The Wedding Story of Brett and Thomas Guarino

Brett and Thomas met at a friend's bonfire, and ever since then the fire has been alive. Thomas proposed when he and Brett went on one of their regular dog walks. The couple had a very busy schedule, so their dog walks were a special time for the two of them. Brett says, "Thomas proposed while on a dog walk at 'golden hour' at Loch Raven Reservoir in Towson, Maryland with my whole family present." The two were able to celebrate right away and start the wedding planning!

 

Brett started by going to her sister—she happens to be the event coordinator at one of Grand Rapids' (Brett's hometown) newest and hottest venues, The Cheney Place. Brett and Thomas were able to book one of the last available dates and, with that, they started planning the rest! Brett says, "We chose our vendors based on recommendations from our venue, their reputation and style and for their prices."

 

One of the things that Brett remembers the most about wedding planning is choosing the dress! During a second appointment at Fantastic Finds in Lansing, Michigan, Brett found the one. Brett says, "I had tried on something like 15 to 20 different dresses by this point, mostly with lace details. My sales associate brought it to me, on a hanger, and asked if I wanted to try it on. I honestly hated how it looked on the hanger, but said, 'sure, why not?' I put it on and knew instantly that it was 'my dress!' It was so unique and unlike anything else I had tried or seen."

 

 

what we love

This couple chose to do a foot washing ceremony. "We chose to do a foot washing for our unity ceremony as a representation of the servant's heart we should have for one another in our marriage." 

 

 

advice from the bride

The actual day of the wedding can be very stressful. From making sure all the vendors arrive to getting yourself ready, there is a lot to do. Brett wanted to avoid this stress and stay calm and happy leading up to the ceremony. She says, "The morning of the wedding was really important to me. I wanted to make sure my bridesmaids and I were set up for stress-free celebrations all day long. We started the day with a big breakfast at my parents’ house. Next, was a private yoga session. I hired a yoga instructor to lead my bridesmaids and me through a stress-relieving practice the morning of the wedding just before we went to the venue to get ready. This was incredible to breath out any anxiousness. And the last thing before heading to the venue to get ready, my sister (my Matron of Honor) led us through a brief bible study and time of prayer to keep us focused on Jesus throughout the day."

 

 

 

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