If you don’t believe in soulmates, NK Couple, Stephanie and Austin, will surely change your mind! The exquisite floral suits Nathalie constructed for them are one of many symbols of their adoration for each other. Stephanie was kind enough to share some lovely anecdotes with us that really touched our hearts. So, if you're sentimental like us, keep reading to see why this marriage was written in the stars!
Finding “The One”
Before meeting Austin, Stephanie embarked on a journey of loving and “dating herself.” When she was ready to find her person in early 2020, she joined OkCupid, and Austin was the first guy she matched with! Rather than a typical first date, Stephanie suggested they watch the Democratic Debate to “get all the uncomfortable conversations out of the way.” No beating around the bush here! “If this was going to work, he needed to know that I’m the type of person who yells at the TV,” she laughed. Ladies, if he’s off-put by that, he’s not the one!
“When things got scary with the pandemic, we looked at each other and said, ‘Okay, the world might be ending, but we’ve got each other.’” So, after only three weeks of dating, Austin took Stephanie to meet his parents. It must’ve gone well because they stayed for 10 days! Next, it was time for the couple to make the 17-hour drive to see Stephanie’s folks. “If you can go through chaos with someone, you can really survive anything. He was my refuge.” In conclusion, if you can take a long road trip with someone without getting sick of them, don’t let them go!
The Proposal
While some people may dread Friday the 13th, Stephanie and Austin always welcome it. “Every Friday the 13th, something amazing happens to us.” Naturally, Austin chose their lucky day to propose! As a location scout for movies, Austin found the perfect proposal spot while on the job: Bearsville, NY. A town destined for the man who calls himself Yogi Bear! When the pair arrived on that special night, the sky was misty, enchanting, and sprinkled with stars. “If you ever propose, I think we’ll have a great life,” Stephanie joked. Little did she know, Austin was ready to “call her out on her BS,” got down on one knee, and said, “I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Will you be my wife?” Talk about a brilliant segway!
The groom-to-be proposed with his grandmother’s timeless engagement ring. It was a perfect fit, despite Austin’s grandmother and Stephanie having completely different statures! “It was just a magical moment that [showed] it was really meant to be.”
The NK Experience
Going Custom
Let’s be real. Have you ever seen a more fashion-forward groom? “He’s the most fashionable man I've met in my whole life and is very passionate about everything he wears being unique and special,” Stephanie told us. That’s why Austin was the one to suggest NK Bride. A man of excellent taste! A traditional suit was out of the question, and since Stephanie wasn’t fond of the typical wedding gown either, custom outfits were the best option. Plus, since the couple met in Brooklyn, they were more than happy to support a local business!
Working With Nathalie
“She really got to know us as people and took our personalities and transformed them into garments, which is so difficult, but she did it with such grace and ease.” You can rest assured that visiting the studio will never feel like a chore! “It felt like we were going to hang out with some friends, like coming home in a way, and that's the best thing you could ask for.” We’re glad that during a period of wedding-planning stress, the NK process could be a welcome break filled with “joy and excitement.”
Having heard countless wedding-dress horror stories from other brides, Stephanie was all the more grateful for Nathalie’s custom expertise. “We felt so held throughout the entire experience of us getting fitted and having our vision really come to life.” Feeling comfortable in her body is what mattered most to our bride, and making that happen is Nathalie’s specialty. “She did such a good job of catering it exactly to my body. I felt the best I possibly could. She was so kind, thoughtful, and skilled.” It’s these glowing reviews that keep us going!
The Jumpsuit
It was important to Stephanie that every aspect of the wedding be personalized and authentic to her and Austin. As for fabric, Stephanie knew she wanted lace to “ring true of the delicateness of a wedding.” A lovely contrast to a less-traditional ensemble. Her go-to outfit is a jumpsuit, so getting married in one seemed like a no-brainer. “My aesthetic is either utilitarian Indiana Jones or Stevie Nicks, so I felt like my wedding [jumpsuit] was the perfect combo of the two.”
