One of our friends is a photographer and we’ve done photoshoots with her to build her portfolio. Mike had her ask me to do a photoshoot at a beach on the Jersey Shore. I thought nothing of it, happily going through the poses she was asking us to do. She instructed me to turn my back to Mike, then turn around and run at him when she said go. I turned around to find him on one knee. The photos show me realizing he was proposing and I treasure those photos. He planned a big dinner back at our house to celebrate with our immediate family.
Shortly after, we moved to Georgia where Mike began his Basic Officer Leadership Course. We had four days to find a venue and I spent every hour researching. The Westin Governor Morris had our date, a hotel to accommodate our out-of-town guests, and could comfortably seat up to 350 people. We went for a tour and the ballroom was alluring with glamorous chandeliers and a neutral color palette. We met Julie Olsen, senior catering manager, who became my go-to person. We clicked instantly and I was comfortable planning my wedding from afar, knowing she would be helping me. She made every effort to alleviate my stress. She was always prompt answering my emails, answered the phone for my urgent calls, and helped me fit various appointments in my two-day visits from Georgia. She was really flexible with my schedule and always easy to contact.
After being married at a local church, we headed to Washington’s Headquarters near The Westin to take photos, due to its military and historical significance, two very important themes in our lives. Arriving at The Westin, we went to the bridal suite to bustle my dress and freshen up, then went to enjoy our cocktail hour. It was on the Promenade outside the ballroom and had phenomenal food. We had a “Taste of New Jersey” station, a mouth-watering mac and cheese bar, and fun signature drinks. My cousin, a professional pianist, was kind enough to play fun songs for the hour. We had a memory table honoring loved ones who’ve passed away, knowing they would be there if they could and wanting to make it feel as though they were.
