Kristina + Derek

Venue: Race & Religious | Wedding planner: Mint Julep Productions | Videographer: Hello! Super Studios | Florist: Giverny | Cake: Flour Power | Groom’s “cheese” cake: St. James Cheese Company | Dress designer: Suzanne Perron | Groom’s custom suit: M. Goldberg | Custom engagement ring and wedding band: Aucoin Hart | Bride’s earrings: Oscar de la Renta | Makeup: Katie Malone | Ceremony hair: Anne Kirsch | Reception hair: Courtney Bradberry | Groom’s shoes: Hermès | Invitation Trousseau: Paper & Honey | Postage: Magnolia Postage | Hand-lettering and water colors: LoveBug, Inc. | Ceremony band: Michael Watson | Reception band: D Play | Culinary: Sheraton New Orleans | Chef: Mark Quitney | Rentals: Event Rental | Bride’s present (ring): Melanie Casey Jewelry | Bride’s present (ring box): The Mrs. Box | Groom’s present (cufflinks): Jan Leslie | Second photographer: Ryan Swanson

THE DRESS(ES) – told from Kristina

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamt of my wedding dress. I always envisioned modeling different styles of gorgeous ivory gowns for my bridesmaids at a full-service salon, with champagne in hand, and then getting to say, “yes to the dress!” After Derek and I were engaged and that time had finally come I would up totally throwing that vision out of the window and it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

I reached out to the AMAZING Suzanne Perron St. Paul and by the time I left our first meeting she and I were on precisely the same page! Timeless and unique with a bit of sparkle and had to have pockets. The most difficult part was probably picking out the fabric. We knew there had to be an element of metallic, but neither of us could have dreamt that we would find the most gorgeous combination of ivory, blush, white, and soft gold. My favorite element is the dramatic skirt with an elaborate train that lifted perfectly as I moved.

Suzanne saved the day again when I realized that my wedding dress was not conducive to doing, “The Footloose” on the dance floor, as a bustle would totally take away from the design, so with just 2 months to go she designed and produced a second dress!!!! We went for a fun off the shoulder look and rather than a basic a-line, we cut the tulle at different lengths and directions to create some gun and movement. It was perfect. Everything was perfect. My dresses are more perfect than I could have ever dreamt!

THE RINGS – told from Derek

The only indication she ever gave me about what type of engagement ring she wanted was just one [made up] word, “Antique-y.” I shopped around a few places and nothing said, “Kristina.” Fortunately, the team at Aucoin Hart was incredibly helpful and truly made my vision come to life. We chose a cushion-cut diamond, which really set the tone for the rest of the ring. The designer suggested rounding out the band with filigree outlined with milgrain and a spattering of diamonds thrown around the sides. It turned out perfect and, of course, she said yes!

I thought my wedding ring designing days were over… until we had to choose a wedding band. This part was even more special because Kristina and I got to create this together. Unique, classic, and cohesive were our key words. We went into a meeting with the Aucoin Hart team with a pretty wild idea of having different shaped diamonds creating an imperfect “crown” above the cushion cut diamond. Although a little skeptical at first, the team once again exceeded expectations and came up with a design that includes 3 marquis, 1 pear, and 1 round diamonds that are a perfect fit!

FAVORITE MOMENT:

My sister, Kourtney, officiating our wedding was the most special moment of the day. She is my best friend in the world and she did an incredible job! She also designed one of my favorite things at our wedding, which was our “Marauder’s Map!” There had to be a super subtle nod to Harry Potter somewhere in this wedding and when we realized just how huge Race + Religious is, we realized we needed to create something so our guests wouldn’t miss a thing.

What makes this story even more special is that Kourtney was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis around the same time that I got engaged and as she was dealing with such a huge and scary life change, she didn’t skip a beat throughout my wedding planning process. From cup design, to bachelorette party, to a slew of the most amazing Snapchat filters, and then the most beautiful sermon I have ever heard in my life… my sister did it all. She is my hero.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s donation website was a part of our wedding registry and I encourage everyone to support their efforts in finding a cure for MS.