Stephanie didn’t want a veil, so Nathalie made her a cape with the same regal feel. On their wedding day, while the couple was strolling by the lake, a little girl screamed out what every woman dreams of hearing: “Mom, there’s a princess at the water!” proving you don’t need a ballgown or fancy veil to be a princess! “That’s the ultimate goal as a bride — to feel like a magical princess and for that magic to be felt by other people.”
The Matching Sets
We know you’re all dying to know more about these floral power suits, so let’s start with the backstory. Changing for the reception isn’t a new concept, but our NK couple wanted to put their own spin on it: matching outfits symbolic of their partnership. It wouldn’t be their first rodeo either! On their third date, they attended a boxing match with Austin’s friends and unintentionally showed up in the same outfit: a jumpsuit and Indiana Jones hat! Austin not only got to show her off but show how perfect they were for each other. When he returned to the gym the next day, his boxing coach made a frank but profound statement: “That’s your wife, bud.” And Austin never looked back! He’s been coordinating his outfits with Stephanie’s ever since.
Austin’s passion for fashion led him to purchase a floral suit in Italy, which became his favorite clothing item. He knew he wanted a one-of-a-kind piece reminiscent of it, and since Stephanie is fond of gardening, it wasn’t hard to get her on board. “We wanted to concentrate on the things that mattered most to us for the wedding,” and for Austin that was having something he could wear and cherish forever. (He still wears it all the time!) “Nathalie did such a good job finding the perfect floral pattern. To have that kind of imagery incorporated into our wedding was really special.”
A Special Guest
Look who else wanted to get in on the floral festivities: Austin’s beloved childhood dog! “Nathalie was so kind to keep a piece of fabric for Jaime to wear, so she could match us on the wedding, which was super special.” Sadly, sweet Jaime has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, but she will forever be immortalized in these precious pictures and in the hearts of all who loved her.
The Accessories
It’s not every day you see a fedora as a wedding accessory, but when it’s that very accessory that catalyzes your relationship, how can you not include it? Both Stephanie and Austin were wearing Indiana Jones hats on their OkCupid profiles. “That’s why he swiped on me,” Stephanie laughed. “Hats are an important part of his aesthetic.”
They became a vital part of Stephanie’s aesthetic too during a time of uncertainty in her life. While deciding whether to stay in corporate America or pursue her dream job as a chef, she found what would be her very first Indiana Jones hat lying on the road. Lo and behold, it fit perfectly! “I took it as a sign to follow adventure, and ever since then, that’s been my motto.” Hello cooking, goodbye advertising! Needless to say, these hats mean a lot to the couple, which is why they had their wedding ones inscribed with their initials and have since displayed them in their home. A headpiece and art piece all in one!
Her crown and bouquet are courtesy of Flora Moon, where all flowers are sustainably grown. Another way for Stephanie to be immersed in nature. It was also vital that her wedding be “powered by women” and that everything she wore came from a small business. “I run a business too, so if I’m gonna spend, it's gonna be with women.” We can do great things when we support each other!
Beaming Bridesmaids
These bridesmaid looks have us jumping for joy! "I really wanted my bridesmaids to have outfits that they could wear again and mirror my love for jumpsuits," Stephanie said. She picked a warm burgundy hue to match the bouquet and create a radiant look against her friends' complexions. The boho-chic bell bottoms and vintage collared style seamlessly tie into the theme. "I wanted them to be cute but also functional, practical, and affordable, so they checked all the boxes." We couldn't have said it better ourselves!
The Venue
Finding a venue during a global pandemic was not easy, but moving to Dobbs Ferry and being able to escape to the waterfront was a great stress reliever. Then, it hit Austin. Why not get married there? They had become close with the restaurant owners and wouldn’t even be there without their friend (and future wedding bartender) helping them find their house. So, what better way to give back to the community they loved? “It solved so many problems. Having a husband who works in locations makes logistics a lot easier.” The wedding industry’s calling your name, Austin!
