May 27, 2019

How We Met: Jeff noticed Kathryn kept popping up on their mutual friend Mallory’s Instagram, so he asked Mallory what her story was. The timing wasn’t the best for Kathryn to start dating again so Jeff had to wait. One morning Jeff was doing work at O’Henry’s Coffee and saw Kathryn walk out of the coffee shop. Jeff reached out again to Mallory and made it known he wanted to ask Kathryn out. It was a 6-hour date when Jeff meant to only grab drinks after work, and they have been inseparable ever since.

The Proposal: Jeff was planning to propose on Christmas Eve, but a window of opportunity came open the day before Christmas Eve when they decided to open an early Christmas present. Jeff got Kathryn some new pajamas (a Sommer Family Christmas Eve tradition) and asked her to go try them on to see how she liked them. Then Jeff got the ring out, placed a camera on the shelf to capture the moment and stood next to the Christmas tree. Jeff told her he had another Christmas present and to look towards the back of the tree. When she couldn’t find it, Jeff had her look on the other side of the tree and as she turned around, Jeff was down on one knee. After she said yes, Jeff washed her feet as a symbol of humility and service and popped open a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

Favorite Moments: Jeff’s was finally seeing Kathryn in her wedding dress as her dad began to walk her down the aisle, dancing with the Second Line band and their drive back through New Orleans after the wedding. Kathryn’s was the ceremony, the live painting and the rap song her bridesmaids wrote and sang at the end of the wedding.

Vendors

  • Venue: Rosy’s Jazz Hall, New Orleans
  • Florist: Brittney Ray’s Florist
  • Caterer: Rosy’s Jazz Hall
  • Cakes: Joe Gambino’s Bakery
  • Videographer: Dyle Films
  • Invitations: elli.com
  • Wedding Dress: Bella’s Bridal
  • Hair & Makeup: Glam Nola
  • Groom/Groomsmen Attire: John’s Tuxedos, New Orleans
  • Music: Q Music Agency
  • Transportation: VIP Transportation
  • Live Painting: Christina Pappion Artistry
  • Second Line: Kinfolk Brass Band