Bekah & Drew

Occupations Bekah is an attorney; Drew is a specialty food sales rep  

Wedding date April 14, 2024

Number of Guests 135

Number of Attendants 1 Maid of Honor; 1 bridesmaid; 1 Best Woman; 5 flower girls; 2 ringbearers; 1 groomsman; 4 Chuppah attendants

How You Met Drew hates to admit it but we matched on Bumble. At the time, he was an executive chef for a restaurant that was part of my mom’s favorite restaurant group. I mainly swiped right because I wanted to find out where he was the chef. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Engagement We went to London on our first international trip as a couple and got engaged in the Aviary at the London Zoo on what would have been my late grandfather’s 104th birthday. Our first date had been on my late grandmother’s birthday in 2021 (my mother’s parents) and I wanted to continue the trend.

Wedding Design Inspiration The Victoria-crowned Pigeon (which was in the Aviary at the London Zoo). We used an image on the majority of wedding stationary. I really wanted a “fun” wedding that had a touch of whimsy. Drew just didn’t want anything that was over the top.

What Was Unique and Special About Your Wedding Day My best friend from high school, Molly, plays violin for the Fort Worth Symphony. She was able to come up for the wedding and play with other string musicians for the ceremony. She was able to make a quartet version of “Into the Woods” for the bridal processional and the music was fabulous. We also had animal ambassadors at the cocktail hour (two penguins named Dawn and Scout).  Everyone loved it. And We we made sure to really be kid-inclusive and friendly. All the kids had an amazing time and their antics also helped take away some of the spotlight from us (which is what Drew wanted).

Favorite Details My friend from work brought back several different cat figurines from Japan, which I had placed on some of the main tables. I have eight cats and Drew had been very clear he didn’t want a “cat” wedding” but I found ways to sneak them in.

Most Unexpected Event On Your Wedding Day When we saw that our planners had put the bride and groom cat figurines on top of our wedding cake. We had no idea and I was so excited (Drew was less so but he went with it). You can see how thrilled I was in the pictures. Instead of a bouquet toss, I did a stuffed cat toss. Then all the kids also got to pick out a smaller stuff animal too.

Piece of Advice Relax and have fun.  Try to be in the moment.  Be prepared to handle the worst thing possible happening in a way that ensures at least the majority of guests have no idea anything was amiss unless you tell them. 

BEAUTY Caitlyn Meyer Pro (specifically, Kiate, Lucja and Brittney) BRIDESMAIDS Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. Best Woman and Flower girls purchased at different stores/websites. CATERER & CAKE The Classic Catering People FLORAL DESIGN Flowers & Fancies GROOM Ted Baker London and Stantt (from Nordstrom) for Drew HONEYMOON Scotland INVITATIONS Family friend who has a commercial printing company LOCATION Maryland Zoo in Baltimore MUSIC Friendly Entertainment OFFICIANT Bride’s uncle PHOTOGRAPHER Urban Row Photography TRANSPORTATION Thoroughbred Transportation WEDDING OUTFITS Jenny by Jenny Woo and Nordstrom (reception dress); Anthropologie (welcome party dress) WEDDING PLANNER The Otherside Creatives WELCOME SIGN Okay Everything