A Symbolic First Look
“I’m a daddy’s girl. He was the apple of my eye growing up.” Stephanie knew that she wanted to have a first look with him before her parents gave her away. But there was a deeper meaning behind this moment. It would be the first time Stephanie’s dad would see her this way in over a year. In 2020, Stephanie was diagnosed with alopecia and began to lose her hair. One day, she and Austin decided to go into the woods to own the situation and “take her power back.” Austin, who was there every step of the way, shaved what remained of Stephanie’s hair onto the wilderness below, “a symbolic giving back to nature.”
It was fate that the bride found a wig exactly like her real hair for the wedding. Wearing the wig signified “a moment of me standing up to the disease,” that it was “not going to take away from this day.” “It was really magical to show my dad me,” she shared. We're happy to report that Stephanie’s hair has since grown back, but she will never forget her journey and the love of her life “holding” her during that time. “We all grow and shed our skin, and I shed my hair, so I could grow into who I am now.”
The Festivities
If you couldn’t tell by now, this daring pair doesn’t play by the rules, and we’re all about it! Their boho 60s/70s matrimony took place at the waterfront on a beautiful September morning. Instead of the usual cocktail party to follow, the newlyweds hosted a laid-back brunch at Half Moon overlooking picturesque views. Their 50 guests were also encouraged to explore the town before the reception while the couple took their portraits. Everything was in close proximity, making transportation super convenient. “Our reception was right off of the Metro North stop, so people could get off the train and be right there.” It was like a wedding and mini vacation all in one! Love the chill vibes.
The Getaway Car
Want proof that you don’t need a Rolls Royce or Bentley to have a cool getaway car? Here it is! Austin has fond memories of off-roading with his dad in their Jeep to go camping and has since continued that tradition with Stephanie. During the height of the pandemic, the couple used the Jeep to escape from reality to the great outdoors. Austin built a kitchen in the back, so they could camp and eat with no Covid worries. “It was like our sanctuary and made us feel like we weren’t living through the end of the world.” We’re sure this special car will see many more campsites in its future!
Oh, Stephanie also drove herself to the ceremony in a Jeep. Her maid of honor will never forget how badass that was, and neither will we!
The Best Part
Although their matching outfits were planned together, Stephanie’s jumpsuit was a surprise. So, when Austin saw her for the first time walking down the aisle, she was a vision in white. “It was that classic moment of ‘this is it,’ and he said, ‘You look even more beautiful than I could’ve even imagined.’” He couldn’t resist snapping a photo, though the scene will forever be photographed in his mind. “Everyone around you is looking at you, but between the two of you, there’s no one else there. The world stopped for a second.” They stared into each other’s eyes, overcome with the joy of accomplishment, knowing that they did it.
Another surreal moment of realization came during their portrait session. It was like a “private celebration” to honor their first few hours as a married couple. Photographer and new-found friend, Amina Ford, created what would become the couple’s most prized possessions. “You can tell how safe and relaxed we were with her and how she really captured our love for each other.” We really can. If this isn’t true love, we don’t know what is.
Any last remarks from our bride?
“I just want to restate that Nathalie was such an integral part of our wedding. It wouldn’t have been the same without her.” Two years later, the couple is still in awe of their wearable garden, re-wearing them every chance they get and pouring themselves over the photos. “Austin shares them with people he’s just met,” Stephanie laughed. When he’s traveling for work, he looks at the pictures to keep his wife close at heart. “The outfits [...] allow for us to be with each other even when we’re not.”
Congratulations to the beautiful couple! We wish you all the best.
<3 NK Bride
Inspired by Stephanie and Austin’s wedding? Visit our Pinterest to save the photos!
The Dream Team
Photographer: Amina Ford Photography | Bridal Jumpsuit, Matching Sets & Dog Bandana: NK Bride | Florals: Flora Moon | Makeup: Angela DeCicco MUA | Couple: Stephanie & Austin