The love story of Katie McDermott and Tyler Beard started with another love story – that of Katie’s best friend since high school and Tyler’s childhood best friend. “Our best friends are married!” shares Katie. “Both were our college roommates and know us better than we know ourselves, thus the perfect matchmakers for us!” Though Katie and Tyler had known each other for years while their friends were dating, they started dating themselves about six months after being a part of the other couple’s wedding. 

It wasn’t long before Katie and Tyler would begin planning a celebration of their own, with their matchmakers playing a key role in the day. “They both had special parts in our wedding – Adam married us and Michelle spoke at our ceremony. We are so thankful!” smiles the bride. Desiring an intimate wedding filled with their nearest and dearest, the couple worked hard to keep their guest list small. “We invited family and friends that we knew would be in our lives in the years ahead,” notes Katie.

Prior to the vow exchange, the bride and groom participated in a “first look” that turned out to be one of the bride’s most memorable moments of the day. In order to have an outdoor ceremony that felt unique to them as a couple, Katie and Tyler exchanged vows in the courtyard of the hotel property. Though they chose to not have a traditional bridal party, they included those special to them in different ways, such as officiating, walking the bride down the aisle, and reciting readings. After being pronounced husband and wife, the newlyweds recessed up the aisle as loved ones tossed flower petals. “I’ll never forget that moment and I’m so glad to have the photos to last us a lifetime!” shares Katie.

The reception décor featured a romantic theme that utilized verdure to bring the alfresco space to life. Lush greenery was interspersed with golden candlesticks and soft-toned blooms on tables helped to create an effortlessly elegant look. Since Katie has always loved the statement fireplace at the venue, the setting was the perfect location for their sweetheart table and was later used as the photo booth backdrop. “The overall ambience and design was a true reflection of my personality,” notes the bride of the nuptials. “To me, our wedding was the biggest party we would throw, so I wanted to make sure the design and feel truly reflected my vision.”