1.18.2020
Natalie & Rudy are MARRIED! Their wedding day was so perfect and filled with so many sweet, sentimental touches!
Before we get into details, let's start where it all began! ;) The couple met online through mutual friends! Natalie's best friend was going to school in Missouri and just so happened to be friends with Rudy's sister in law. When Rudy saw Natalie's profile picture pop up on social media under "People You May Know", he hopped on the opportunity to message her and get to know this newfound Carolina Cutie a little better! Who knew that would turn into a 2+ year friendship and lead Rudy to making the bold decision to drive 16 hours from Oklahoma just to meet Natalie?! Rudy, being the smart man that he is, quickly recognized a "good thing" when he first laid eyes on Natalie and didn't waste another moment. He asked her to be his girlfriend right then & there and the couple progressed with their long-distance relationship!
Natalie described her unforgettable proposal as "a dream" and "a complete surprise"! The night he proposed, Rudy took Natalie on a perfectly planned picnic by the river, which, with the help of a beautiful sunset, served as the perfect backdrop for this sweet memory! While cooking marinated pork chops over a fire, Rudy sent Natalie back to his truck to grab something for him. She turned around to head back over to him, only to find Rudy down on one knee, asking her to be his wife! Natalie says it was the "easiest yes ever"! :)
Natalie and Rudy were married at Fellowship Baptist Church in Elloree, South Carolina. This is the same church where Natalie's parents, Lyndsey and Michael Boylston, were wed 25 years ago. Both weddings were officiated by a special family member, Natalie's grandfather, who also serves as the pastor of this church. It's such a blessing and a privilege to have someone so close to you, who has known you your entire life, play such an important role on your wedding day!
Natalie mentioned how hearing her Papa say:
"I now pronounce you husband & wife!"
was what she was looking forward to the most on her wedding day!
Since Natalie's paternal set of grandparents are sadly no longer with us, she chose to commemorate them by placing this sweet photo of them on the front pew of the sanctuary.
She was also gifted these sweet photo charms that she was able to tie onto her bouquet so that no matter what, she would have her grandparents with her throughout her wedding day <3
Even better, her bouquet is made of wood flowers, so they will last for years to come!
While Rudy and Natalie stuck with the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding, Natalie's mother helped her prepare for a first look with her dad and her brother, Michael. The reactions and exchange of emotions between them had me fighting back tears behind my camera, but I'm so thankful I was able to witness these sweet moments!
Before the wedding, Natalie mentioned her favorite detail of their big day was the live music that would be played before and after the ceremony. The couple had a violinist and a cellist from Carolina Music Planner play classical music and it was beautiful!
Traditions Fine Cuisine & Event Design helped Natalie to pay homage to her beloved Grandma Bryce by allowing her to use her Orange Cake recipe in both the wedding cake and mini cupcakes that were served during the wedding reception. They provided a beautiful spread with delicious food, including the bride's favorite- Chicken Quesadillas! :)
Rudy & Natalie showed their appreciation to their wedding guests by sending everyone home with a cute little succulent plant, including a tag stating
"Let Love Grow"!
Their wedding day was filled with so much sentiment and everything played out so perfectly! Even the weather held out until the last hour of the day to drop a few sprinkles- just enough rain on their wedding day to serve as a good luck charm! ;)
Rudy & Natalie enjoyed their first week as husband and wife exploring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee prior to starting their new life together in Oklahoma!
Congratulations to the brand new Mr. & Mrs. Kauenhofen!
You guys are for sure a match made in Heaven and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you!
Thank you so much for including me on the first day of the rest of your lives!!
4 Comments
Jan 28, 2020, 8:23:04 AM
Natalie Kauenhofen - Thank you G❤️ & Thank you Mrs. Cynthia! I miss them everyday!❤️Your kind words mean a lot!!
Jan 28, 2020, 1:06:30 AM
Cynthia Brown - Awe sweetie your grandparents would be so proud of you! What a sweet way to honor them! What a blessing you were to them! God bless you as you start a new journey in you life! Can’t wait to see how God works in your wonderful life! God bless you!
Jan 27, 2020, 11:32:05 AM
Erin Gauger - Thank you!
Jan 27, 2020, 9:28:53 AM
Gwen Shuler - Pictures are beautiful!