How it started
Kaitlin and Chris were invited to join friends on a cruise in January of 2019, and Chris knew it would be the perfect opportunity to pop the question. He recalls, “I took a day off work and went to every jewelry store in Berks County. I ended up finding the ring at Wm. H Diller Jewelers in West Reading, and everything was set.” But on the drive to the airport, Kaitlin told Chris she didn’t want to get married as long as they could continue to go on adventures like the one planned. Chris took to heart that he knew that she would be surprised when he asked. He says, “While at port in Grand Cayman, my plan was to propose on the beach. We ended up separated from our friends, who were supposed to take pictures, and I called it off. By the time we got back on the ship, we did not have the greatest day, and I thought the proposal was a bust. We reconnected with our friends and went to the top deck. As I held her and looked out over the moonlit island, I figured it was now or never. My friend handed me the ring, and I got down on one knee. The first words out of her mouth were ʻoh, sh*t.ʼ But she ultimately said ʻyes.ʼ The proposal was not what I had envisioned, but I would not change a single thing about it.”
The Big Day
In attendance were Kaitlin’s parents, Robert and Melissa Specht, and Matt’s parents, Jeffrey and Kim Young. The Man of Honor was Kaitlin’s best friend, Mike Cagagis. Ian Donohue, Chris’s best friend, was Best Man. The ceremony was performed in The Museum’s perennial gardens, and the reception was in The Stone Terrace Tent. Guests enjoyed eats by Russo’s Gourmet Foods Market, Wyomissing, including assorted meats, tomato pie, ham and cheese wrapped asparagus, pasta with spinach and tomato in a cream sauce, chicken sauteed in white wine and sausage with peppers, onions and potatoes. The beer served at the bar was purchased from Sly Fox, Wyomissing. Music was provided by DJ Menace, Danny Cole, and the couple’s first dance was to Then, by Brad Paisley. The decorating was by Leo Design Gallery, West Reading.
Looking Back
Chris: What did you first think when you saw your bride on your wedding day? I had been incredibly anxious all day up until the first look. When I finally got to see her, I remember finally feeling a sense of peace. I thought that she looked beautiful, and that feeling of peace made everything come together and become real.
Kaitlin: What would you say the highlight of your Big Day was? Having the first look with Chris. I was way too excited for him to see what kind of dress I picked out and to see me all dressed up. His face was lit up like a house decorated in Christmas lights. He just looked so happy seeing me. It was such a great idea for us to see each other before the ceremony so we could have some time together before being in front of our friends and family.
How did you feel the day before your wedding? And the day after? Says Kaitlin, “My stomach was doing back flips the entire time. The day before everything dawned on me that there was just one more day to be in front of everyone during our most intimate moments together. The day after, all of that anxiety was gone. The day went by so fast that I just wish we had more time to dance and enjoy more time with everyone.” Says Chris, “The day before, I was nervous but it helped that I was able to keep busy working on final preparations. It also helped that we had family over before the rehearsal, so we spent the day talking and catching up. The day after was a huge relief. Everything came together perfectly, and it was nice to spend time relaxing with my wife.”
How was the Honeymoon? Due to COVID-19, the couple has postponed their honeymoon but plans to visit San Souci Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamacia, next month.
What are your Future Plans? Kaitlin, a coordinator, and Chris, a data center manager, hope to buy a house and are expecting their first child in June of 2022.
Dress & Tuxes: L&H Bridal Rack, Sinking Spring
Hair & Makeup: I DO…. Event Hair & Makeup, Pottstown
Cake: Always More Cake, Reading
