Jake and Mica in the Martini Gown
Jake and Mica’s country wedding reflected their love for their hometown—peaceful, authentic, and complete with a barefoot dance under the stars.
The Journey to “Yes”
Jake and Mica’s love story began close to home, blossoming in the hallways of their high school. As devoted athletes, they were dedicated to each other as they spent their college years apart, reunited once again this past year as they began building their lives together. “We’ve been in love for seven years,” shares Mica. “Ever since I met him, he seriously makes every single thing fun. He is so gentle, kind, and endlessly patient with me.”
On Jake’s family holiday to Mexico, he chose the most idyllic spot to propose. “He took me down to the beach to take photos after dinner. He started telling me how much he loved me and our story and then got down on one knee with the most unreal sunset behind him,” Mica describes.
A Country Wedding Under the Stars
Growing up in central Illinois, the couple wanted to get married in a place that felt like home. “There’s not much in central Illinois, but I love the quietness and being able to see the stars every single night because there are no city lights.” That love for home guided every element of their day. “I wanted to be able to go outside and feel the grass on my feet at the end of the night with my husband,” Mica shares. Jake and Mica exchanged vows at the Hesed House in Bloomington, Illinois, which began with a Catholic ceremony, followed by a peaceful reception out in the country surrounded by the people they cherish most.
After their loved ones departed, the couple shared their favourite moment of the night: slipping off their shoes and dancing to their favourite songs under the stars. “It was so utterly bittersweet,” the bride recalls. "We wanted a day that was classy and timeless, but most of all, it had to feel like us."
Mica’s advice to brides-to-be is to remain true to who you are as a couple and do what you both love. “There’s so much pressure in the wedding industry right now to make it the biggest and greatest thing ever. Don’t lose sight of who you and your partner are. Stay true to your vision, the things you love, and block out outside voices. At the end of the day, you’re marrying your best friend and life partner—and that’s all that matters.”
A Backless Bridal Gown
For the wedding day, Mica wanted her wedding dress to be classy and timeless, and Martini was the perfect fit. The magic of the moment was incredible: during her bridal appointment, her aisle song began playing just as she put on the Martini dress. “It gave me chills, and the tears started flowing immediately,” she recalls. “The modest front and open back were picture-perfect.” Mica shares. “I love to be modest, but I also wanted to show off the body I’ve worked hard for and feel so beautiful in.” Martini was, without question, ‘The One.’ Mica wanted to accessorise simply with a diamond tennis bracelet and white pearl bridal earrings. “I love simplicity and didn’t want to take too much attention away from my beautiful dress.”
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