Real NK Weddings: Lucille & Patrick

August 18, 2024 NK Bride

Real NK Bride Lucille and her husband, Patrick, tied the knot in sunny San Diego embraced by the love of family. Lucille’s childhood church was the most magical backdrop for the ceremony and her princess gown. The couple’s classic and sophisticated theme was not devoid of fun with jaw-dropping decor, dazzling drinks, and chocolate-covered treats. Keep scrolling to see for yourself and spot all five of her NK originals!

The NK Experience

Choosing NK Bride

Lucille had gone through the usual dress-shop suspects and navigated sample sales with her patient fiancé. Traditional Catholic ceremony requirements added another layer of complexity, making off-the-rack options seem like an endless game of alterations. Then, with one simple suggestion from her boss, the frustration vanished—a custom dress. Enter Nathalie and her bespoke approach. From the first call, Nathalie's transparency and straightforwardness became a refreshing contrast to the misleading promises Lucille encountered elsewhere. Nathalie's no-nonsense attitude made the process seamless, a rare gem in the wedding planning chaos.

Initially hesitant, the allure of a personalized dress persisted, especially after witnessing her husband's tailored suit and reminiscing about the homemade dresses her mom used to make her. Enlisting Nathalie's help for her "something blue" became a heartfelt endeavor: a delicate embroidery of the couple’s initials and wedding date over Lucille’s heart, mirroring the one on Patrick’s suit. Nathalie's ability to translate emotions into tangible details made the journey not just a practical choice but a deeply meaningful one.

The Wedding Dress

Initially hesitant about a strapless dress, Lucille ultimately chose a classic ballgown with pockets, balancing tradition with modern comfort. She could dance carefree knowing that Nathalie constructed it with built-in support. Complementing it was a beaded pearl top, providing elegance and modesty for the church ceremony. “It was really fun to wear and play with, and I can wear it again,” Lucille noted.

Nathalie's guidance in fabric selection and refining the design of the pearl top was invaluable. “The main gown with silk was a no-brainer the second we touched it and looked at it in the light.” Lucille envisioned a plain white top at first, but after some advice from Nathalie, she landed on the pearls. “It was everything I wanted and more.” Lucille's attire perfectly captured her style while honoring tradition, a testament to the seamless collaboration between bride and designer.

The Bridal Comb

Everything was perfectly curated for cohesion by our bride, from the sparkles and pearls connecting our Billie Bridal Comb to her pearl top to her custom-made jewelry. Even before finalizing the pearl top, she knew she wanted bespoke jewelry to complement her look. Opting for pearl and diamond earrings, Lucille's vision came to life seamlessly. Nathalie's introduction of the comb was the missing piece, tying together the entire bridal ensemble.

The Veil

Lucille wasn’t sold on wearing a veil in the beginning, but after some convincing from her photographer and try-ons at our studio, she said, “Screw it, let’s do it!” Instead of being “too much” with her already grand gown, as she feared, it became the crown jewel. Nathalie added pearls and crystals to the cathedral veil, an ode to Lucille’s top, comb, and jewelry. “It was my favorite thing to play with on the [wedding] day. I need to pick it up from my parents’ house in California, so I can play with it in our apartment here.” Lucille wasn’t the only one who adored it! The flower girl and ring bearer had a ball “running all over the grounds with it, which is probably not what Nathalie wants to hear,” she laughed. What is fashion if not fun?

Working With Nathalie

“It was great. Super easy, super transparent, and super fun!” Lucille recalled. Planning their wedding in California from across the country was daunting, but NK Bride “was the most blissfully calm and efficient part of our year.” Every interaction left them feeling reassured and that everything was under control. From the initial consultation to the final fitting, everything ran smoothly, “and if something didn't look good she’d tell me. If something looked good, and I couldn't see it, she'd take pictures and videos and let me process it.” It was simply a joyful and stress-free journey, leaving Lucille grateful for her decision to trust in Nathalie's expertise. “The vision that Nathalie had both for what I wanted and for what would elevate it, you can't put a price on that. I don't know why anybody would work with anyone else.”

Generations to Come

So, any plans to make the look an heirloom? “Oh, yeah totally!” Lucille replied. Preserving and protecting her wedding dress became a priority for the bride as well as her husband, who went to great lengths to ensure its safe transport to California. When the airline informed her that her dress might have to be checked, Lucille knew there was only one thing to do—buy the dress its own business class plane seat! “Too much time and energy and work went into [that dress]!” We couldn’t agree more. Now residing in California at Lucille’s parents’ house, the dress patiently awaits its next owner. Lucille advises others facing similar dilemmas to spare no effort in safeguarding their wedding attire, as the memories it holds are truly priceless. We’re sure that whoever receives the dress next will appreciate all that hard work!

Finding the One

“We met on Bumble in 2018, and we had both been dating in NYC for far too long and were sick of it.” They were so sick of it that they almost canceled their first date with each other! Thankfully, their friends encouraged them to see it through. Patrick’s respectful and appropriate conversation style drew her in, both of them asking and answering thoughtful questions. Patrick's attentive nature and genuine care shone through early on. “He listens not just to the words I say but to how I'm feeling and what I need. He's just the most patient, kind man.” Patrick’s love for her is unconditional. “He definitely wouldn't have been with me if I had more cats than I currently do,” she joked. Well, almost unconditional!

