Brides Full Name Emilee Hope Cook
Grooms Full Name Jonathan Isaac Abdalla
Occupations
Bride – Graduate Student | Chemistry
Groom – Graduate Student | Accounting
Tell us how you met and all about the proposal
How we met: So my friend Emma asked me to hang out with her and her other friends on Halloween. This was the first time I met Jonathan, we did not talk much that night since we are both quite shy. However, Jonathan has told me that he knew I was the one for him from the moment we first met. Later, as I got to know Jonathan better I knew that I could not just remain his friend. I liked him in secret for a long time. I remember one time we were all hanging out and Jonathan said he wanted to see the movie Her. I was not particularly interested in seeing this movie but when our other friends said no I jumped at my opportunity. That date was pretty awkward, if you’ve ever seen the movie, you’ll appreciate why. A few days later I found out I got into my chosen Ph.D. program and Emma invited me over for a small party. That night I told Jonathan how I felt and finally released him from the friend zone. We began to date January 18, 2014. Our love story is one of my favorites since the best relationships come from friendship.
Proposal: As spring break was approaching my mother told me that she, dad, grandma, Jonathan and I were going to go to Nemacolin for the weekend. I had no idea what this trip was going to turn into though! Due to snow cancellations I had to take a qualifying exam for my Ph.D. program the Saturday our spring break started but still intended to go to Nemacolin with Jonathan and the family on Sunday.
Friday the 13th (!), the evening before my test I was studying when suddenly, my doorbell rang. As I answered the door I was completely shocked to see Jonathan standing there with a dozen roses! My immediate reaction was to ask “What are you doing here? I have a test tomorrow!” He told that me he missed me and could not wait another day to see me and wanted to know if he could take me to dinner. I thought this was incredibly sweet and started to cry. As we were getting ready to leave he said he wanted to ask me a question. With one hand on the door I turned around to see him down on one knee, asking me to be his wife! I dropped my purse and nearly screamed YES!!!!
We went to dinner that evening, where he told me about the reason for the trip to Nemacolin. My fiancé and parents (plus grandma) had planned out that we were going to go find a ring at Joyce’s Jewelers. I was even lucky enough that my grandmother offered up her mother’s diamond so we could continue family tradition.
Later we came home so I could study. Only a true science geek would get engaged then study biochemistry. Turns out it was for the best though, I basically got 100 on that exam. It was truly the best and most memorable weekend in my life. =)
WEDDING DETAILS
Wedding Style: Describe your wedding dress. What was wedding shopping like for you?
My wedding dress had every detail that I ever dreamed of for my wedding (ballgown, sweetheart neckline, jeweled, and button detail on the back). It was a princess ballgown and was the second dress that I ever tried on. I remember that day well The boutique by B.Belle Events was the first bridal store that I went to and I had not planned on getting a dress that day but just wanted to see what looked good. So when I told Belle I want to try on that princess dress in the window I did not think I would end up buying it. But once she helped me into it and I saw how perfect it fit and how it had everything I wanted I could not leave without it! My mother also knew it was the one and agreed that I must have it and started to cry!
Memories: What is your best memory from your wedding?
Besides the ceremony and our emotional hand written vows and well being married, my favorite would be our first dance. We took dance lessons at Arthur Murray in Lexington, Ky to learn the waltz and our wedding planner also hired professional fireworks to go off during the dance it was my princess moment to top off my fairytale day.
Advice: What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Savor every minute of the day
QUICK FACTS
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts:
Bridesmaids: Kate Spade bridesmaid tote bag, Fragrant Jewels bath bomb, bridesmaid silk robe, shoes, Chloe and Isabelle earrings
Groomsmen: Tie, socks, pocket square, cigars in a humidor
Favorite item on the menu:
Shrimp
First dance song:
When you say nothing at all
CAST & CREW
Wedding Dress and Bridesmaids dresses: The Boutique by B.Belle Events
Hair: Rebekah Means from Bioti medical spa and Heather Milan from House of Dimitri
Makeup: Erica from Turner medical spa
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Ceremony and reception location: Lionheart Chateau
Suits: Joseph A. Banks
Photography: Lauren Love Photography
Wedding planner/event designer, catering and flowers: Andre Baskin
Cake: Paula Vega
Stationery: Eggplant
DJ: DJ Bravo Live
Cocktail hour food: Aladdin’s Eatery in Cincinnati