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Monica & Nick met while playing kickball in Lexington, Kentucky, for a recreation league in the spring of 2021. She was the loud, obnoxious one on the losing team. He was the more reserved one on the winning team. After each game, the league hosted a happy hour at a specific bar. After a random match, Nick introduced himself. They started dating, and that fall, she moved to Louisville for her job. When her parents visited that Christmas, they took them to Maker’s Mark distillery. The whole property was beautifully decorated for the holidays.
A year later, Nick remembered how beautiful the property was. Kentucky had become their home as a couple, so he planned to propose. He had his mom text the family, saying they were going to Maker’s for his dad’s birthday. She asked if they were available on December 4th. This was genius because she was the planner and kept their activity calendar. She fully believed it was all his mom’s idea! She even had Nick and herself buy his dad a bottle of bourbon. They dipped the bottle ‘for his birthday’ at the end of the tour.
Before they left, his grandma suggested they get some family photos. When they took a picture of them, Nick knelt down and popped the question! She was so surprised she just started yelling, ‘Wow!’ ‘Oh my gosh!’ ‘Yes!’ ‘I had no idea!’ ‘Ah!’
The funny part is when Nick asked her dad for his blessing, he mentioned proposing at Maker’s Mark. She then did the weekend news; her parents watched it every morning. That morning, she mentioned she was glad the sun would be out because she had plans to go to Maker’s Mark. Her dad knew she was getting engaged that afternoon because she mentioned it that morning.
Planning a destination wedding was tough, but it was worth it to marry my love by the ocean, surrounded by family, friends, and God. Monica and Nick flew from Louisville to Cancun on Southwest, getting special treatment from the flight crew on Valentine’s Day.
Welcome bags were prepared at the resort, and a white party was hosted. Thursday included a snorkel trip and welcome bag pick-up at the resort bar. After a slow start, Friday included pool time and blowouts for the welcome party. The dinner at the Starlight Terrace featured tacos, a welcome speech, and a live saxophonist as the sunset.
Nick packed his wedding day bag Saturday morning and said, “See you soon!” Despite a bridesmaid falling ill, Monica’s hairstylist mom created a memorable moment doing her hair. They wrote private love letters instead of public vows, and both teared up reading them.
The ceremony had a few slip-ups but was memorable. Afterward, they nailed the dip and kiss and took photos while guests enjoyed the cocktail hour. Their entrance song was Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.” Monica wore white cowgirl boots for their first dance to “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis. Her dad chose “This Dance” by Scott Thomas Laughridge for their dance, leaving no dry eyes.
The buffet-style dinner was followed by speeches. Dark clouds threatened rain, but they cleared up, and the party began with shots, country two-stepping, and line dancing. Monica changed outfits to dance more freely. The night ended with everyone singing their favorite songs and a final drink at the after-party. The maid of honor and the resort decorated their room, capping off an incredible wedding week.
I just had my first wedding gown appointment at Bridal & Formal, and it was amazing! The fitting rooms were big and lovely, and the staff were friendly. Plus, we got to bring our own champagne! Jean helped me find the perfect dress and veil and was intuitive about what I’d like. I chose the dress she picked out for me, and she made me feel like a beautiful bride inside and out. It was such a wonderful experience overall!
Wedding Location – Hard Rock Riviera Maya, Mexico
Ceremony Location – San Charbel Chapel
Reception Location – Ocean Terrace
Bridal Gown – Maggie Sottero, Pia
Bridal Veil – Bel Aire Bridal, style V7654
Photographer – Luis Tovilla Photo
Makeup – Styling Trio
DJ – Mills James
Florist – Tulipana
