KIMBERLY & WAYNE

JULY 31, 2021

Photography by Rachel Tweggs Photography


Bride’s name: Kimberly Cordova

Groom’s name: Wayne Paliwoda

How they met: "A true Tinder love story in Wisconsin about six years ago."

Number of guests: 80

Wedding colors: Blush, gold, light yellow, pops of blue

Unique and special aspects of the day: "This was the first time our families were meeting, so that was special to see. We also loved that our sweet dog, Lucy, was able to just run around the yard during the reception. At dinner she came to lounge in front of our sweetheart table and pretty sure got way too much food from all the guests. For dessert we provided Thimbleberry Bakery with all of our homemade blueberry jam from the previous berry season to incorporate into the lemon blueberry cake and cupcakes."

Most memorable moment...

For her: "I loved the first look before the ceremony with my now husband. Getting to see his reaction to how I looked is a memory I’ll cherish. I think it was the last quiet, just us two, moment for the rest of the day. It felt surreal."

For him: "The moment where Kim began walking down the aisle was the most memorable part of the day. Everything was so hectic leading up to it. I imagined that moment coming with a rush of nervousness, but instead everything felt calm and clear. I knew I was about to marry my best friend. "

Funniest moment: "We were hesitant to do the bouquet toss and garter retrieval traditions – it just seems odd. But thank goodness we did! They were both so entertaining. While diving for the bouquet, about three girls wiped out. No one was injured, just stunned. Then Wayne fully committed to the garter removal and started his dance towards me about 30 feet away. There really isn’t anything quite like seeing your husband crawl towards you while all your friends and family hoot and holler."

Three words that best describe their day: "Fun, love and happiness."

If they had the chance to do it again, what they would do differently: "Nothing major, just small details. For example, we did Alaska-themed table designators instead of numbers (a marmot table, a blueberry table, etc.), and we forgot to give the DJ a list of these, so he did a great job and just kind of pointed at the tables when releasing them to get their dinners. Also, I wish we had spent a bit more time taking some photo booth photos. It really does go by so fast."

Best advice for a couple planning their wedding: "Breathe, try to set a budget, and stay as organized as possible. Remember it’s your wedding and whatever you do or don’t do will be great. We highly recommend doing a one song photo run around before everyone sits for dinner. The day will be crazy, so it’s a great way to get at least one photo with every table and therefore person. It’s also a fun and hectic two minutes."

Photography: Rachel Tweggs Photography • Videographer: Xpreshun Films • Ceremony & reception site: The Gathering Place • Reception site: Gloryview Farm • Cake: Holly Hardman, Thimbleberry Bakery• Catering: Main Event Catering • Wedding ‘day of’ coordinator: Taryn Yelles • Flowers: Wild Blossom Designs • Bride's dress: Essence of Australia gown • Bridesmaids' dresses: Show Me Your Mumu • Bridal alterations: Yu Tailor Alterations • Groom's & groomsmen’s formal wear: Generation Tux • Hair: Cheryl Renee Brantley • Makeup: Chance Droege • Officiant: Ryan Yelle • Entertainment & music: AK Mountain Entertainment • Decorations, party supplies & rentals: Wild Poppy AK; Special Events Alaska • Bride/groom’s wedding night accommodations: The Gathering Place • Guest accommodations: Best Western Lake Louise; and Airbnbs • Honeymoon travel planner: Costco • Honeymoon destination: Cabo San Lucas

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