How did you two meet? We met in high school as friends and then lost touch for a few years. We “met” again three years ago at work and the flame was ignited!

How did he propose? Here is our proposal story, use whatever parts you would like:

His proposal was perfect … he made sure all our kids were present, which is exactly the way I wanted it and without even having to tell him.  Dave had been sneaking away from work when he could to look at engagement rings.  We ride together and work in the same building, so this was very difficult for him to pull off!  He came up with the idea to take all the kids to lunch and then walk to the St Augustine Fort / Bayfront to “take pictures of the kids before their first day of school”.
We parked downtown and started our walk to the restaurant.  Dave told us girls to go ahead, that he wanted to talk to Cole (his oldest child).  As it turns out, he was grabbing the ring from a bag he’d put in our trunk and letting Cole in on his plan.  He told Cole what he was scheming … he would hand Cole the camera and Cole was to snatch as many pictures as possible while Dave proposed.  Cole was ecstatic!

Dave purposely wore cargo shorts so he could hold the ring and box, and try to keep it from being obvious to me.  Anytime I was walking next to him, he’d purposely get on the other side of me …. the side that didn’t have the ring and box in his pocket …haha.  When Dave and Cole met us at the restaurant, I was on the inside of the booth and our 3 girls were on the other side.  This meant that Dave would normally sit next to me and then Cole on the outside.  They both just kept standing there … Dave looking all confused.  I was wondering “what in the world are you just standing there for”.  He didn’t want to sit on that side of me because the ring was in the pocket that would be closest to me.  So finally after they stood there dumbfounded, looking forever and trying to figure out how to handle this situation, Dave said “Cole wants to sit on the inside”.  LOL!  So I got out of the booth thinking “ah, these boys”, Cole got on the inside, then Dave jumped in real quick to be in the middle.  I thought “this was a little weird, but whatever I am about to eat a Cruisers burger, let’s do this”!  🙂

We walked to the Fort after lunch.  I was walking next to him and apparently on the “wrong side”, so he would slow down and then come back up to me on the other side.  We arrive to the photo op spot.  I’m expecting us to start the “kid photo shoot”.  Dave hands Cole the camera and asks him to take a picture first of me and him.  I, of course, am thinking “okay … thought we were here to take pictures of the kids, but sure – I’m game”.

We take a pic and then I start to walk towards the kids.  My baby grabs both of my hands and turns me towards him.  “I love you Krista!!!”  I’m thinking “I love you too babe – let’s get these pics done, it’s HOT out here”.  Then he says I’m his best friend in this world, the love of his life, I make him a better person and that he is honored to spend his life with such a wonderful, loving and caring woman!   🙂  He goes into his pocket and reality starts setting in for me!!!!!!!!!  Things get hazy and surreal at this point for me!!!!  He got down on one knee (as I’d always hoped for)!!!  He asks me if I would be his WIFE!!!! We all know what my response was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  “Yes!!!!!”

I was shaking! The kids were SOOOO excited!  The girls had no idea what was happening – but all were thrilled!!  It was WONDERFUL ! ! ! !   We are so in love and so unbelievably happy!!!!!!!  Bella and Emily, immediately after we all hugged and took a family picture, asked for our phones so they could start calling the Moms and spreading the word!  It was a beautiful moment that I wish could last forever, just like our partnership and love WILL !!!

How did you choose your theme? Flowers? and overall wedding design? Dave is a HUGE Jags fan and loves Teal, a friend also mentioned the Peacock teal and green colors. I was sold after looking online at some examples of those colors, we are also very laid back people so the flip flops and casual groomsmen attire was perfect for us.

What was the best part of your wedding day? The whole day was perfect!!! Saying “I do”, dancing the day away with family and friends and of course our exit down the Nocatee waterslide was a perfect fun-filled ending to our perfect day!

What do you want to always remember from your wedding day? We will always remember all of our family and friends that spent their time with us on our most special day! Again the waterslide ending was absolutely amazing! Of course my man isn’t bad either! J

“IF I only I knew!” what is one piece of advise you would give to brides planning their wedding day? Make decisions based on what you want and what fits the couple, listen to others advice but go with what you know you and your husband want. Stress as little as possible, things will be wonderful on your wedding day and little details you spend time stressing over are almost a blur on the actual day.

And where are you going on your honeymoon? Montego Bay, Jamaica! We just got back and it was a beautiful, relaxing and exhilarating!! Go all inclusive, it’s worth it!

And some fun little tidbits…

Enjoyed a dance to Krista’s parents wedding song.

The “first look” was an absolutely great idea and experience!

Taking the family photos prior to the ceremony was great, it allowed us to quickly get to the reception to enjoy everyone!

Krista’s mom surprised us with an awesome blue candy wedding station.

Enjoyed the presence of Dave’s deceased father by bringing a painting of him and displaying it on the mantle.

The photo booth was a blast.

Keeping your photographer for the water slide would have been a good idea! 😉

We enjoyed the live fish near the cake.

Dancing with the kids and watching them have a ball dancing with friends and family.

Savannah (flower girl) forgetting to spread the petals on her way down the aisle then remembering and dumping the whole basket out at once.

Rehearsal Dinner venue: Cheryl and Joe Natiello’s Home
Ceremony Venue: Nocatee Crosswater Hall
Reception Venue: Nocatee Crosswater Hall
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Gowns: David’s Bridal
Grooms Wear: Banana Republic
Groomsman’s Wear: Banana Republic
Makeup: Megan Rumble
Hair: Erica Tiedje
Flowers: Calla lilies and peacock feathers
Design: Krista Wilson
Invitations: Krista Wilson
Ceremony Music: Feedback Entertainment
Reception Music: Feedback Entertainment
Engagement Ring: Helzberg Diamonds
Bride’s Wedding Ring: Helzberg Diamonds
Groom’s Wedding Ring: Helzberg Diamonds
Caterer: D’Vine Cuisines
Cake Designer: Publix
Officiant: Cheryl Bennett