This bride and groom’s sweet love story began back in middle school while passing notes back and forth to one another. And, despite losing touch once high school came around, fate brought them back together again. They say when you know, you know!

Fast forward to their spring wedding, and it was nothing short of a truly perfect day. While the weather was slightly toasty, the atmosphere was full of glowing smiles and laughing children, which contributed to a memorable ceremony and reception at Mahaffie Stagecoach’s Heritage Center.

From the floral arrangements to the blush accents that brought Shelby’s visions of delicate and soft decor to life, pink and champagne-colored ribbons waving high in the air after they said “I Do,” a Mexican buffet menu, and a DJ that kept the party going, this celebration was the perfect mix of romantic and lighthearted vibes.

Shelby and Carl are truly meant for each other. And, the McKenzie Phillips Events team looks forward to watching their marriage grow!

So, with that, I’m excited to share a recap from the bride herself as she reminisces on her once-in-a-lifetime day! Many thanks to Melissa of Melissa Ann Weddings for sharing these moments with us.

How did you meet and how did he pop the question? Tell us your love story.

We met in sixth grade at Spring Hill Middle School. Throughout middle school, we became very close friends, and would pass notes back and forth daily. In high school, we lost touch for a while, but I randomly texted him one day in the summer before our junior year. We went on our first date at the beginning of July and were officially dating July 15, 2008.

Carl proposed on December 18, 2016, in front of the Christmas tree at Crown Center (I'm obsessed with Christmas!) and it was perfect.

Describe your wedding vibe in one sentence:

Spring garden wedding with lots and lots of pink.

What was your wedding/event hashtag?

#FinallyKearney

How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding?

125

Where did you allocate the most funds?

Catering.

Where did you allocate the least funds?

Wedding party favors.

Share a few things that helped you along the way with planning a wedding.

McKenzie was my greatest wedding resource. She gave me suggestions along the way, and helped me create my dream wedding. Also, Pinterest helped.

Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them.

Our first dance was to “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith. It was a special song to us because it was the first song we ever danced to at our eighth-grade promotion.

Did you have something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something new? If so, do tell!

I borrowed my aunt's garter, so that was old and borrowed. And, my wedding present from my parent's was blue topaz and diamond earrings and a necklace, so that was blue and new.

What’s your best practical advice to a soon-to-be bride?

We did a first look, and it helped calm my nerves tremendously to be able to spend time with my soon-to-be-husband before the ceremony. We took about 20 minutes and sat by ourselves in our wedding suite to just decompress. It helped a lot to de-stress. Also, we signed our marriage license before the ceremony and Carl said to me that now we're married, so the rest of the day is just a fun celebration. That perspective helped me calm down and enjoy the rest of the day.

What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together?

I am very excited to relax and enjoy this time in our lives. We are very happy to enjoy being married and hope to travel a little bit before we start trying to have kids.

Let us know one thing that WOWed you while working with McKenzie Phillips.

I loved all of McKenzie's suggestions and how she crafted a perfect, VERY detailed timeline for our wedding day. I loved knowing exactly what was coming up next.

Shelby & Carl’s Delicate Spring Garden Wedding at Mahaffie Stagecoach