Abby & Jared || Forest Hills Country Club

My husband and my brother were best friends in Fort Wayne. My brother introduced me to Jared because he thought we would get along… boy was he right! We met and became perfect friends. We stayed friends until, one day, he asked me on a date. We instantly clicked and started dating!
We chatted about our future together and knew we would marry one day. Jared had one goal, to surprise me when he proposed. On the other hand, I am tough to surprise because I like to know what’s happening at all times. So, this led to the biggest trick of my life. One day Jared decides to pay for me to get my hair and nails done. Any girl can already start to speculate that something big will happen. My family is all in on the trick, so they make me believe that he was going to propose that night at dinner. I was beyond excited!
We went to dinner, and he would poke fun at a question he had to ask me. Nevertheless, I went home that night still not engaged. The following day I went to work; Jared had to leave town for the weekend for a hockey tournament! I clocked out and went home to my family. They wanted to go out to eat at my favorite restaurant. I wanted to take a nap, but I went out instead. We arrived at the restaurant and sat down for dinner. After a bit of conversation, the room went silent, and I looked up to see cameras filming me. I turn around, and Jared is at the doorway with a ring box. He kneels down on one knee and asks me to spend the rest of his life with him. I very sweetly replied, “wait, what are you doing in town??” he replied, “is that a yes?”…. and the rest is history!

My wedding day was a dream come true! We started the day by getting our hair and make- up done at Sheer Happiness Salon. Haley and Sierra had a lovely breakfast with muffins, fruits, coffee, and juice! As everyone was getting all dolled up, my bridal party presented me with a scrapbook of my bachelorette party in Los Angeles, California. We reminisced on all our fun memories of fancy dinners, spas, and strolling along the Hollywood Walk of Fame! We gathered all our things and headed out to St. Gabriel Catholic Church. Jared and I had decided to do all of our family pictures and first look before the ceremony.
All the family gathered around as I walked out to my father for his first look. We shared a hug, and then they lined Jared up next! My soon-to-be husband turned around with the biggest smile I had ever seen. Everyone clapped as we walked down the steps to shoot more pictures. The church began to fill up as the time grew closer for Jared and me to walk down the aisle. The procession started, and all was running smoothly until it was time for the flower girl to take her turn. She needed just a bit of motivation to run down and stop just short of her mark because she spotted her family. My father walked me down the aisle and whispered his words of wisdom, “You look great, smile, and don’t trip!” The ceremony continued with beautiful teaching and music. We exchanged rings and spoke our vows. The priest motioned for us to turn to face the congregation, but there was a bit of miscommunication.
Jared and I started to go in for the big kiss, and we here “NOOO.” We were too eager to share our first kiss as husband and wife! We all laughed and then shared our first kiss, on cue this time! We walked out of the church to our getaway car, a bright red Dodge Charger wide-body. My dress barely fit in the vehicle, and we were off to Forest Hills Country Club for our reception. We arrived and walked in with our wedding party! We couldn’t wait to eat the delicious food we had picked out. My cousin said a very touching prayer, and then we served the food. After some eating and mingling, we were called up for our first dance. Jared and I had a surprise for all of our guests! For many months before our wedding, we had practiced a choreographed dance secretly to perform as our first dance. We danced to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and WOW, did we surprise everyone! It was so much fun! Jared and his mother then shared a dance to “My Wish.” My father and I danced to my “Sunrise Sunset,” sung by my 91-year-old grandfather and aunt. It was a beautiful moment shared by all. Speeches were next, which made us laugh till we cried and everything in between. Once I tossed the bouquet and cut our cake, we danced the night away with all our friends and family. It was indeed a day to remember!

I arrived at Bridal & Formal to find my perfect wedding dress. I brought my mom, sister, and bridesmaids to share the experience. When it was my turn to look at dresses, we were greeted by a sweet girl who told me to pick some off the rack to get me started. To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. My friends and family jumped in, gathering all kinds of styles for me to try on. I walked out in my first gown, and although it was beautiful, it was not my dress. A couple more were passed down for me to try, but they also were not suitable for me. My excellent sales associate, Reagan, said she had the perfect one for me to try on. I put it on and instantly knew this was my dress! I walked out, and everyone gasped because we all knew this was perfect! I was thrilled with my experience at the store; everyone who helped me out was great to work with!
My sales consultant was absolutely fantastic! Reagan listened to what I was looking for and 100% delivered. Reagan is the one who found my dress, and I am so grateful to have her for my appointment.

Wedding Location – Richmond, IN
Ceremony Location – St. Gabriel Catholic Church
Reception Location – Forest Hills Country Club
Bridal Gown – Maggie Sottero, style Yuri
Bridal Veil – Bel Aire Bridal style V7383
Photographer – Abbe Pflum Photography
Wedding Planning & Events – All You Need Events
Cakes – Lisa’s Cakes
Flowers – Connersville Florist
Hair and Make-up – Shear Happiness Salon