Tell Me Your Love Story--Nicole Kroll

Nicole met her husband Hannes while working as a nurse at a Massachusetts hospital. Hannes, originally from Berlin, was working on an internship there when his friends told him about a German speaking nurse working in the ICU he should meet. When he first approached her about going out on a date Nicole was a little nervous about dating someone from work, but now she’s glad that didn’t stop her from saying yes--she soon learned he was perfect for her.

Hannes was still very new to the area, and had to research restaurants and places to take Nicole on their first date. He picked her up and began driving to the restaurant, but since he didn’t know his way around quite yet it wasn’t too long before he realized they were lost. He didn’t mention this to Nicole though and simply continued driving, and Nicole was too engrossed in their conversation to notice that they were driving in circles--that is, until she realized they had just driven through the same toll road twice. Despite being two hours late to the restaurant, Nicole and Hannes had a great time that night, and they’ve been together ever since. Later, when Hannes learned he needed to relocate for a position at UVA, Nicole decided to move with him, and together they began their lives in Charlottesville.

In 2013, three years after they met, Hannes asked Nicole to marry him. It was near the holidays and they took a trip to Berlin to visit his family. Around the holidays there are Christmas markets throughout Germany, and they were walking and shopping at one when Nicole suspected something might be going on. She was enjoying browsing the market and wasn’t in a hurry to leave, but Hannes seemed nervous, and kept bringing up a reservation he had made and how they shouldn’t miss it. They were soon at the Reichstag (German Parliament) Building, which is known for its gorgeous roof terrace and glass dome ceiling. They had to walk through security in order to enter the building, and Hannes was nervous about getting through it without Nicole finding out about the engagement ring he had hidden in his pocket. He managed to keep it a secret however, and soon they were riding the elevator to the top floor. It was there, beneath the beautiful glass dome ceiling, that he got down on one knee and proposed--Nicole described it as the perfect moment.

Another perfect moment came about when Nicole visited our Charlottesville store a little less than a year before the wedding. Her mother was in town for a short visit, and they decided it would be a great opportunity to shop for wedding gowns together. Nicole tried on several gowns that she and her mother liked, but they knew her Casablanca Bridal gown was "the one" the moment she put it on. Once she tried on a cathedral length Laura Jayne veil with the gown the tears started flowing, and Nicole said yes to the dress. She was so happy that she not only found her dream dress, but also that her mother was there to take part in the experience.

Nicole and Hannes got married this summer in a lovely ceremony and reception that integrated many German traditions, including a log cutting ceremony, which represents the first obstacle a couple must overcome as newlyweds. The log they received turned out to be much, much bigger than expected, and their guests were very much amused as they watched the couple attempt to cut through the it. They also played a game where the bride is blindfolded then touches the legs of several men in an attempt to identify which one of them is their husband. The happy couple and their guests had an amazing night of fun and laughter, and Nicole says the wedding was everything she had hoped it would be. We here at Sealed With A Kiss wish them both the very best!

Vendor Spotlight- First Look Hair and Makeup Artistry

I first met Amy and Laura when they approached us about teaming up for a styled shoot back in January, and from the start it was easy to see that their connection goes beyond just finishing each other’s sentences. During the planning for a styled shoot it usually takes quite a bit of time for all the vendors to decide which dress best suits the style they’re going for, and when multiple people are involved in the planning it can be hard for everyone to be on the same page, but that wasn’t the case with these ladies. As we discussed dress options and sorted out the details for the shoot, they seemed to know exactly what the other was thinking, and easily put together a complete look --and the shoot turned out amazing (you can take a look at the photos from the shoot here: http://www.firstlookartistry.com/blog/bridal-shoot-at-veritas-winery). I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to work with them, and I was amazed at how in tune with one another they were.

That’s why the first thing I wanted to know when we got together for this interview was how they found each other. It turns out Amy and Laura were both raised here in Charlottesville and have been inseparable since they met during high school-- they’ve been best friends for about ten years! It’s not everyday you meet a pair of long time best friends who are also amazing business partners. Though they always seem to be on the same wavelength, Amy and Laura insist they’re quite different personality wise, and they believe that’s the key to their friendship--they balance each other out perfectly.  

When I asked how their business came about Amy said she was always in love with cosmetology and fashion, and so she knew her career would revolve around that. When the opportunity presented itself she jumped at the chance to study at the Aveda Institute of Atlanta, and after doing some work in the industry realized how much she absolutely loved styling. Laura, though she always loved makeup and beauty trends, didn’t realize how passionate she was about it until a bit later. Eventually the two of them decided to team up and start a business on their own, and First Look was born.

