Location: Columbus, Indiana, USA
Setting: Hotel garden
The number of guests: 90
How long did the couple plan the event: 15 months
Wedding theme/style: Classic, Romantic, Minimal.
Alexandra Friend and KJ McCarter’s love story is a beautiful testament to the power of love, resilience, and the significance of cherishing every moment. Their journey began in the charming town of Columbus, Indiana, where they grew up. It was during one Thanksgiving break when Alex, a junior at Indiana University, and KJ, a sophomore, found themselves at the same gathering, thanks to a mutual friend’s invitation. As the night unfolded, they ended up sitting alone, engaged in deep and meaningful conversations that stretched into the early morning hours.
Their connection was undeniable, and they embarked on a whirlwind romance, going on as many dates as possible before life led Alex to a study abroad program in Budapest just a month later. Their love transcended borders and time zones as they talked every day during the five months Alex spent in Europe. Their love grew stronger, and they tackled distance challenges during various phases of their lives, including internships in Chicago and KJ’s senior year in college.
During the spring of 2021, they received life-altering news. KJ’s father, Fred, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. The diagnosis was a devastating blow, but it served as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of seizing every moment.
Before the diagnosis, Alex and KJ had often discussed marriage but planned to wait until their late twenties to afford the wedding and honeymoon of their dreams. However, the news of KJ’s father’s illness changed their perspective entirely.
They realized 24 was the perfect age to get engaged and married because they wanted KJ’s father to celebrate with them on their special day. With the support of their generous parents, they decided to move forward with their wedding plans.
Eleven months later, KJ’s father witnessed the love between Alexandra and KJ as they walked down the aisle and danced the night away, surrounded by friends and family, in front of a live wedding band. It was a day filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories. Their wedding day became a poignant celebration, and KJ’s father’s presence made it even more special.
Tragically, just two months after their wedding, KJ’s father passed away. Though their hearts were heavy with grief, they were profoundly grateful to have had him by their side on the happiest day of their lives. Their love story is a testament to the enduring power of love and the belief that, in the face of adversity, love and family can provide strength and solace. Alexandra and KJ’s journey reminds us to cherish the moments we have, to love unconditionally, and to be grateful for the presence of loved ones on our most special days.
Alexandra’s wedding radiated timeless elegance, with attention to every detail. They chose Reis Nichols for their rings, adding sophistication to their commitment. Her Christian Louboutin shoes added luxury and style to her bridal attire.
Shine Wedding Invitations set the tone for the day with their elegance. Adding a sentimental touch, Alexandra wore her mother’s pearl and ruby bracelet, a treasured heirloom that had graced her mother’s wedding day. The bracelet carried cherished memories, weaving their past into their special day.
The bride’s ultimate elegance was showcased through her exquisite dress from Ultimate Bride Chicago. Twisted Sisters Salon created an intricate hairstyle that enhanced her overall grace, and Ova Beauty‘s makeup accentuated her natural beauty. She radiated beauty like a blooming flower at the sight of KJ.
KJ’s attire was chosen with care, and he opted for an elegant look from Men’s Wearhouse, ensuring he looked dashing and sophisticated on their special day.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen looked stunning in their sky blue dresses and sharp black suits, adding to the overall elegance of the wedding party.
The ceremony unfolded at the charming and age-old First Presbyterian Church in their hometown.
This venerable church, deeply rooted in their community, held a special place in their hearts as it was not only a place of worship but also where they first crossed paths. It added a touch of nostalgia and meaning to their wedding, as it was the same town they had grown up in and the very spot where their love story began.
Surrounded by their loved ones, Alexandra and KJ were filled with happiness as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives. The presence of their family and friends made the day even more special, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime.
Their parents’ joy and support added a profound significance to the occasion, making it the happiest day of their lives. It was a moment when love, togetherness, and shared happiness underscored the importance of their union.
During the spring of 2021, they received life-altering news. KJ’s father, Fred, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. The diagnosis was a devastating blow, but it served as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of seizing every moment.
Before the diagnosis, Alex and KJ had often discussed marriage but planned to wait until their late twenties to afford the wedding and honeymoon of their dreams. However, the news of KJ’s father’s illness changed their perspective entirely.
