From a dating app to an international destination – check out this magical story!

Tell us your love story! How did you meet?
We met on a dating app called ‘Bumble’ in January 2017. Our connection was immediate, and it felt as though we had known each other for a lifetime.

How long after the marriage proposal came/when did we decide to get married? How was the
proposal?
We decided to get married 5.5 years after our first date. The proposal was nothing short of magical. Dylan chartered a custom 50′ sailboat in Norwalk, Connecticut, and on August 10, 2022, with Captain Mike by our side, he popped the question. It was an unforgettable moment that led us to tie the knot 11 months later in the beautiful country of Portugal.

How would you describe your love story?
In simple words: we are best friends. Our bond is built on trust, understanding, and countless memories.

How was the process of organizing your wedding?
Organizing our wedding was challenging, particularly due to family dynamics and having to plan most of it
virtually from the USA.

What was the hardest choice and the easiest choice you had to make while organizing? Why?
The hardest decision was choosing a destination wedding, knowing some of our loved ones might not be
able to attend. But, travel and quality time are essential to us, and we felt that a destination wedding
would offer a unique experience. The easiest choice? Deciding to spend the rest of our lives together.

Did you organize everything yourself or did you have help?
While Katie took the lead in planning, we had support from various sources.

Did you choose a theme for your wedding?
We went for a minimalistic theme, taking inspiration from friends and platforms like Pinterest and TikTok.

Where did you get your inspiration?
Blogs, Instagram, and Pinterest were our go-to sources.

How was the big day?
Our wedding day was magical, filled with love, laughter, and some unforgettable moments.

If you could, would you change anything?
If given a chance, we’d opt for a different wedding planner. There were certain expectations that were
not met, leading to a few hitches in the schedule.

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
After celebrating with friends in Lagos, Portugal, we have planned a thrilling African safari in Kenya and
Tanzania, followed by a serene retreat to the beaches of Zanzibar.

Photographer: Pedro Filipe Fotografia
Catering – Pateo Velho
DJ – Your Jukebox
Hair & Makeup – Blust Hair & Makeup
Live Painting – Bloom Blissart
Wedding Planner – @portugal.wedding.planner
Bride – @instajoanie
Groom – @chin_gery
Venue – Solar de Pancas
Bride’s Dress – Plumed Serpent Bridal
Groom’s Suit – Generation Tux
Flowers – Art Flowers Portugal / @art.flowers.portugal
Dancing – DNS Ballroom Dance

Bajan Wed