The Wedding Story of... Kelly & Zac Brouillette

celebrating a more perfect union

Kelly Miller and Zac Brouillette met while she was interviewing for an assistant softball coach position at Ohio University. He was a strength and conditioning coach. “The job was a done deal when I saw the hunky coach,” says Kelly. She played softball at Purdue University and was a standout midfielder. He attended Iowa State, where he played football and was on the track and field team.

 

 

THE PROPOSAL

The couple was getting ready to move to Florida where Zac had accepted a job and the two had to say goodbye to all their favorite Athens restaurants. They saw a coach friend who wanted to have a drink before they left Jackie O’s. Afterwards, she noticed Zac driving really fast to a local park and lake. He had set up a picnic table with a tablecloth, champagne and a box – hoping to propose at sunset. “He got down on one knee and his dog Bailey came running out of the woods,” says Kelly. The next thing she saw was a friend dressed in camo with a photographer, who was scrambling to get the perfect shots. 

 

 

THE CEREMONY

“I’ll never forget when our priest Father Bonke told Zac to speak up during the vows and he went from minimum volume to maximum “Coach Zac” volume, which made everyone laugh, including me!”

 

 

The Dress

With a mom who is the oldest of 14 children, Kelly grew up in the 90s as a flower girl and junior bridesmaid and fell in love with satin gowns. She was fortunate enough to find a dress with a satin bodice and a soft tulle skirt, which fit her style perfectly. 

 

 

Floral and Décor

Keeping with the patriotic theme, florists helped them decide on navy and white striped table linens and red, white and blue flower arrangements designed to look like fireworks. 

 

 

the Cake

A red, white and blue confetti cake charmed and surprised those attending the celebration. Kelly admits she is competitive and she and Zac had a lot of fun with the whole “cake smashed in the face” thing. 

 

Saved by the wedding bell

Kelly’s sister’s speech was in song, to the theme of “Saved by the Bell” (after all, they are named Kelly and Zac!) She also was able to wear her mom’s wedding shoes, which had a low heel and suited this athletic bride almost as much as running shoes.

 

 

Red, White and Blue Forever

When you get married on the Fourth of July, it’s only natural to have an all-out patriotic theme. The bridesmaids’ dresses were red, the groomsmen wore blue suits and the flower girl and bride wore white. Guests also participated in the theme and Kelly’s grandma even wore a sequined top and hat. Flags were waved when the couple left the church; the bride and bridesmaids put on American flag Keds™, and the groomsmen sported patriotic socks and red-striped bow ties.

 

 

The Reception Venue

A very large family meant the couple needed a venue that would accommodate everyone. Kelly and Zac were infatuated with Indy’s Scottish Rite Cathedral with its history, architecture, woodwork and details. As an added bonus, the facility blocked off the front stairs so that wedding guests could watch the free fireworks downtown. 

 

 

Advice from the bride

“Have an optimistic approach to the day. Some of the funniest moments and greatest memories came from mistakes or surprises.” A surprise concert in downtown Indy right outside of the church made her laugh as she watched the guests react. “We obviously had one  ‘rocking’ wedding.”

 

 

What we Love

In homage to the disposable cameras of the 90s, Zac and Kelly found American flag selfie sticks and put one on each table. Guests posted their candid photos on Facebook and Instagram.