The Wedding Story of... Kaitlin & Joe Duran

Photos ByCaitlin Sullivan Photography

Written By

Kathy Jonas

Date

March 3, 2015

Autumn in Brown County:

A Rustic, Casual Wedding at The Story Inn

Kaitlin Riley and Joe Duran were both participating in the program Teach for America, which places recent college grads in under-resourced high schools for two years. Before the two could begin teaching in New York City in 2009, they had to pass teacher certification exams and took the exam in the library of a Chicago high school.

The Proposal

Despite living in the Big Apple and falling in love there, Joe drove Kaitlin to the same high school in Chicago where they took the exam, and proposed to her!

The Ceremony

Indiana weather cooperated as the two said “I do” outdoors. Their good friend played all the music, which included Van Morrison, Edward Sharpe, Akon and Tom Petty. Kaitlin walked down the aisle to the acoustic instrumental of The Natural – “I Need My Girl.”

Advice from the Bride

“Find a way to leave a space for just you and your future spouse during the day. Joe and I wrote letters to each other and delivered them on the day of – it was a nice way to have a moment to ourselves.”

The Venue

The Story Inn is an off-the-beaten-path, 19th century village complete with forests, fields, a barn, horses, gardens, and a top-rated restaurant. Um, what isn’t perfect about this place?

The Best Moment of the Day

“The dance floor couldn’t be beat,” Kaitlin said. “But having a late-night sing-along with s’mores and hotdogs around the campfire was something I’ll never forget!”

The Floral

Kaitlin’s relatives and in-laws, experienced as florists, created the arrangements and bouquets, which were heavy on white and blush roses, baby’s breath and gold accents.

The Color Palette

The groom and groomsmen sported navy while the bridesmaids wore blush pink dresses of their choice.

What we Love

The way everything just works: from the bucolic setting to the horses to the streamers to the use of the blush colors. This couple knows who they are and the wedding reflects that down to the last detail.

The Gown

This BHLDN Gemma gown epitomizes the relaxed and joyful day in the country. It delights us with pailettes and pearls on the fitted bodice and layers of chiffon and tulle.