Kyle & I both love the Smoky Mountains. We knew we didn’t want a traditional wedding because we didn’t want to spend too much money. Both of our parents eloped and we decided that was what we felt we wanted to do even though we upset our parents. We invited two of our best friends, Mike & Samantha. It honestly wouldn’t have been the same without them.
My mom & sister helped make the bouquets for myself and my maid of honor. It was a way to help include family since they weren’t attending. I knew from before we even got engaged that regardless of having a traditional wedding or getting eloped I wanted a wedding dress. I don’t like attention, to dance, or cake. Therefore I know I didn’t want the traditional wedding, I just wanted the dress & pictures. I invited my mom, sister, and best friend to go dress shopping with me, and although I had other dresses in mind I ended up buying one I never thought I’d wear. For Kyle, we decided he needed a tux since I had a dress. We were very picky, or maybe just Kyle. But either way we found the perfect one at JC Penny for a good price.
Kyle says he has known me since I first worked at Taco Bell. I have known him through mutual friends. I used to tell my best friend, “Kyle would be a great guy to marry.” Crazy to think that actually happened. We started dating in December 2015, and I knew right away I didn’t want to be with anyone else. We both love to hike and be outdoors, so of course he proposed to me while we were hiking at HaHa Tonka near Lake of the Ozarks, MO. I think the most anticipated moment was finally just saying “I do” to one another. Finalizing our marriage and being able to spend forever together and taking his last name. Even though we eloped I felt a little stressed, but I can’t imagine having a traditional wedding I’m sure it would have been worse. Do what makes you & your fiancé happy. Don’t try to please others. It’s your day and enjoy it the best you can.
