Real Bride Spotlight: Kerri

Updated: Mar 13, 2020

College sweethearts Kerri and Kent were wed in beautiful North Georgia at The Walter's Barn. Read all about their heartfelt celebration below!

We met while we were both attending The University of North Georgia in Dahlonega Fall of 2015. He helped me fix my flat tire right outside campus! It did not take me long to fall head-over-heels for Kent and know I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.

We got engaged on February 7th, 2018! I was completely surprised the day he proposed. At the time I was working as a police officer, and came home one morning after working the night shift. I walked through the door of our apartment to see flower petals and candles everywhere leading into the living room.

It was very important to me when Kent and I first started dating that my family loved him just as much as I do. My family completely adores Kent. He is the son my mother and father never had, and the big brother my sister never had. I found out during my father's speech at the wedding that Kent had set up a time and day for them to meet up at a local Starbucks- my father had an idea of what is was about. As my father was telling everyone at the reception this, tears started rolling down his face as he began to tell everyone how Kent started to list all the things he loved about me and why he wanted to marry me.

We choose Walter's Barn in Lula, GA because we loved the location. We actually were told about this venue from my uncle who had been there months prior for another wedding. We wanted a beautiful outdoor wedding in the North Georgia area where we met. We also picked that venue because of their all-inclusive package they offered. The Walter's Barn is a beautiful property with so much land, water, and perfect spots for pictures. We included a lot of neutrals, whites, and greens into our floral and overall decor. My "pop" of color was lavender roses! The bridesmaids wore grey dresses which matched perfectly with all the groomsmen's Army dress blues. We wanted simple-yet-elegant decorations and decor throughout the venue since both of us are very laid-back. The venue had beautiful decorations and centerpieces we used that were included in the all-inclusive package. Andrea, Sherri, and the entire staff at Walter's Barn did an amazing job helping us prepare for and have a perfect wedding day!

My favorite part of our wedding day was looking into his eyes and taking our vows. We both are very goofy, silly, and joke around a lot. It was very special for me for us both to be serious, look into each other, and take our vows in front of our family, friends, and God. We almost did not get to have an outdoor ceremony since it had been raining for hours leading up to it. About 30 minutes or so before the ceremony, the rain stopped and the sun came out. We were able to have the ceremony outside! Immediately after taking our vows and doing the unity braid, rain started to sprinkle down. The pastor wrapped up the ceremony and we all headed inside the barn. After the last person made it inside there was torrential downpour of rain- talk about God's perfect timing!

My second favorite part was dancing with all of our guests! It is a rare occasion to have all your closest friends and family in one spot and it was so great to see everyone.

Honestly, I did not expect to find "my dress" at my first fitting ever- especially not after only 10 days of being engaged! I rarely wear dresses, and when I do I am very picky about it. My mother scheduled a dress fitting almost right away because we knew it was going to be a long process of finding me a perfect dress. I like a certain fit- loose and flowy. After trying on multiple dresses in what I thought I would love- I hated them. My dress consultant Karen chose a dress for me that I could tell on the rack was more form fitting. I told her there was no way I was going to like it! Karen convinced me to at least try it on- and the rest is history!

How can I pick just one thing about the dress I loved?! My absolute favorite part of the dress was the illusion back. I loved the detail and yet also how simple it was. It was also important for me to have some type of strap on my dress. The elegant strap on the dress was the perfect touch along with the sweetheart neckline. Also, the train on the dress was absolutely breathtaking. It looked perfect walking down the isle, and also bustled up to hit the dance floor!

My experience at Wedding Angels was great! The staff was so helpful through the entire process. We did hit some bumps along the road with my dress not fitting how I wanted which resulted in many many dress fittings. The staff saw me almost every day leading up to my wedding to ensure it was perfect and I was happy. We ended up putting fishing weights in my dress to help pull the lining down! From my first time through the doors and choosing my dress, to the last fitting- everyone was so helpful and kind.

The advice I would give to a bride trying to pick out a gown would be do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I had a certain dress in my head I thought I was going to get and ended up with something completely opposite. AND LISTEN TO AND TRUST YOUR BRIDAL CONSULTANT! They really know what they are doing! Also, have fun! This is such a special and fun time- enjoy every second!