“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.”
We are over the moon that we were able to watch Kristen and Mike start their forever at the Lightner Museum this past April. Check out the story of how these starry-eyed lovebirds met, and we think you’ll all agree that Kristen and Mike were brought together by fate itself.
Falling In Love by the Light of the Moon
From their very first meeting, the universe was on Kristen and Mike’s side. The first seeds of love were planted in 2012 on Cinco de Mayo in Atlanta, Georgia. Kristen and Michael were not out looking for love that night, but the moon and stars had other plans.
On May 5, 2012 there were two celestial sightings gracing the sky: the Super Moon and the Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower. It was the first Super Moon to happen since March 2011 and Kristen was in no way missing this beauty light up the night sky. Kristen set an alarm on her phone for 11:34 pm, when the moon was to reach perigee, the point in its orbit that brings the moon closest to Earth–the best time for prime time viewing.
That evening, Kristen went to dinner with her stepmom and stepsister to then meet up with her best friend since childhood and a college girlfriend to continue the Cinco celebration. Michael was living in the Buckhead area of Atlanta at the time, and was enjoying drinks at Pool Hall, a local bar where his brother-in-law was working. It was nothing short of fate that night when Kristen and her girlfriends ended up at the very same bar.
Kristen was inside Pool Hall when her alarm went off and she quickly informed her girlfriends she was going outside to bask in the Super Moon’s glory. As Kristen was searching for the moon and becoming openly distraught she exclaimed, “I can’t find the moon! Where is it?” Not aware of Michael sitting on a high bench, and being tuned into her search for the moon, he took no time to announce, “I can see the moon, it’s right here” as he pointed up at the night sky from where he was sitting. Kristen hurriedly jumped on the bench next to him and an immediate blissful intoxication ensued.
They talked for hours on that bench under the Super Moon. When the bars closed down they went their separate ways, but their lives never did. With the Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower happening at the same time, it was evident the universe knew this pair was meant to be and their beginning ended with a shooting star display.
It was no surprise that Kristen and Mike chose their wedding date to coincide with yet another full moon. How sweet are these pictures from Agnes Lopez Photography?
Before the festivities began, Kristen and Mike shared a first look on one of St. Augustine’s picturesque cobblestone streets, just steps away from the Lightner Museum! Afterward, they made their way around the property for some stunning couples portraits, as well as their bridal party shots.
Can we talk about that VEIL?!
After capturing their stunning couples shots in and around the Lightner, Kristen and Mike were ready to say “I do!”
Pulling inspiration from the Lightner itself and its old-world feel, the decor created a captivating environment for their guests to enjoy during the wedding reception. Kristen’s vision for the big day was “for it to be simple, classic, and elegant, yet whimsical.” We don’t know about you, but we think she nailed it!
What better favor to have in a Springtime wedding than brand new seeds! But don’t you worry, Kristen and Michael had favors for the kiddos as well!
What a fun twist on the classic guest book!
We love it when our couples bring personalized touches to the bar. How cute is this sign?
Kristen shared that her greatest memories from the big day took place on the dance floor: “There are so many memorable moments from our wedding day, but the one that probably has weighed the most is spending the entire time on the dance floor due to our incredible band. From our first dance in my handmade wedding gown to our last dance in my mother’s wedding gown, and everything in between, it was truly a moment I wish I could replay over and over again.”
After enjoying a private last dance and a few more moment with The Blues Factor, Kristen and Mike went out with a bang, heading through a sparkler exit and into a classic car!
VENDORS | Kristen + Mike | A Love Story Written in the Stars:
Planner: The Wedding Authority
Caterer: Purple Olive
Florist: Lori Parker Floral Studios
Bakery: Creme de la Cocoa
Photog: Agnes Lopez Photography
Rentals: St. Johns Illumination
Officiant: Rabbi Cookie Olshein
Ceremony Music: Pastor Bill Reister joined by his wife on the piano
Reception Entertainment: The Blues Factor Band
