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Wedding Planner: Sunshine Weddings Spain
Where are you from: USA (Kristina) Netherlands (Jurgen)
Wedding Date: 12th August 2023
Hair and Makeup: Maite @glamoroushairmarbella
Flowers: Karen | Deseos Flowers Marbella
DJ: Dj Fuller
Dress Boutique: @theweddingdressshop in Wimbledon Park
Grooms Suit: Hugo Boss
Cute Story
We dated long distance for almost two years and aimed to see each other at least once a month. I was living in Chicago and Jürgen in London; we would visit each other in our cities frequently but also would meet in other cities to shake things up. We spent a long weekend in Boston once and I’ll never forget we split the biggest lobster roll I’ve ever seen in my life. We loved Fort Lauderdale and did many tours of Holland while we were long distance.
How did you meet
We met when I was living in Chicago, Jürgen was in town for work. He gave me his business card, which I misplaced for several days. I tried to send him a text but didn’t know how to text internationally and ended up sending him an email to his work address. He responded immediately and he was back to Chicago to visit me in 3 weeks where we pretty much knew each other was the one.
Any unique items
My best friend and maid of honor had a gorgeous bouquet charm made with an image of me and my father and a quote “I will walk with you today and every day”. My dad passed away in 2020, we were so close and he always wanted to see me get married and see my children. It meant so much to me that he was acknowledged and it probably cried about 50 times that night every time I showed it to someone new.
We started planning our wedding in the pool at our hotel in Fort Lauderdale 2 years ago and never expected that we would have our sweet baby coming down the aisle with us!
How did Jurgen pop the question
I was adamant I did not want a public proposal! We met up with my sisters and friends in Florida and he proposed in the backyard in front of my loved ones. It was perfect (except he opened the box upside down 😂)
Any Traditions
My mother had kafiyas made for us which are the sparkly squares of fabric with adornments sewed along the edges, you kind of wave them around while you dance.
Favourite Moments
– Seeing our sweet baby in her lace dress matching my lace dress
– Jürgen becoming emotional upon seeing me at our first look (He said seeing me is his favorite moment)
– Getting ready with my girls
– Speeches
– My niece Emma getting someone to pay her $20 to jump in the pool during the reception
– Dancing our asses off! J says especially the Arabic songs
– Seeing our friends and family all having a good time
Overall wedding experience
Despite it being a 4 day event it went by so quickly but it was so much fun and we felt so blessed that we were able to celebrate with our friends and family from all over the world.
Any advice to others
Hire a planner! And try to see a few venues in person if you can
What were you most anxious about
I was a bit nervous about my daughter screaming during the the ceremony but she did so well! I was also nervous about my voice since I had lost it a few days before so while I was very hoarse during my vows at least you could hear them!
How was working with me
We both loved working with you! We both felt a bit awkward at the prospect of being photographed in a staged way but it all felt really comfortable!
First Dance
Our first dance was to Video Games by Lana del Rey