Masked Micro Wedding at Block 16 in Omaha Nebraska

WEDDING DATE August 8, 2020. We got engaged in 2017, wanted to wait until after I had graduated in 2018 and wanted ample planning time, and thought the symmetry ("8/8" and "2020") of this date was beautiful. It all lined up perfectly for us!

THE PROPOSAL Before the week of Thanksmas (a Starkey family tradition consisting of Thanksgiving on Thursday, Black Friday shopping on Friday, and Small Business Saturday and Christmas on Saturday), Dean and Sarah went to get pictures done with their favorite photographer, Heidi. They met in downtown Omaha, one of Sarah's favorite places, and started snapping away. After a few pictures, the group switched locations, and that's when Dean proposed. Of course, Sarah said yes! The day then continued with more pictures to commemorate the occasion, celebrating with free champagne, and getting used to saying the words "engaged" and "fiancé."

WEDDING PLANNING MANTRA We made sure to focus on what WE wanted, not what other people expected us to want. This included throwing away some of the traditions that didn't align with us as a couple - which fortunately our family and friends were extremely supportive of! When the pandemic hit and we had to cancel our original plans, we knew we had to keep a positive attitude and outlook as we practically started from scratch in re-planning our wedding (including downsizing and switching states). In the end, our mantra ended up being "go with the flow" because so many things were out of our control, so we just had to make do!

FAVORITE MOMENT The best part of the day (besides actually getting married!) was our first look with one another. It was a beautiful and intimate moment that I hope every couple gets a chance to enjoy.

THE DRESS I went dress shopping with almost all of my bridesmaids, my bonus mom, my aunt, and my grandma. We had 3 appointments at different bridal stores, but I found my dress at our first appointment. I only tried on about 5 or 6 dresses, but it was clear when I tried on MY dress that it was the perfect pick for me. My dress was a combination of antique and modern styles, and my favorite feature of my dress is the lace overlay.

BEST ADVICE Make sure to focus on building your marriage as you are engaged, not just planning the wedding. During our engagement, besides planning the wedding (twice...), we also got our first apartment, adopted 3 senior dogs, bought a home, made major repairs to that home, traveled together, and made so many memories. We worked on us as a couple and all the things we wanted to do together rather than just focusing on the one day that we were looking forward to.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE OUR DAY Pandemic. Joy. Beauty.

HE SAYS … Sarah is my best friend and I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with her.

SHE SAYS … For the past 10 years of knowing one another, Dean has always been a source of love, joy, and support for me. He always encourages me and he always makes me smile. I wouldn't want to take on life with anyone else.

MORE DETAILS Extra details about us and our story are on our wedding website at: theknot.com/us/sardean

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