The Proposal

Patrick's proposal kept Lucille guessing until the very end. Their tradition of alternating between casual and fancy date nights led her to believe a proposal might be imminent, especially on the last date night before introducing their parents to each other. However, Patrick's insistence on comfy shoes and a sweater threw her off track, leading her to suspect the proposal wouldn't happen. Patrick booked a picturesque table at Cecconi’s Dumbo right on the water as the sun was setting. Lucille’s proposal radar went off again. Then the evening took another turn when multiple interruptions diminished the romantic aura. Determined to revive the vibes, the pair took a stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade in search of serenity and cocktails. Suddenly, Lucille realized she was walking alone, turned around, and there he was down on one knee! The proposal, punctuated by a rat appearance, felt truly magical. “I feel like our engagement was blessed by the NYC gods,” Lucille laughed.

Patrick's thoughtful gesture extended beyond the proposal, as he worked with women from Lucille's grade school to design her ring at a jewelry shop in her hometown of San Diego. Loving all these custom touches!

Wedding Inspo

Lucille and Patrick's wedding was centered around simplicity and family ties. Opting for classic elegance, they let the beauty of their San Diego venue shine, accommodating guests from various corners of the globe. They held the ceremony at the same church Lucille’s parents said “I do” in and where Lucille herself attended kindergarten. Her kindergarten teacher was one of the many guests cheering her on in the pews. Even the priest who officiated, Father Tesfa, was part of the clergy who married her parents, making every aspect of the wedding a celebration of blood and found family. Their decision to collaborate with small, family-owned, and many women-owned businesses mirrored their desire for a warm, intimate atmosphere and was another reason NK Bride fit right in.

The Ceremony

Father Tesfa played a big role in the splendor of the ceremony. “He baptized me over my parents' jacuzzi, so having him as our officiant was really special,” she chuckled. Little did they know, the beloved pastor had a sweet trick up his sleeve. Since Patrick’s parents celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2023, and Lucille’s parents would be celebrating their 40th a year later, Father Tesfa thought it was the perfect occasion for a vow renewal prior to their children reciting theirs for the first time. A celebration of love three times over! Another treat came in the form of operatic song from the couple’s friends, Claire and Stephen, who beautifully sang their Mass. What a lovely addition. Okay, and can we take a moment for the dress? The way it flows down the altar steps—ethereal and immaculate.

The Reception Dress

Lucille’s decision to change into a playful party dress for the reception added whimsy to the affair. Decked out in a frenzy of feathers, it was perfect for the reception and after-party. Collaborating with Nathalie and a Saks stylist for matching shoes brought her vision to life seamlessly.

The Reception

We can’t get over how stunning this reception is! The disco balls had been a dream of Lucille’s, long before she met Patrick, ever since she spotted a similar display in French Vogue. Installed by PEP, it’s hard to look at them without swooning. The flowers, incorporated by Mackenzie of Flower Bee Floristry, made the decor breathtaking.

Lucille's Pinterest exploration led her to a champagne cart, and she knew she just had to have it. Unfortunately, she couldn’t find a single one in California. But that didn’t stop our resourceful bride! She and Patrick collaborated with PEP again to craft a custom cart, resembling a charming classic car, personalized with their names and wedding date. The cart served as a nod to a pandemic stint of ordering champagne and throwing outdoor gatherings to support the temporarily declining business. The cart allowed them to recreate the joyous get-togethers. If that wasn’t mouth-watering enough, how’s an ice cream peddler for ya? Not surprisingly, she was one of the highlights of the night.

The creativity continues onto the guestbook, which wasn’t a book at all. The duo opted for an audio guestbook by way of rotary phone! It was a project that Patrick took on himself, making it even more sentimental. Complete with their initials and anniversary date, it’ll make reminiscing on their big day all the more special.

Cats ‘n Cake

She may have missed the party, but she still made her presence known. She is Mia, Lucille's beloved tabby cat! She sat atop the cake adjacent to flowers, both courtesy of Mackenzie. Mia’s likeness also adorned the cocktail napkins. “She’s very spoiled. Her vet calls her the Upper West Side Princess,” Lucille laughed. This A-list kitty definitely put a smile on our faces!

Cute Kicks

Lucille and Patrick's wedding festivities continued late into the evening, with a casual after-party at a dive bar following their museum reception. Swapping her Gucci stilettos (one of four pairs of wedding heels!) for a pair of Converse customized with the couple’s wedding date, Lucille rocked her husband's jacket while enjoying pizza. So cute!

Eritrean Luncheon

Lucille and Patrick's wedding celebrations embraced her Eritrean heritage, as the couple donned traditional outfits inspired by Biblical passages. The vibrant ceremony took place, officially welcoming Patrick into Lucille’s family. Filled with drumming led by village warriors, dancing, praying, and feasting, the spirited celebration was an epic culmination of a four-day event. Guests joined in the festivities, showering the couple with money during their dance, a gesture of support for their new life together. With each day marked by love, tradition, and cherished memories, it was indeed a weekend to remember.

The Favorite Moment

It truly is the simple but meaningful things that stick with us. Naturally, Lucille and Patrick had planned on getting ready for the big day separately with their friends. Well, after a long night of bonfire shenanigans, one thing led to another, and somehow the entire family ended up in the room getting ready together. Was it hectic? Yes. But was it fun? Also yes! Eventually, Lucille and Patrick parted ways so she could don her dress without Patrick peeking but not before having a serene moment alone together. Patrick’s brother, sensing the chaos, came to the rescue, ushering them into an empty room with a bottle of scotch. One final minute of being fiancés and taking it all in. Cheers to that!

Congratulations, Lucille & Patrick! Blessings on a long and fulfilling life together.

<3 NK Bride

Inspired by Lucille and Patrick’s wedding? Visit our Pinterest to save the photos!

The Dream Team