It's no surprise that business has really taken off for Amy and Laura, and while they say it can be overwhelming at times, they are too busy having fun to let it get them. They love working with brides to create their ideal wedding day look, and they’ve developed a friendship with many of their clients. I asked what they love most about what they do, and they said nothing beats that moment when when they’re done doing hair and makeup for the bride and her bridesmaids and they realize how beautiful and happy everyone looks. They feel like they’ve done their job when the girls look in the mirror and feel really good about themselves, and they believe every bride should have that feeling on her wedding day.

Learn more about how awesome Amy and Laura are by checking out their site- http://www.firstlookartistry.com/.

Tell Me Your Love Story - Alex Wood

Sometimes true love may be hiding right under your nose, in the case of SWAK bride, Alex, it was hiding right down the street.  Alex and Trevor were both raised in the Charlottesville area.  Their parents lived only five minutes apart from each other but they never crossed paths.  It wasn’t until after graduating from college that the two would finally meet.  And how did their paths finally cross?  At a friendly game of Putt-Putt with friends of course.  One of their first dates involved playing a gig together, she on the mic and he on guitar, in Charlottesville behind Barracks Road.  Too cute, right?  After that they were inseparable and realized quickly that they would spend the rest of their lives together.

We often ask brides if the proposal was a total surprise or if they sensed it coming, and for Alex it was certainly out of the blue.  In fact, it was on the Blue Ridge for that matter (sorry, had to do it!).  Alex and Trevor often spent time at a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway called Big Spy Mountain, so it wasn’t uncommon for them to decide to spend the afternoon there.  Little did she know that he had planned a picturesque picnic proposal that included her family surprising her afterward.  On the way to Big Spy they stopped at the gas station, Sheetz, so she could order her favorite sandwich.  Sheetz has a made-to-order system and you can usually expect to wait about 5-10 minutes for your order to be complete.  Today wasn’t one of those days - they waited 53 minutes for her sandwich, yes, you heard me right, 53 MINUTES!  That has to be some kind of record.  Trevor is usually very calm and collected so she was slightly surprised at his antsy and short tempered demeanor in Sheetz - can’t blame the guy!  Finally her order was ready and they made their way to Big Spy.  Now, they have visited this lookout before and it’s usually totally empty, hence why he chose the spot to propose.  They arrive at the lookout surprised to see of a couple of hikers taking a rest.  At this point I’m sure Trevor is thinking something along the lines of “seriously, of all days”.  That didn’t stop him, he was determined to set this day right.  He proposed to Alex overlooking the beauty of the Blue Ridge.  She immediately burst into tears of joy not noticing the concerned hikers glaring at her.  Although she can’t remember actually saying “yes” her excitement more than made up for it.  A few moments later the hikers walked by and made a sarcastic comment along the lines of “well, you all look like you’re having a great time...”, not realizing that she was crying happy tears.  She laughed at how awkward it all actually was, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.  She was so overjoyed and excited to be engaged to the love of her life.

Alex found her gown well in advance so we were lucky to share quite a bit of time with her and her family.  I remember the day she said yes to her dress, surrounded by her family.  We all knew it was the one and agreed it was going to be so perfect for her vineyard wedding at Pippin Hill.  And that it was.  Alex and Trevor were married at Pippin Hill in June.  It was everything and more by looking at the photos.  Thank you again, Alex, for being so wonderful and easy going.  We wish you both the best in marriage and life!

Tell Me Your Love Story - Amanda Smith

It isn’t often that you marry a guy you don’t like. But this didn’t stop Amanda Smith from becoming Mrs. Micah LeMon. When Amanda first met Micah, she didn’t like him very much. Amanda had been working at the Blue Light Grill on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, when Micah started working there. Amanda said that Micah changed a lot when he came to the Blue Light Grill, and at first she didn’t like the changes or Micah, but she soon grew to admire him and his work ethic, realizing that he was a good guy.

They began flirting, which soon led to dating, and slowly her love for him grew strong. Amanda told a story of a big date Micah and her went on, where they visited three different watering holes, went on a hike, and then ended the day at McGrady’s Irish Pub, where they would later have their wedding reception. She decided that he was the smartest and sweetest guy she knew, which made her excited and a bit scared.

Amanda didn’t see the proposal coming. She knew Micah had planned a romantic date (of which she told a girlfriend about, who guessed Micah might propose), but it just wasn’t on Amanda’s radar.

