We first fell in love with Nikki when she received the final rose on Juan Pablo’s season of The Bachelor. And while their relationship didn’t end in a TV wedding, she went on to find her forever love, Tyler VanLoo. Of course, Nikki needed bridesmaid and fellow Bachelor alum, Andi Dorfman by her side on the big day and Alea Lovely was there to capture every second. We’re only just getting started, so stay put for part two of Nikki and Tyler’s Kansas City nuptials up next.
From the Bride, Nikki… I feel like as a girl most of us have spent our childhoods dreaming of our wedding day. We all have dreamt of our Prince Charming sweeping us off our feet and riding away into the sunset. As we grow up we soon come to realize not every boy is a prince, and there’s a good possibility we might have to kiss a lot of frogs first. This may still be some post wedding nostalgia speaking but I am happy to say I have found my Prince Charming.
My wedding was something straight out of a fairytale. The weather was perfect, there were butterflies filling my stomach with anticipation, and I was surrounded by my best friends and family members from all over the country. My heart was bursting with happiness even more so than I anticipated.
One of my favorite moments from the day was when I was waiting in the church library before heading to the sanctuary. I stepped outside in the playground and just took a moment by myself to really take everything in. I listened to the birds, watched the cars go by, and felt the sunshine on my face. My Dad soon poked his head out and with a big smile said “You ready to go sweetheart?” This was it. I was getting married! All the heartbreak and douchebags from the past were tucked somewhere far far away in the back of my mind in the “learned from this mistake folder”. I was overjoyed at the reality of marrying my best friend in a matter of minutes.
My Dad walked me slowly to the sanctuary. I could hear the piano version of Taylor Swift’s “Lovestory” as my bridal party made their way to the front of the church. The flower girls and ring bearer soon followed after and the ushers then shut the doors. It was just my Dad and I for a few moments. I will forever remember those moments. I was nervous but so sure that I was making the best decision of my life. When they opened the doors I felt as if I were floating down the aisle. It was really happening.
I’d love to say that I remember everything during the ceremony but I don’t. I was nervous, concentrating on not locking my knees, and trying not to mess up my vows. My brother was the co-officiant and led Tyler and I through our vows which we wrote ourselves. (Best decision ever! Do it if you get the chance.) We were soon pronounced husband and wife! My face was beaming with this goofy perma-smile that would be plastered there for the rest of the evening.
The reception was beautiful and we danced the night away with our friends and family. It truly was magical yet over way too quickly.
This week I have been reflecting on all the people who helped make all of it possible. Madison Sanders, the best wedding planner ever. She was so patient with me when my indecisive introverted self-made things not so easy. I am forever in debt to her. Alea Lovely, my photographer, the magic maker. The one whom I planned my entire date around her availability. She captures emotion with a single photograph and I couldn’t imagine having anyone else there to photograph the best day of my life.
Adam Hanly, my videographer, he was such a kind calming presence that day in the midst of the chaos of nerves. I cannot wait to see how he captured our story. And Heidi Bowles, my hair and makeup wonder girl. I never like my hair or makeup when I get it done and she made me feel like a goddess! I can only imagine that’s how Kim K feels on the daily. Haha. And Lindsay Marie for my gorgeous custom hair piece and earrings. If you are looking for some classy wedding bling this girl is unbeatable! Love Ophelia, for providing me with the cutest robes for my bridesmaids to get glammed up in. Trust me, your bridal party will thank you for these. And La Gartier for providing me with the custom garters. She even used my mom’s veil to incorporate into these special pieces! I couldn’t have done it without all of these people.
Thank you for letting me share my fairytale with all of you!
xoxo, Nikki
Photography: Alea Lovely | Cinematography: Adan Hanly | Event Planning: Madison Sanders Events | Floral Design: Village Gardens | Wedding Dress: Eve Of Milady | Cake: McLain's Bakery | Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations | Church: St. Johns United Methodist | Reception Venue: the grand ballroom | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Rings: Meierottos Jewelers | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Two Birds Bridesmaids | Catering : Brancato's Catering | Make-up: Heidi B Artistry | DJ: Platinum Productions | Accessories: Lindsay Marie Design | Bridesmaid Dress Boutique: Bella Bridesmaid | Chairs: Platinum Productions | Event Design (Curtain): Harvest Productions | Garter: La Gartier Wedding Garters | Hair ( Bride ): Heidi B Artistry | Hair ( Bridesmaids ) : Christy Hansen | Linens : Ultrapom | Photo Booth: Platinum Productions | Robes: Love Ophelia | Second Shooter: Kyndall Durkee | Veil: Veronica Couture Veils