me and Brian saying a lot of super sweet things about spending the rest of our life together. Eventually, after the ring was on my finger, he asked me to marry him. Needless to say, I was super excited – I had no idea it was going to happen.
Ali sums it up pretty well, but I will add that I was pretty nervous. I decided to do it in the morning to not give those nerves a chance to build throughout the day.
Tell us the one thing you love most about each other.
It is hard to pick just one, but the thing I think that I love most about Brian is how much we laugh around each other – and it has always been that way. He makes me laugh all the time; he laughs with me all the time and occasionally, in a nice way, he laughs at me. This past year hasn’t always been easy, having a baby is pretty stressful, but even in the most stressful of times, Brian was able to me me laugh, even if was just for a second or two, to lighten up a situation. I’m pretty sure that I read somewhere that one key to a good day is laughing at least once, and I can safely say that since I’ve had Brian in my life, a day hasn’t gone by where I haven’t laughed.
It’s hard for me as well to whittle it down to one quality I love most, but I think it’s the same thing that made me fall in love with Ali in the first place: her ability to surprise me with unexpected moments of thoughtfulness. It’s in these moments when I love Ali the most, when I feel like my usual “I love you” response doesn’t quite seem to adequately express the way I feel.
Describe the theme or décor for your wedding.
Our wedding décor is classic. We are doing a black and white color scheme with hints of gold and green. The evening should have a romantic, whimsical feel to it.
Vendor List.
Photography | Jerry Wang Photography
Florist | Blue Bouquet
Ceremony Venue | The Hobbs Building
Reception Venue | The Hobbs Building
DJ / Entertainment | KC Flo
Catering | Feasts of Fancy
Cake | Cami’s Cakes
Dress Designer | Sarah Seven
Dress Salon | Altar Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses | Show Me Your Mumu
Groom and Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux
Wedding Planner / Coordinator | Vicki Conkright
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