The day of the special and romantic date arrived. Amanda and Micah had a tasting at Clifton Inn and then were having a nightcap. Out of nowhere, Micah dropped down on one knee and pulled out an engagement ring. Amanda was so stunned that she couldn’t process what was happening right away. When Micah saw Amanda’s face, he actually stood back up to make sure Amanda was alright and that nothing was wrong. Once Amanda finally registered what was happening, she began jumping around and asking if what was happening was real; she was so incredibly and unbelievably happy. Earlier, Micah had stashed a bottle of champagne outside, and once Amanda said yes he retrieved the bottle and he and Amanda toasted to their new life together.

When Amanda was asked how she found THE dress, she answered that she was looking for something lacy and Gatsby-esque. Our owner, Susan, then brought a particular dress from the Richmond store for Amanda to try. The dress had a separate lace overlay, and when she first caught her reflection in the mirror after putting the dress on, her first and immediate thought was, ‘Get this off of me.’ After a moment, Susan realized they had actually put the lace overlay on backwards, so they fixed it, and that’s when Amanda decided that the dress was perfect.

Amanda wanted her and Micah’s wedding to be a very relaxed and fun event, and she cleverly thought of a great way to achieve that in her wedding. The ceremony was held in her parents’ home. The guests were given burlap sacks filled with ponchos, koozies for drinks, and a fleece blanket with a lemon on it because of Micah’s last name, LeMon. As a replacement of chairs, the guests spread their blankets and sat on them during the ceremony. Guests hooted and hollered and whooped as Amanda walked down the aisle. The ceremony was followed by a reception at McGrady’s Irish Pub, as visited on their “big date.” Amanda said that the whole event was “pinch-yourself perfect.”

(We loved working with Amanda; she was very fun and easy to work with and knew what she was looking for when she walked into our store. Stay fun Amanda, and congratulations on your beautiful wedding, as well as your beautiful dress!)

Vendor Spotlight - Jenn Finazzo Photography

Photography has never been a question for the talented Jennifer Finazzo. “Photography has always been a love of mine,” says Jennifer. Like me, Jennifer knew her passion since middle school. While I was learning I had an aspiration to be a writer, Jennifer was falling in love with the world of photography. She said growing up she was spending all her money on film and the Ritz Camera store.

Jennifer always loved and was fascinated by photography, but it wasn’t until she attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, that she really began to fall in love with photography as an art. Jennifer loves that thrill of excitement from taking pictures; she loves the flood of graphic memories whenever she prints the pictures, and feels as if she is reliving the moment she took them. Finazzo started her business in Food and Restaurant photography, and was very successful with it. She believes that the photography is all about telling the story of the dish.

Though she still loves and has a deep passion for the Food and Restaurant photography business, Jennifer felt that she was being called to Charlottesville weddings. She created Jenn Finazzo Photography and has dedicated the past two years of her life to shooting weddings. She finds it rewarding capturing other people’s memories in picture frames that they can display and remember forever. When I asked what advice she would give to newly engaged couples, she said they should take lots of photos; she says to “snap a few shots every day,” and to print the favorites. “Also, don’t be so serious,” she adds; she wants you to have fun with each other. I don’t know if I could agree more with her wisdom.

I asked Jennifer about memorable stories or people that she’s experienced at her wedding shoots, and she fondly reminisced about a bride whose sister secretly wrapped the bride’s bouquet with their recently-passed grandmother’s blue and white embroidered handkerchief. Jennifer said that it was very special to experience and witness that beautiful gift. It's one of a kind moments like these that she loves to capture with her camera.

Aside from her photography business, Jennifer runs a restaurant owned by her family, Sal’s Caffe Italia. I’d say it takes some serious talent to be able to run both a photography business and a restaurant.

By: Hannah, Intern at Sealed With A Kiss

Tell Me Your Love Story--Kandie and John

It’s not everyday that a trip to the grocery store leads to a life-changing event. But one particular grocery trip changed everything for Kandie Stanton.  While perusing the store, she heard a voice call her name, as she turned around she was surprised to see a classmate from high school that she had not seen in over seven years.  They chatted for a while, stood in the checkout line together, finished their conversation and she went on her way.  But he wasn’t going to let her go that easy.  He asked the cashier if he should get her number - an obvious yes, a quick jog to the parking lot, a phone number later, and the rest is history.  

