Stephanie and Kyle first met when Kyle transferred high schools in tenth grade. But junior year, they were randomly drawn to be chemistry lab partners and quickly became best friends. Their chemistry teacher used to joke about us getting together all the time—even years after they graduated when they would see her when we they were home on winter breaks. (Guess she saw a lot of chemistry outside of the subject she taught!) Stephanie and Kyle actually had a pact that if they were both single at 32, they would get married. Spoiler alert: they are saving everyone some time and getting ready to walk down the aisle a few years early.
A wedding may only last a day, but the joy in the day is the actual love that everyone is recognizing, respecting, and honoring for that day forward. Joy is always remembering the love that you share with your significant other every day, and finding joy is each day because of your love.
Give us the details! When? Where? How?
Kyle thought of everything! He got the ring on a Thursday – called my brother (who lives in Texas) and asked permission which was what I wanted if he couldn’t be there. My sister, brother-in-law, and nephew were ironically in town for my nephew’s 1st birthday. Kyle, my dad, and brother-in-law all went golfing and played a round of 18 holes. He asked my dad for permission on the 9th hole. Both my dad and my brother-in-law said Kyle was a changed man on the back nine of the course. Guess he was a little nervous.
Saturday came around and Kyle couldn’t wait any longer. We were having some people over our house after Kyle got off work. While Kyle was at work, my family and I went downtown to take pictures all over the city—luckily that day it was raining which made for a great hair day. When Kyle got home, he brought in a bottle of Dom Pérignon. He said his manager got it for him. I was unwrapping the gift and asking a million questions and then turned around and he was down on one knee. All I could get out was, “Shut up!” (And many curse words.) I finally calmed down and said yes a million times. Then my whole family walked in three minutes later. It was perfect – and Kyle surprised me which I’m a detective on a lot of things so he got me good.
Karen Menyhart Photography
What has been your favorite experience planning the wedding?
We have really enjoyed planning the actual day more than anything. It’s fun to see each other get creative on some ideas that the other wouldn’t have thought of, and to get excited about the day itself. Just relishing in the fact that it’s about us and what the day is about.
How do you stay sane under the pressures of wedding planning?
I think it’s all about how you look at the wedding planning. We knew we would get drilled with questions from family and friends constantly – and we talked about really just first of all enjoy being engaged. Don’t rush into planning mode just because you’re being asked. We are doing everything at our own pace and just really making sure each other is happy in the process. It’s not the destination it’s the journey – and it’s been a fun one for sure!
Karen Menyhart Photography
What is your favorite part of using Joy for your wedding?
Our favorite part is that it is an outlet to provide all the information to our guests, especially our out of town guests, who might not be familiar with Ohio. It’s also a great way to gather everyone before the celebration to get to know each other, or know of each other.
What piece of advice would you give couples to ensure that they use Joy to its fullest potential?
Sounds corny – but it’s about the two of you and the love you share! We made it a point to work together on the website as it should be how we both see our love story – and how the stars aligned for us. And for once, brag about yourself and your fiancé! We had a blast scrolling through old pictures of us from Junior and Senior Prom and how much we’ve changed.
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy should last forever. What does that mean to you?
A wedding may only last a day, but the joy in the day is the actual love that everyone is recognizing, respecting, and honoring for that day forward. Joy is always remembering the love that you share with your significant other every day, and finding joy is each day because of your love.
Karen Menyhart Photography
