REAL BRIDE: Audrey

Troy & Audrey Matthews
6.30.2015

There is a special place in my heart for Audrey, who was Something White's very first bride. Hearing about all of the details around this destination wedding leading up to the big day left me anxious to see how beautiful the wedding of Troy and Audrey would be. They did not fail to deliver, so brace yourselves to get a glimpse of their perfect day in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Theme: Garden on the Beach

 How did you meet your (now) husband?
Troy and I crossed paths while both attending Northwest Missouri State University in 2005 where he was a Bearcat football player and I was a Bearcat cheerleader. Talk about the stereotypical college relationship! Well, if we would have actually dated in college that is. I first met Troy at a party with a group of my girlfriends and one of them introduced us after I commented on how good looking he was. Troy says the first time he remembers seeing me was in the weight room, which is no surprise since I am a fitness competitor in my free time. From there we began a friendship and nothing more. I like to say he was the "great white buffalo" of college - the guy no girl could tame. 

After graduating in 2009, I ventured back home for two years to work before moving to Omaha to begin graduate school. Troy stayed at NWMSU to finish his MBA. About the time I moved to Omaha, Troy had decided to move to Denver, but before each of us set off to our new homes, we both ended up back in Maryville, MO for the big homecoming game. Everything after that is history. From there, we endured a year and a half of a long distance relationship, one move from Denver to Omaha, a three month stint in Virginia for graduate research, and a year of finally being together before the proposal. I had finally, somewhat, tamed the "great white buffalo."

What was your favorite memory from your wedding day?
I would have to say my favorite memory was getting to watch our wedding come to life throughout the day. The girls and I arrived at the venue at 8:30 AM to begin hair and make-up and were able to watch the construction/decorating process as it was happening, which was amazing! 

During the actual wedding my favorite was just getting to sit at our sweetheart table with Troy and watch all of our guests have a fantastic time during dinner. The lighting was absolutely amazing and it looked like each table was glowing with happiness. Troy and I just kept looking at each other and saying how amazing everything was and how lucky we were!

What advice would you give to other brides?
Do not let anyone rain on your parade or force you into a decision you do not want to make. There were a few things that really made me upset during the planning process and they didn't get any better until I had to put my foot down. The biggest example was the backlash we received after choosing to do a destination wedding. It seemed like everyone had something to say about our decision and the majority of the comments were nothing but rude. I'm a total people pleaser so it was hard for me to stick by my decision, but when I finally did, everything was ten times easier. If you choose a destination wedding know ahead of time that you are asking a lot of your guests and have to be totally understanding if someone can't make it - but don't let them guilt you into changing your decision.

Troy and Audrey took full advantage of their destination and did a "trash the dress" session the next day. These two are officially the cutest.

Wedding Day Looks:

Gown | Avery by Robert Bullock Bride

Detachable Train & Belt| Janay A Eco Bridal

Earrings | J.Crew (Ceremony) & Kate Spade (Reception)

Hair/Makeup | Anna Nuet

Bridesmaids| Wtoo Maids & Dessy

Men's Pants & Vest | Men's Warehouse

Shirts | Joseph A. Banks

Tie | Tiebar

Wedding Professionals:
Venue & Caterer | Huracan Cafe

Photography | Asia Pimentel Photography
Wedding Planners | Weddings by Mayte Marie & Natalia Roldan - Amore Weddings
Officiant | Shannon Drysdale - Fairy Tale Endings