Their bridal party + parents would describe their love story as a “fairytale.” I heard that word again + again throughout the day + during the toasts. An unexpected, unpredictable story of love + fate + trust … and one wonderfully happy ending.

A mutual friend introduced these two initially — but at the time of their meeting, they were living in completely different states. So they got to know each other over many, many Skype calls … one after the next, after the next … after the next. When Colin found out he was getting deployed to Afghanistan, Heather knew she had to meet him in person before he left. At the reception, Heather’s dad (who might just be the sweetest man I have ever met) described how Heather has always been somewhat of a homebody, so when his daughter told him that she wanted to fly to Washington DC to meet the guy she had been talking with online, he was a bit skeptical!! However, after talking to Colin a few times on the phone + getting to know him better (AND learning that Colin’s family would also be out in DC when Heather was going to send him off), he felt so much better about the whole situation : )

They met for the first time in the airport + both knew right away that there was something very different + special about the person they were meeting. They hit it off right away + their first date together, a day spent walking around the National Mall, was described as a fairy tale by Colin himself. His best man told guests at the wedding that when Colin first told his buddies about Heather, they didn’t know what to expect (insert lots of jokes about Colin’s dating history here ; ) hehe!). He proceeded to describe the first time the guys all met Heather + how they were stunned at how BEAUTIFUL + KIND of a woman Colin had snagged himself … and just how incredibly happy they were for him, too : )

Colin + Heather have spent a lot of time apart — in really, really long distance circumstances — but it has created in them a relationship + friendship that is so incredibly rock solid. What a way to start a marriage : ) They are two of the kindest, most lovable people you will ever meet, + we over MORE than excited to be sharing their day with you on the blog today!! Colin + Heather — what a joy + true honor it has been to get to know the two of you + to have the chance to walk alongside you in this incredibly sweet season of your lives. You both come from such beautiful legacies of love + faith + family, + we have no doubt you two will carry these things on as you begin your new family together. Love you two SO much — enjoy some of our favorites from your day! There are LOTS!!

Heather, you are so stunning!! What a beautiful, timeless bridal look — I love it!!!

I LOVE this bridesmaid dress color palette!!

SO beautiful, you girls!!

I love these doors on the St. John’s campus!!

Time to party!!!!

A really big thank you to Colin + Heather’s wedding day team!!

Ceremony Venue: St. John’s Military Academy | Reception: Oconomowoc Lake Club | Videography: Cody Knott | Florist: Magnolia Flower Shoppe | Cake Artist: Rochester Deli | DJ: Double Platinum DJ | Makeup Artist: Lustrous Beauty Studio | Hair Artist: HL Salons | Wedding Dress Shop: Vera’s House of Bridals, Designer: Justin Alexander | Bride’s Necklace: Haute Bride | Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Bliss Bridal, Designer: Hayley Paige | Bridesmaid Earrings: J. Crew | Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse | Stationery: Coqui Paperie & Gift