Wild at Heart

An adventurous love story, an autumnal celebration by the ocean and a Catherine Deane bridal look created entirely her own way.

Chris and Jessie first met while camping beside one another at a bluegrass and kayaking festival in Georgia. A couple of years later, they reconnected when Chris invited Jessie to a wedding in Salt Lake City. What was meant to be a simple weekend away turned into a two-week road trip in his old 1997 Dodge van, and somewhere between the Utah desert, unexpected snowstorms and the shores of Lake Michigan, they realised they had found something special.

Adventure quickly became part of their story. From Patagonia and Colorado to Idaho and life on the road, they eventually settled together in Boise.

In February 2025, during a surf trip to Costa Rica, Chris proposed at sunset while they skipped rocks on the beach. Minutes later, after unsuccessfully attempting to outrun a lightning storm, they found themselves dancing to Van Morrison in a cosy surf bar with friends.

Spontaneous, adventurous and completely them.

A Bridal Look Made Her Own

When it came to her wedding look, Jessie was drawn to Catherine Deane for the same reason she approaches so much of life: the freedom to do things her own way.

At the Catherine Deane London Boutique, she created her bridal look from the Beverly Skirt, Sestina Bodice and Tori Topper, finished with the delicate Bennet Hair Vine.

Rather than choosing one traditional gown, Jessie loved being able to mix and match separates to create something that felt bespoke and personal.

“I loved the freedom of mixing and matching pieces to create a bespoke look that felt entirely my own.”

Sustainability was another important part of the decision. Jessie was drawn to the use of recycled fabrics and loved knowing that her separates could have a life beyond the wedding day.

But it was her experience at the London Boutique that made the decision feel truly special.

“I realised I was choosing more than just a dress. I was saying yes to confidence, to comfort, and to seeing my inner beauty reflected in the fabric itself.”

The Bennet Hair Vine became the finishing touch. With the beautiful high neckline of the Tori Topper, Jessie knew she didn’t need much jewellery. Instead, the delicate hair vine added just enough sparkle while complementing the intricate detailing of her bridal separates.

The result was romantic and effortless, but most importantly, completely Jessie.

Autumn by the Ocean

For their Charleston wedding, Chris and Jessie chose Pelican Watch Pavilion, a setting right on the beach that felt naturally suited to two people whose relationship had been shaped by the outdoors.

Their palette took inspiration from autumn, with one request from Jessie: no black.

Instead, their family and wedding party were encouraged to choose warm shades that suited them individually. Jessie’s Maid of Honour wore golden orange, while Chris chose a Martini Green linen suit.

The warm, earthy colours against the coastal backdrop created a celebration that felt relaxed, personal and beautifully connected to its surroundings.

Jessie also took on the flowers, decor and wedding planning herself, allowing the day to feel even more personal to them.

A Moment of Pure Love

One of the most meaningful moments of the wedding came during the ceremony.

Chris’s mother had passed away a few years earlier, so a chair was reserved in her honour. As his sister, aunt and Mimi walked down the aisle, they each placed flowers on the chair.

As they did, a butterfly appeared, circling them several times before remaining nearby for much of the ceremony.

Later, as Chris and Jessie walked back down the aisle as newlyweds and finally had a moment alone, Chris told Jessie he felt certain it had been his mom letting them know she was there.

For Jessie, it became a moment of pure love and gratitude that she will never forget.

And her advice for future brides is simple:

“Overthinking and overbuying won’t create the perfect day. The love that you share with your person will.”

After a love story filled with mountains, oceans, open roads and adventures around the world, their wedding was another reminder that the most important part has always been having each other beside them.

Vendor Love

Photographer: @emilyray.co | Emily Ray Photography
Venue: Pelican Watch Pavilion
Catering: Cast Iron Food Truck and Catering
Florals: The Bride
Wedding Decor: The Bride
Wedding Planning: The Bride
Groom’s Suit: StudioSuits | Martini Green Linen Suit
Bride’s Wedding Ring: TheAuraMuse by Veronica Costanzo, Italy
Groom’s Wedding Ring: Rustic and Main
DJ: @__tylergolden