Kaitlyn & Matt
Photography by Memorelle Weddings (Barbara & Tiago)
How was your experience as a Forever Soles bride?
Amazing! Seriously, my shoes were not only the perfect shoes for my dress and just stunning in general, but they were so dang comfortable! I bought a pair of platform converse to change into thinking I wouldn't be able to keep my heels on for too long, but they were so comfortable that I forgot to change into my converse. haha! I also couldn't find 'the' shoes for the longest time and somehow came across Forever Soles on Instagram 4 weeks before leaving the country for our wedding. I was so nervous they wouldn't arrive in time but they came faster than expected and in such amazing quality! The colour matched my dress perfectly and I loved that they were satin/silk like my dress.
Which shoes did you wear for your wedding and what was your favourite thing about them?
The Honey Sandals. I loved everything! But honestly I was SO happy with how comfortable they were! Also, how classic and timeless they were but with a touch of modern by including the satin ribbon!
How did you and your husband meet?
My husband and I were introduced through my cousin who had recently married his best friend. She likes to call herself a matchmaker. Somehow throughout my cousin and his friend dating, our paths never crossed - we both even attended their wedding! But anyways when our paths finally did cross (thanks to my cousin conveniently planning events both of us would attend) - we had our first date. This included my favourite pizza, my favourite movie rented and my favourite candy waiting for me when I got to his place. A month later, and he was whisking me away on a trip to Dallas, Texas to see the Cowboys play in the most amazing seats ever - the rest is history!
How long have you been together and how did he propose?
We have been together for 4 years this month! At the time he proposed we had been together about 2 years. My husband knows how important my family is to me. I had no idea, not even an inkling that it might be happening because I was so busy planning my sister-in-laws baby shower. The morning of the shower, I was running around like a chicken with no head making sure everything was perfect that I didn't notice Mateo (thats my nickname for him) was acting a bit strange. After the shower ended the plan was for more of our family and friends to come over and have a summer night party. Mateo had gotten my nephew a onesie that says "Matio loves me". It's a play on words because Tio means uncle in Portuguese. I kept telling him he had to give it to my brother and sister in law and he kept saying i will, i will. Finally he went to give it to them but I noticed 40 people come over and I asked my uncle what was going on. He replied saying, "I don't know, they told us they were opening a gift and we had to see". Still oblivious to what was happening I said "well everyone is going to be disappointed with the gift haha" thinking it was the silly little onesie! WELL it was indeed a onesie, but what was written on it was 'Future ring bearer'. I turned around very confused to find my husband down on one knee, with all of my family cheering. I am pretty sure I floated out of my body at that moment. I screamed yes and we celebrated all night. It was a dream.
What is the most amazing thing about your man?
His will to overcome and get through things. There’s no giving up to him. When I was diagnosed with cancer last year he took control and reminded me everyday that it was going to be okay and that there was no other option but beating it. (almost one year cancer free!) He picks me up when I am down and taught me to never give up, but also not to sweat the little things. You don't sulk and sit there, you figure it out and you move forward. I know I can count on him through the hardest of days.
How would you describe your wedding in one word?
MAGICAL
What is your favourite memory from your wedding?
Oh gosh, there were so many!!!! If I had to choose, it would be the moment right after our first kiss. It was an indescribable feeling having just had our first kiss and turning around to all of our family and friends cheering for us. Just us and the most important people in our lives beaming with pure happiness.
Where was your wedding located? What made you choose this location?
Quinta Costa in Silva, Portugal. It is my parents' vineyard that they have had for 20 years. My dream has always been to get married on this vineyard in my favourite place and I just happened to be lucky enough to find a husband who, although is not Portuguese, loves Portugal as much as me.Our vineyard is in the town my father grew up in and my grandma and one of my aunts still lives there. One of the things I have wanted since I was little was to have my grandma (who lives in Portugal) at my wedding. It was a dream come true that at 95 years old she was celebrating with us. My parents built their dream home on it and it was finally finished in early 2020. Just in time for our original wedding date. My dad added some finishing touches this year so it worked out perfect for our new date. It was very sentimental and we could not imagine saying i do anywhere else.
Who created your gorgeous gown?
Rita Vinieris (The Alyx gown)
You're a wife now! How does it feel to finally tie the knot?
Surreal! We had to postpone our wedding like so many others so it just feels so good to finally be able to call each other husband and wife!!! We had already made the commitment to each other, bought a house together and have our 2 dogs so we felt married, but finally making it official and making the commitment with our dearest friends and family there with us was just so beautiful. It still feels weird to say husband!!! but i love being his wife!!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We haven't gone just yet! Since our wedding was in Portugal we took a two week vacation traveling around there. We plan to go to south Africa in 2022!
Any advice for our brides-to-be?
Don't stress the little things! Something is bound to go off track the days leading up to the wedding and the wedding day itself but the most important thing is you marrying your best friend! Focus on that and you will be golden. Also make sure you take time the day of the wedding to really take it all in. My husband and I walked into the reception area while everyone was at cocktail hour and just held hands and smiled at each other, thankful for such a perfect day.
Photography by Memorelle Weddings (Barbara & Tiago); Dress: Rita Vinieris ( the Alyx gown); Wedding Coordinator: Matriz Events; Decor & florals: Eventos Prive; Lighting: LED Design; Makeup: Barbara Brandao; Hair: Joao Martins; Vintage car: Cardoso Eventos