John and Kandie started dating shortly after their reconnection and about a year later she found herself realizing that he was going to be the man she would one day marry.  She loved how much alike they were.  Their minds and personalities blended perfectly and she knew it was meant to be. Just like their first interaction in the grocery store a year and a half earlier, the proposal caught her off guard.  They share birthdays a day apart from each other and to celebrate her birthday they planned to spend the evening relaxing and having dinner at a local restaurant.  After they finished their meals she got up to go to the restroom and came back to find the waitress awkwardly standing by their table.  She sat back down and John asked if she wanted anything for dessert.  She refused at first but he strongly insisted they have dessert.  A few minutes later the waitress brought the dessert to their table and Kandie eyed it with some confusion.  There was something in their dessert...and it looked like a piece of jewelry.  She insisted it must have been meant for someone else and tried to send it back.  Then she looked up to see him down on one knee, proposing.  They began planning a spring wedding which led to her “by chance” visit to our store.

While walking the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, Kandie noticed a dress in our window that caught her eye.   Though she loved it when she first tried it, she didn’t say yes just yet.  She tried it two more times before deciding it was the one.  She opted to add an additional foot of length to the train, and what a great decision that was!  When the dress arrived and Kandie put on her actual dress for the first time we were all in awe.  At her final fitting with her parents everyone was all smiles, it was perfect.  

Kandie was always so calm and collected at each of her appointments - often a rarity when you’re planning a wedding.  I asked her what advice she had for brides-to-be. She simply stated “take your time and enjoy the moment.  All that matters is that at the end of the day you’re married”.  Such a simple concept but so easy to forget while in the midst of planning a wedding.

Thank you again, Kandie, for sharing your love story with us!  We wish you and John many years of happiness!

Vendor Spotlight--Jazmin Alford of Anyvent!

Jazmin Alford

Smart, funny and passionate were the first words that came to mind when I first met Jazmin Alford a couple of months ago. She came into the store to help a client find her dream dress, and I knew right away that this woman absolutely loves what she does. She provided the bride support, understanding and a lot of laughter; it was probably some of the most fun I’ve ever had during a consultation. When we first started making out a list of vendors to interview for our blog, hers was one of the first names to come to mind.

Right away we found out we had a little more than our love for the wedding industry in common--we’re both originally big city girls (I hail from Los Angeles, while she’s a New Yorker), and we both said goodbye to our urban roots around two years ago. We agreed that the small town charm of Charlottesville was a welcome change after years of hustle and bustle in the city. When I asked what she loves the most about Charlottesville Jazmin said it’s the natural beauty--she loves seeing the mountains and hills through the open skyline, a sharp contrast to the skyscrapers she was once accustomed to. She also loves that everyone in Charlottesville is so friendly and welcoming--it didn’t take her long to feel like she was right at home.

While in NYC Jazmin worked for a property management company, and it was there that she realized how much she loved event planning. She found herself planning corporate and residential events, and loved every minute of it. Upon moving to Charlottesville she decided to give in to her passion for event planning and she started her own business, Anyvent. When I asked what it was like owning her own business, she said that it was a lot of pressure but that she wouldn’t have it any other way. She loves calling the shots, the relationships she builds with her clients and other vendors, and she’s having a lot of fun.

Jazmin gets to travel quite a bit, planning events around the midwest and east coast, but she’s starting to break a little further into the Charlottesville market and loves working with the wide array of venues and vendors. She offers both full service wedding planning and day of coordination, and she really can customize the event to be everything the bride dreams of. I asked her what a typical wedding day for her looks like, and she said that for an evening wedding her work starts at around 8am--she gets to the venue and makes sure the decor is just right, coordinates all of the other vendors, and makes sure the bridal party is exactly where they need to be throughout the day. She handles any last minute issues that come up on the wedding day so that the bride doesn’t have to--she told me about this one instance when she realized that the caterer didn’t provide napkins for a reception, so she had to come up with a solution at the last minute. In the end everything worked out great, and the bride had no idea there was ever a problem.

When I asked Jazmin what advice she has for brides-to-be, she said to get a planner to either help put together your whole event, or at least provide day-of-coordination. Couples often underestimate how helpful a planner can be, and especially don’t realize how much money getting a planner can save you in the long run with their connections to other vendors in the industry. After listening to Jazmin describe all the work she puts into planning a couple’s big day, I begin to see how having an event planner like her on your side is akin to having a fairy godmother plan your wedding for you--all your dreams really can come true!

Learn more about Jazmin and Anyvents by checking out her website at  www.anyvent4you.com.