T&A | Lawrence Kansas Fall Wedding | Arterra Event Gallery

December 5, 2018

Photos from Tommy and Alisa’s fall wedding in Lawrence, Kansas at Arterra Event Gallery by Lawrence Kansas Wedding Photographer Jerry Wang Photography.

Title | Our Story

Tell us how you first met? Who what when where why? Give us the dirty details.

We met at KU sophomore year at a mutual friend’s Tacky Sweater Party. Tommy went high school with Alisa’s friend turned sister-in-law, Laura. Laura invited Tommy over to the sweater party because he lived in the same complex as the guy hosting it. We had a brief encounter that involved some small chit-chat, but nothing really came about from it. We then ran into each other at another party, this time Tommy was much more forward. He had been competing for Alisa’s attention all night against his roommate. Tommy’s persistence prevailed, and he got Alisa’s phone number (primarily because he asked for it first). Some texts were exchanged and a couple more encounters at different parties happened, but nothing really moved forward until the following Christmas (Junior year). Tommy had invited Alisa to his Christmas party (via Facebook of course). Alisa had nothing else going on that night, so she went to his party with her roommate. This time around there was more of a connection. It led to texting over New Years while they were in other states, to a Jimmy John’s first date, to a much fancier Valentine’s date. Fast forward nearly 9 years later and here we are.

When did you know he / she was the one? Was there something he / she did?

Bride’s response: It is tough for me to pinpoint an exact moment. Over the course of our relationship Tommy transformed from a fling/crush to my best friend and person I trust the most to someone I couldn’t even imagine what my life would be like without him. He has seen me at my highs and my lows and still has stuck around.

Groom’s response: I don’t have an exact moment – but we’ve grown closer every year that we’ve been together. I couldn’t imagine my life without her.

What is the most memorable date you’ve ever had?

We’ve had a couple dates that come to my mind quickly –

The date we had our first Valentine’s day together: Italian food and Avatar in 3D
Our dinner date in the Swiss alps: I had been in Switzerland for study abroad and Alisa came to visit. We went to the Swiss Alps for a couple days. We went out to dinner one night wanting fondue, and were both disappointed because you had to order it 24 hours in advance! Views were great though.
Our date at Perry’s Steakhouse after I proposed: That was a fun dinner because we were so happy to be together. My only mistake was I should have reserved a better table! Afterward we invited our friends over to our backyard and celebrated with a nice bottle of Champagne.

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?)

Proposal happened on: 11/18/2017

Bride’s perspective: I was trying to be optimistic that it would happen, but I wasn’t convinced. By this point, we would have been coming up on 8 years of dating and we were about to head to the 3^rd major Thanksgiving Tommy would attend with my family (We do it every other year). Tommy knew that for his sake, he should probably try to get it done before facing my family. Tommy got sent on a business trip to Asia 2 weeks before we left for Thanksgiving. He got back late the Friday before Thanksgiving and we were leaving Monday morning. At this point, I thought that if it were to have happened before Thanksgiving, then it would have happened one of the weekends he was gone and now the chances of it happening were ruined. There was no way he was going to have enough time to pull off a proposal before we left. I was already planning out how I was going to answer all of the “When are you guys getting married?”, “Why aren’t you engaged yet?” questions when we saw my family. That Saturday morning, Tommy had asked if I wanted to go out on a date. I had assumed that it was because he had been gone for two weeks. A few hours before dinner, I had asked Tommy where we are going and he said “Perry’s” (which is a fancy steakhouse). My first thought was “Oh great, now I am going to have to put effort into how I look…” While I was getting ready, Tommy was acting a little weird and squirmy. I didn’t think too much of it because it’s not unusual for him to act like that. We were getting ready to leave and he had turned on the string lights on our back patio. He grabbed my hand and got down on one knee. This is the part that we still disagree about—From what I remembered, he said “I know you have been waiting a long time for this, will you marry me?” In his version he will claim that he said WAY more than that… If he did, then I must have blacked it out because I was in shock.

Groom’s Perspective: I knew that Alisa would want a proposal that was a moment that was just ours to share (not huge, and not in public). I wanted it to be somewhere that we would always remember. I decided that I would propose in our backyard. We had recently purchased the house a few months earlier, and I thought proposing in the backyard would transform our first house to our first home together. I wanted it to be a surprise, so I waited until I had been gone on a business trip and could ask her out on a date without it seeming too suspicious (also gave me time to get the ring together without having to sneak around).

The night I proposed, I was really nervous, but I knew that she would say yes. I had asked if she wanted to go out to a nice dinner. I made reservations, and told her we were having dinner a half hour before.

I asked her if she was ready to go and she said something along the lines “yeah let’s go I’m getting hangry”, and I thought to myself “oh great.” As we were walking to the car (detached garage) I proposed in the backyard. It was a great moment!

Tell us the one thing you love most about each other.

Bride’s Response: His ability to make me laugh. Although he can be weird at times, he always does what he can to make me laugh, especially when I need it. Even on days where I’m more snappy/stressed because of work, he still attempts to make me laugh. Regardless of how my response might be, he still tries. Plus, he is good at Excel, which has come in handy on multiple occasions.

Groom’s Response: Alisa is amazing! One of the many things I love about her is how caring she is. Alisa cares so much for people (and animals!) and has a deep connection to how people are feeling. I’m more of the calculated, practical, and planning person, while Alisa keeps me grounded.

If you feel comfortable, share with us something silly or quirky the other person does

Bride’s response: There are too many to choose from 🙂

Groom’s Response: There’s a couple rules that are easy to follow that are keys to keeping Alisa happy:

Don’t let her get hangry
Allow time for naps

Describe the theme or décor for your wedding.

We’ve been told that it is “Rustic Modernism”. The color palate is light blush, dusty rose, mauve, and burgundy. There is a lot of greenery that will be incorporated in the floral arrangements and along with metallic accents (primarily rose gold/copper).

Vendors:

Photography | Jerry Wang Photography

Hair & Makeup | &blowdry

Transportation |– Affordable Limo Services (exit only)

Ring | Bride’s engagement ring: Blue Nile

Florist | Owen’s Flower Shop

Ceremony Venue | Arterra

Reception Venue | Arterra

DJ / Entertainment | DJ Mike Myers (Arterra’s house DJ)

Catering | Arterra

Cake | Cami’s Cake Co.

Dress Designer | Emily Hart Bridal—custom dress