A flamingo photo leads to rapid-fire first dates and an elegant Galloway wedding.
Sept. 18, 2021 | In April 2019, Kristy Parrish was swiping through Bumble when she came across a photo of a man fishing on a large inflatable flamingo at Higgins Lake in Michigan. She swiped, matching with Kyle Sweeney. “We talked about fishing, his grandparents’ lake house, my parents’ lake house and our love for adventure,” says Kristy, now Kristy Sweeney. Their first date—a five-hour session at Topgolf—was quickly followed by two more dates, all within four days. “We’ve been having the best time ever since,” Kristy says.
To propose, Kyle set up a trail of photos and notes in the home they had just moved into while Kristy was out at brunch with friends. “I walked inside and one of my favorite songs was playing—“Hands Down” by Dashboard Confessional,” she recalls. “The trail led out to the back sliding door, and when I opened it, Kyle was standing at the bottom of the deck. Our friends popped out and took photos as he proposed. I was completely surprised!”
Their wedding day incorporated details from their relationship, including flamingo-adorned pocket squares and socks for the groomsmen to reference that fateful Bumble photo. Just before the ceremony, which took place on the patio overlooking Big Darby Creek at Darby House, Kristy saw something incredible: an eagle flying across the creek behind Kyle as she and her father walked down the aisle. Kristy calls it a sign of “good luck for life!”
“The Darby House was a dream wedding venue,” she adds. “We loved that we could get ready [and] have the ceremony and the reception all at the same gorgeous location. We highly recommend the Darby House as a wedding venue.”
Vendors
Ceremony and reception: Darby House
Caterer: Catering by Scott
Desserts: Cake and macrons from Heavenly Bakes, cupcakes and s’mores bar from Catering by Scott
Planner: Lindsey Michelle Events
Florist: Flowers by Jill Stember
Music: Sensational Sounds Unlimited
Photographer: Jessica Babic Photography
Invitations: Avant-Garde Impressions
Other stationery/signage: Zazzle.com and DIY
Transportation: Hotel shuttle and Coach Quarters shuttle
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Columbus – Hilliard
Rehearsal dinner: Crooked Can Brewery
Sunday brunch: Couple’s home
Bride’s attire: Hayley Paige gown and a veil from Luxe Redux Bridal, shoes from Kohl’s, Swarovski jewelry
Bride’s hair and makeup: Hair by Nonia Wolf-Gorenflow/Authentic Strands, makeup by Tim Wilkins
Groom’s attire: Custom suit from Jos. A. Bank, accessories from The Tie Bar
Rings: Custom engagement ring with heirloom stones and wedding bands from Miller’s Diamond Jewelry
Couple’s custom denim jackets: Sweeney Studio
Bridesmaids’ attire: Azazie gowns
Flower girls’ attire: Dresses from Etsy
Groomsmen’s attire: Suits from Jos. A. Bank
