So today’s wedding is EXTRA special to us because guess what??? Lady Grey and her beau got to attend! Seriously, being a guest at a gorgeous wedding like Katie and Greg’s was such an honor! These two are seriously a crazy fun couple that, um, is beyond beyond gorgeous. The fact that we are lucky enough to share it with you all is totally next level! Crazy amaze photographer, Annie McElwain, who we love, not only for her talent but because she’s so dang fun to be around! Of course, major shout out to Green Ribbon Parties for planning such a gorgeous events, and to Brown Paper Design for melting our hearts with her florals. Gah! We know you will love love love!
What made the wedding special and unique?
First, the people involved. We were blessed to have all of our good friends and family there. It’s probably the one and only time that we will have all of those people in one place. Second, the location. Ojai Valley Inn was the perfect location, and we felt lucky to enjoy our special day there.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
My four girlfriends and I went to two trunk shows on a Saturday in April 2013, one at Vera Wang and then one at Monique Lhuillier. I honestly didn’t think I was going to buy a dress that day. At Vera Wang, as part of the trunk show, they do your hair and makeup, so you can try on dresses feeling like you would on your wedding day. After a fun champagne-filled two hours at Vera, we went across the street to Monique. I had an idea of what I wanted and I ended up buying the first dress I tried on at Monique. I picked the “Intrigue” gown, an off white Chantilly lace trumpet gown with a sweetheart neckline. Dress shopping was my favorite part of the entire wedding process.
What were some touches added to make it personal?
The first thing that comes to mind is our getaway car, a classic ’55 Buick convertible, provided by the father-of-the bride. It was a popular personal touch, even though it was tricky to drive. We had our brother-in-law Gregg Spiridellis serve as the Officiant, which was truly special. Our cousins, Marc Rey and Mike Bolger, served as the musicians for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and even the first dance. Katie’s Uncle, Sean Bolger, served as the videographer. Greg’s sister, Helen, let Katie borrow her veil from her wedding ten years ago, which was also a very personal touch. Overall, it really felt like a family affair. And the ranunculus flowers, though not personal, were exceptionally beautiful and a great touch – thanks to Nicole Arena and Brown Paper Design
What was the most memorable part of the day?
The entire day was truly memorable, from start to finish.
Greg: The memorable part of the day for me was the hour that we got to spend alone during the photo shoot, after the ceremony and before the reception.
Katie: My favorite part of the day was the moment before walking down the aisle. Everyone was so excited and happy, and I’ll always remember how I felt right before my father walked me down the aisle.
Tell us how you met and became engaged:
How we met (from Katie): We met on Super Bowl Sunday in 2009. My roommate at the time, Lindsay (also one of my gorgeous bridesmaids) is the real reason we ended up meeting that day, as she talked to Greg first. After meeting that first night, Greg called me two days later to meet up for a date at another bar on the westside. At the last minute, Greg decided to bring a friend to to the bar, so naturally, I had to bring a friend. I called my maid-of-honor Audra, who showed up thankfully to be my wingman. Audra turned out to be the best wingman EVER, as she ended up hitting it off with Greg’s friend Alan. Best part of this story: Audra and Alan ended up dating shortly after that night, and they are still going strong!
The proposal (from Greg):
We had been dating for about four years, living together for about one year, and I knew I wanted to propose for some time. After enlisting my older sister, Helen, to go ring shopping with Katie and determine her tastes, I was able to pick out the perfect ring. Then I needed the perfect date. That came on March 8, 2013. Her parents were going to be in town, along with my mother, and it was also her younger sister Allie’s birthday. Katie was under the impression that we were going to her favorite restaurant that Friday night to celebrate the birthday. Instead, I picked her up from the studio where she worked in the back of a limousine, holding a bouquet of flowers. She immediately knew what was up. We got into the limousine, and I got down on one knee and popped the question in the limo. The real surprise came when we drove back to our home, which is across the street from the California Heritage Museum. I coordinated with the manager to have all of our good friends and family waiting at the top of the staircase, ready to shout “surprise” when we arrived. The proposal turned into an engagement party as well.
Katie & Greg 4.12.14 from Katie Urban on Vimeo.
Vendors: Photography: Annie McElwain with Raya Carlisle // Planning: Green Ribbon Parties // Florist: Brown Paper Design // Chairs and Tables: Classic Party Rentals // Linens: La Tavola // Location: Ojai Valley Inn // Ceremony Music: Cousin Michael Bolger and Mark Rey // Reception Music: Flashdance/DJ Mike Cruz // Photo Booth: Smile Lounge // Dress: Monique Lhullier // Lighting: Bella Vista // Invitations: Family Friend // Day of Goods: Minted // Hair: Fiore