They realized 24 was the perfect age to get engaged and married because they wanted KJ’s father to celebrate with them on their special day. With the support of their generous parents, they decided to move forward with their wedding plans.
Eleven months later, KJ’s father witnessed the love between Alexandra and KJ as they walked down the aisle and danced the night away, surrounded by friends and family, in front of a live wedding band. It was a day filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories. Their wedding day became a poignant celebration, and KJ’s father’s presence made it even more special.
Like many brides, as soon as Alex got engaged, her Pinterest boards came to life with inspiration. She was drawn to the classic and romantic minimalism of garden weddings in Lake Como, Italy. Her goal was to infuse these elements into their small hometown in Indiana, and they found the perfect canvas for their vision at The Inn at Irwin Gardens. This enchanting venue’s natural beauty made it the clear choice, as it effortlessly embodied the romantic and timeless ambiance they desired, requiring minimal decor to achieve the look they had dreamed of.
Their wedding day was expertly coordinated by Ivory & Lace Weddings, and the florist, Pomp & Bloom, transformed the reception into a breathtaking masterpiece. The abundance of white flowers created a gorgeous atmosphere, and the coordinator’s exceptional work ensured that every detail was flawlessly executed.
The wedding cake, courtesy of Icing on The Cake, was a true masterpiece. It not only looked incredibly elegant but also delighted the taste buds of all the guests. It served as the sweet, delectable centerpiece of their celebration, adding the perfect finishing touch to their special day.
Their first dance was a beautiful and pure moment, filled with love and sincerity. As they held each other close and moved to the music, it was a testament to the depth of their connection and the promise of a lifelong journey together. The dance encapsulated the purity of their love, creating a magical and unforgettable memory on their special day.
The moment between Alex and her father during their first dance was a poignant and heartfelt. As they swayed to the music, there was an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude that filled the room. It was a cherished moment representing a beautiful bond between father and daughter, signifying the transition into a new chapter of Alex’s life.
Likewise, the first dance between KJ and his mother was equally touching. As they moved gracefully across the dance floor, it was a moment that encapsulated the deep love and connection between a mother and her son. Their dance symbolized the enduring support and care a mother provides, and it was a heartfelt tribute to the significance of family on this special day.
While they cherished the presence of friends and family, they also wanted some precious moments just for themselves on their special day. Throughout the evening, they had scheduled pockets of time to be alone together, such as cutting their wedding cake without a formal announcement and enjoying a sweetheart table during dinner.
One of their favorite aspects of the wedding day was what came after the reception. They retreated inside The Inn, indulging in a few more slices of wedding cake, before heading to their hometown dive bars down the street. There, they reunited with friends and family, extending the celebration into the night, making it a day filled with not only love but also cherished memories.
The moment between Alex and her father during their first dance was a poignant and heartfelt. As they swayed to the music, there was an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude that filled the room. It was a cherished moment representing a beautiful bond between father and daughter, signifying the transition into a new chapter of Alex’s life.
Likewise, the first dance between KJ and his mother was equally touching. As they moved gracefully across the dance floor, it was a moment that encapsulated the deep love and connection between a mother and her son. Their dance symbolized the enduring support and care a mother provides, and it was a heartfelt tribute to the significance of family on this special day.
Advice from the couple:
• Our most significant piece of advice is to hire vendors who seem trustworthy, make you feel comfortable, and who you would want to hang out with on your wedding day. This is especially true of your photographers/videographers, as they’re right there with you for each of the most important moments of the day. Luckily, our photographers/videographers, Adam and Becca Photography, were extremely talented and brought the best energy to our day.
PHOTO, VIDEO & PHOTO BOOTH Adam & Becca | COORDINATOR Ivory & Lace Wedding | VENUE Ceremony: First Presbyterian Church, Reception: The Inn at Irwin Gardens | MUA Ova Beauty Bar | HAIR Twisted Sisters Salon | FLORIST Pomp & Bloom | INVITATIONS Shine Wedding Invitations | CATERING Jeanette Molina | BAKERY Icing on The Cake | DJ/BAND Blue Water Kings Band | BRIDE & BRIDESMAID DRESSES Ultimate Bride Chicago | GROOM & GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Men’s Wearhouse | RINGS Reis Nichols | SHOES Christian Louboutin
