Our Story
Nic and I met at Concordia University Texas, circa 2010. It wasn’t until our Sophomore year in 2011 that we befriended each other.
Nic jokes that several of our hang outs as friends that fall were actually dates and I just didn’t know it yet. One Friday night we went to the movies and it wasn’t until he paid for my ticket that I realized what was going on here. Oblivious, I know. I laughed the whole night and had one of those “Oh!” moments when I realized how much I really did like him. Apparently I liked him enough to marry him.
The Proposal
After almost 7 years together, we knew the big day was near and did a good amount of wedding planning before the ring was ready — so I knew the proposal was on its way.
However, Nic outsmarted me by telling me the ring would take 8 weeks to be made. I was having a busy day bouncing around meetings when Nic called and said he was going to meet me downtown to eat dinner. I didn’t think much of the gesture beyond an impromptu date night. After we ate dinner, I wanted dessert, but Nic suggested taking a walk around Town Lake beforehand. I thought this was odd — why are you standing in the way of my Henbit cookie? We took a stroll and when we headed towards a bench — I started to get suspicious. When he got down on one knee at the four-week mark, I thought, you sly dog!
Just fyi, we went back and got that cookie to celebrate.
The Venue: Budir Church
As of September 18th, we were legally wed in a small black chapel on the west coast of Iceland, called Búðakirkja.
Why Iceland?
In November of 2016, I went to Iceland on a solo trip that changed my life. But it was something that Nic said before that trip that is not only one of the reasons that I married him, but why we said our vows in Iceland.
It was August of 2016. I was deciding whether or not to book the trip. There was a sale on airfare that I needed to act on, but I was nervous about the idea of going alone. I asked Nic’s opinion on whether I should do it. He said,
“Yes. I want you to see the world, even if I can’t be with you.”
I went and I had an amazing time, and I couldn’t wait to bring him back there. In fact, I wanted all of my loved ones to experience it. And what better way to bring people together than a wedding
The Wedding
Tey
On the morning of September 18th, our group set out from Reykjavik to Snæfellsbær. We checked into Hotel Budir and Nic and I walked over to the Chapel to meet with our officiant. Neither of us had any idea what to expect when meeting him. We had e-mailed back and forth for the past 6 months, but let’s just say that we had been imagining someone much older and with less personality than Rev. Arnaldur. He walked us through how things would go and gave us some options — which verse here, do we want him to sing a traditional song in Icelandic? Uh, YES!
We went back to the hotel and parted ways to get ready. I had my girls with me — Mom, sister, soon to be sister-in-law Kaytlyn, and one of my best friends Christina, while Nic got ready with his brother and one of his best friends, Taylor.
Someone asked if I was nervous. And at that moment, I was more nervous about forgetting my vows than seeing my best friend at the altar — whom I had seen 20 minutes ago… But when I sent the girls on their way and waited for my dad to escort me, the weight of this day settled over me. My dad made a valiant attempt at small talk as we walked over, which I think helped us both keep it together.
Something worth mentioning to help you picture the time and place — is that this church is a tourist attraction. So as my dad and I approached the chapel, there was a guy with a camera around his neck trying to pry open the door to the chapel! He was unaware that he was poking his head in minutes before my arrival, which I’m sure caught Nic by surprise. I, on the outside of the door, used the remains of my bridal power to yell “Hey! Get outta here!” When he turned and saw me, he looked quite embarrassed, but I gave him a smile to let him know he was forgiven.
The tourist scampered away and we approached the chapel doors. I think my dad asked me if I was ready. I’m sure I nodded or gave some sign of life, but in truth — I was impatient! I have spent 7 years loving this man and now I was expected to slowly float down the aisle!? I heard our song start to play [Atlas Hands by Benjamin Francis
Nic
I was talking with my brother and then heard whispers of “she’s coming.” I turned to face the ocean and stare out the window to keep myself from stealing a glance at my bride-to-be before she made it through the chapel doors.
Then everyone fell silent.
Teylor and her dad were just outside the door — this was really happening.
The intro to our wedding song filled the room, the door to the chapel opened and my jaw dropped. Through watering eyes, I saw the most beautiful thing ever — my best friend and future wife in a gorgeous dress. I tried my best to keep it together as her dad gave me a big hug and gave me her hand.
I’ll never forget the moment when we held each other’s hands and our eyes met at the altar for two reasons: she looked seriously stunning and I completely forgot the vows I had spent all day repeating to myself.
We held hands through the first half of the ceremony, trying not to laugh or cry. The pastor sung a beautiful hymn in traditional Icelandic – absolutely awe-inspiring. Then it was time for our vows. I had a few seconds of pure panic before looking back to Teylor and in that moment, everyone else that was there seemed to disappear. All I saw was her. I spoke from the heart and did the best I could to keep the tears in. Once I finished, she said hers (way better than mine, btw) and the pastor finished with a prayer. I got to finally kiss my bride and my brother got to go crazy ringing the bell in the tiny little tower above the chapel. We opened the doors to tourists taking photos of the church – making us feel like we were surrounded by paparazzi, and once again I was floored by the landscape. I couldn’t believe that we were in this breathtaking place and I definitely couldn’t believe that I had married the most beautiful woman in the world.
Teylor
Just read through Nic’s part for the first time and am trying to keep it together to finish this out!
We went right into photo mode after the ceremony. The landscape is absolutely breathtaking, but it also breathtakingly cold. My body visibly shook, partially from the adrenaline. I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing when I pictured Nic’s audible sob when I was walking down the aisle. I was trying to take as many mental pictures as possible and just soak up each moment rather than try to rush through it. Kaytlyn worked quickly and with command, which Nic and I so appreciated.
We had reservations for dinner at Hotel Budir, so we had some time to relax and grab a drink before heading into the dining room. I loved that it was such an intimate setting. We spent nearly three hours telling stories and growing closer as a family. There was even a point where a guest came to say his congratulations and asked if there would be speeches at any point. Now, I did not expect that there would be and didn’t think I could handle any more emotion that night. But, once the idea was put forth, everyone took their turn to express what that day and the trip meant to them. I will always hold these words close to my heart. It was such a genuine outpouring of emotion, so much so that other guests took notice and made a point to come over and comment on what they had witnessed.
I could go on and on about what that experience meant to me, but I’ll leave it at that. I am thankful for all that have taken the time to read this far and odds are, you are someone who has also played an important role in Nic and I’s life. I so wish that everyone I’ve ever known could have been with us on that day… but the least we can do is volunteer to come see you — wherever you are in the world!
– Love, Nic & Tey