Jovana and Thomas' Classically Graceful Wedding in Historic Chicago -Munaluchi Bride

For Jovana and Thomas it was love at first sight. Initially crossing paths on social media, they were soon setting up their first date. Cupid’s arrow struck with perfect precision, creating a connection so natural and immediate that Jovana and Thomas were already planning their life together a week later. Never having felt more sure of anything their engagement became official four months later – with their wedding arrangements largely completed. On August 11th 2018, surrounded by the love and support of family and friends, Jovana and Thomas were forever united as husband and wife.

Read all about Jovana & Thomas’ love story, proposal, and experiences in their classically graceful wedding in historic Chicago.

Bride & Groom: Jovana & Thomas
Occupations: Software Engineer & Firefighter/Paramedic
Wedding date: August 11th, 2018
Wedding location: Chicago, IL

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met on the app Coffee Meets Bagel. For the proposal, we were basically engaged a week after meeting the first date. By the time we made it official (four months after the first date), we’d set a date, venue, and chosen names for our future children. When he proposed, it was the two of us, and TJ proposed with the same ring his father proposed to his mother with.

Describe your wedding attire. The grooms suit was custom made. It was a three-piece dark blue with a subtle plaid pattern. It went well with a vintage pocket watch and cufflinks. Brown alligator shoes were the final touch. The Bride’s dress was lace with hints of sparkle. It was off the shoulder, light and easy to move in all night

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? I went dress shopping four times. Each of the first three times were at local boutiques with a different girl friend. One day driving home with my son, then 10 weeks old, I stopped at David’s Bridal. I thought I had found the dress. It was a spaghetti strap simple dress pink and silver threading. I made a follow up appointment, and in conversation that night my husband started talking about his vision for the wedding and a white dress. I went back to David’s Bridal, alone, found a champagne, classic, off the shoulder dress in my size and bought it, off the floor, the same day.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We cared the most about making our guests comfortable. We started with cocktail hour, no one was hungry or thirsty by the time we started the ceremony. My friend officiated and the ceremony was full of inside jokes, sweet jabs, and personal stories.

Wedding party gifts: Groomsmen: personalized flasks, shot glasses, in a wooden cigar box accompanied by their bottle of choice. Bridesmaids: jewelry, hair, makeup and personalized gift boxes.
Gifts for each other: Tear drop diamond necklace, a watch
Ceremony entrance song: “Here Comes the Bride”
First dance song: “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton

What is your best memory from your wedding? TJ kissed me right after the vows and Alexis, our officiant, made him kiss me again since he forgot to wait for her “you may kiss your bride.” The first kiss was very sweet, the second one was movie worthy, complete with a dip.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Make a list of your top three priorities and focus on those. Figure out what items each person cares the most about – that helped me to make some decisions on my own.