It was genuinely love at first sight for Justin and Kate when they met on Kate’s first day working at Airbnb in 2015. After dating, exciting career progressions, graduations and a child together, Justin proposed on November 15th 2020. “It was sweet that Justin picked the 15th because it’s a special number to us; he asked me to be his girlfriend on that date, and it’s also the date of my birthday (all be it a different month).” Kate shared that Justin had done an excellent job planning a sweet and memorable engagement. “The sunshine was beaming, our dog was in attendance, bright red rose petals covered the ground and even a violinist graced us with the most beautiful background music,” recalls Kate. “Justin took my hand and told me how much he loved me and how special building our life together has been thus far. He then took one knee, opening the little blue box of my dreams, and I was so overcome with emotion that I just burst into tears. His gorgeous green eyes glimmered up at me as he asked me the best question. It was the easiest ‘yes’ of all time! I was shaking with glee and jumped up into his arms for kisses. He then whisked me away to a little engage-moon in Miami Beach, and we were both glowing all week. Justin is such a sweet, sweet soul. He was so proud to tell me how he thought out and planned every moment himself, which made me smile.” The big date was set, July 23rd 2022, with the ceremony taking place at St. Paul’s Cathedral and Banqueting House of Historic Royal Palaces setting the scene for the reception. Here, we find out more about their big day… PLANNING THE DAY “My number one goal whilst wedding planning was to bring all my childhood dreams to centerfold,” shares Kate. “I worked quickly yet tirelessly to create something stunning that left our guests gasping. It was a priority of mine to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences that still felt ‘authentically us’ as a couple.” Designing their wedding with a few of their favourite values in mind, one being intimacy, they intentionally chose a smaller guest list, “It allowed us to have longer hugs, deeper conversations and unforgettable moments,” adds Kate. “We invited 100 of our closest friends and family and had about 75% fly across the pond to attend. This actually ended up being the perfect number for us because we were able to create significant memories with each and every one of them.” “It was the most magical, and overwhelmingly dreamlike day marrying my dream girl.” ‒ Justin SETTING THE SCENE Having dreamed of being wed at St. Paul’s Cathedral, there was no doubt in Kate’s mind when she was actually invited to do so. “We were granted a rare and special licence at Westminster Abbey to be wed in the Chapel of the Order, inside St Paul’s Cathedral, due to a family award called The Order of the British Empire. We felt honoured to pay homage to integrating our two families and cultures in such a special place,” shares Kate. The couple’s Yorkies, Tybalt and Rupert, are the first ever dogs to be approved inside the cathedral to be present for a wedding and wore cute monogram tuxedos with matching bespoke top hats. The wedding day itself had a grand and royal feel to fit the nature of the iconic venues, with an ‘English garden meets edgy American glamour’ theme throughout to match their personalities. “The ceremony styling was timeless and elegant, with a hint of Princess Diana-glam,” adds Kate. “While the cocktail-hour had a gorgeous summertime garden-chic vibe in the Churchyard Gardens. It was completely private for the occasion with performers, musicians, dancers and live 33 REAL WEDDINGS
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