Ask a JVB Bride: Monika

I've had the pleasure of knowing Monika since high school and she also just so happens to be the connection that introduced my husband and I. Monika is an amazing person and I couldn't be more grateful to play a role in her big day just like she did in mine!

In the interview below, she shares some of the things that she learned during her wedding season and what she is looking forward to in the future.

Congratulations Monika and Nick!

Engagement photos by: Riddle Road Photograph

The Interview

Q: How did you meet Nick? When did you know that he was the one?

A: Nick and I met through work. I knew that I wanted him to be my husband during our first vacation together in Florida. We were on the beach and he asked me to slow dance. I said I have a perfect song and played 'We Danced' by Brad Paisley on my phone (runner-up for our first song). It was in that moment I knew I wanted to marry Nick. I knew before him :)

Q: Now that you have the ring on your finger, tell us how he proposed!

A: He asked to use the Arlington Heights race track indoor area to propose. He had photographers lined up with our family hiding in the background. It’s a memorable place for us and he had our best man and his wife help distract me during the day while I got my nails done, grabbed lunch, and got ready. Throughout the day, he had little notes for me at every “event” and she then took me there and Nick walked down the stair case where he proposed. He then invited all of our closest friends to celebrate and surprise me next door at Ditkas.

Q: When and where are you getting married? How did you decide on the time of the year and the venue?

A: We are getting married Nov 3rd at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. We wanted a fall wedding since we both love this time of year but honestly there were so many places booking up that we had to act fast! We are hoping beginning of November brings no surprises for the weather! Our reception venue is Arrowhead Golf Club.

Q: Spill the details! What's your wedding theme, style, colors, and other must-haves?

Our colors are burgundy and blush with greenery,candles, and lanterns to fill the space! We tried to keep everything very simple without going too extreme on decorations.

Q: What's your favorite source for wedding inspiration?

A: SO MUCH PINTEREST!

Q: Have you always dreamed of your wedding day or is this a new thing for you? How has your dream shifted over the course of your engagement?

A: I have always thought about my wedding day, specifically about unique things like getting to drive away in a really cool old car or choreographing a dance with the bridal party. Wedding planning is time consuming and I realized that all those things were not as important or necessary as I once had thought. Being in the moment is what I want to cherish most that day which is why I feel like I have stuck to the basics and haven't allowed myself to stress the rest.

Q: Are you two taking a honeymoon? If so, where to?

A: Yes! We are going to Maui!

Q: Why is marriage so important to you? What are you most excited about?

A: Marriage to me is two people continuously learning how to challenge, accept, and love one another to become the best version of themselves. I am most excited to continuing growing as a couple through the years and learning how to better myself to be the best friend and wife for Nick.

Q: Do you have any advice for the newly engaged?

A: Breathe and enjoy it! Highly recommend splitting up tasks based on who is most comfortable with what. Even if something doesn’t have to get done for a few months, get ahead of it! Things will make it on your to-do list that you never even thought about.

Q: What’s next for you two after “I Dos”?

A: Decorating and really getting settled into our new house that we moved into over the summer and then simply enjoying the married life.