KATHRINE FORD REEVES & FREDERICK WILKINSON BROMBERG, JR.
Wedding Date: July 20, 2019
We are certain that you can imagine the excitement everyone here at Bromberg’s felt when it was announced that Ricky and Nancy Bromberg’s son Wil had become engaged to Katie Reeves. Of course, we are all thrilled for the happy couple! We are very excited to share gorgeous details from the proposal and the wedding that followed, that the beautiful bride has so graciously shared.
Katie Reeves and Wil Bromberg met after they both happened to attend the Alabama vs. Washington game in Atlanta on December 31, 2016. After the game, both were celebrating the New Year at Fado Irish Pub. Katie and Wil both attended the University of Alabama and had mutual friends, but somehow they had not crossed paths until that night. Katie was speaking with some of those friends when Wil walked in, and they were finally introduced. They didn’t leave each other’s side for the rest of the night. The next weekend Wil drove back to Atlanta, where Katie was living at the time, and took her out on their first official date.
The Engagement
On the morning of September 15, 2018, Katie and Wil enjoyed a long morning walk together and then went out to breakfast. Afterward the couple went for a stroll at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, where Wil asked Katie for her hand and presented her with an emerald cut Forevermark diamond ring, set in a custom mounting designed and crafted by Bromberg’s Master Jeweler Philip Flenniken (who also crafted the bride’s diamond wedding band).
Wil made sure to call Katie’s family and their friends before the proposal. Afterward they all gathered at Wil’s house to celebrate the happy occasion.
Shown below: Katie and Wil’s engagement photos, taken at the beautiful Baylor campus where Katie graduated high school.
The Rehearsal Dinner
On Friday, July 19th, 2019, family and friends gathered for a rehearsal dinner at Chattanooga Golf and Country Club. The English Tudor style venue was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements of white and blue flowers and greenery, from the mantelpiece and the tables to the massive iron chandeliers hanging from the beamed ceiling. Toasts where given and speeches were made in celebration of the happy couple.
The Wedding Day
Katie’s mother and sister helped her dress for her walk down the aisle, as her father waited to see his daughter as a bride for the first time. Before the ceremony, she and Wil had their own “first look” and Katie’s bridesmaids shared their delight seeing their friend as a “bride” before the ceremony. Katie’s Lela Rose dress from Ivory and White is complemented perfectly by a pair of studded Valentino “Rockstud” pumps (her something new) and a veil that counted as “something borrowed,” as it was the veil Wil’s mother wore on her wedding day.
Katie told us that her favorite moment before the wedding was the “first look.” She relayed the hesitancy she and Wil had about whether or not to see each other before the wedding. But, she decided that seeing Wil and being together would ease the pressure of being the center of attention.
The Ceremony
The wedding took place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Katie’s hometown, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Built in 1886, the Nave of this beautiful church is on the National Register of Historic Buildings. St. Paul’s is well known for its iconic bells, a chime of 11, gifted to the church in 1911. Each of the bells is inscribed with a Biblical verse, and they can be heard on the hour as well as on solemn and joyous occasions pealing throughout downtown Chattanooga.
The Reception
After the ceremony a wedding reception took place at the Hunter Museum of American Art, one of Chattanooga’s most iconic landmarks. The museum provided beautiful views of the river and a sophisticated backdrop for the party. As guests arrived they were wowed by a wall of gorgeous white phalaenopsis orchids to match Katie’s spectacular bouquet.
“Every moment at our reception felt perfect to me. My dad and I are very close, and he and I had taken dance lessons together when I was in high school. Hearing his speech and the father-daughter dance are moments I will never forget.” – Katie Reeves Bromberg
In keeping with the tradition of having “something old,” for good luck at one’s wedding, Katie and Wil are shown here cutting their wedding cake with the same Waterford cake knife that Wil’s parents Ricky and Nancy Bromberg used at their wedding. The couple toasted with a pair of sterling silver Galmer Continental goblets, a gift from Wil’s maternal grandparents, which are hand engraved with his initials in a design custom created by Alison R. Banks Designs.
Adding a touch of whimsy and a nod to the couple’s shared college alma mater, the reception featured Yellowhammer cups reminiscent of those from Gallettes bar, in Tuscaloosa, created with the couple’s names and wedding date.
“Wil was very helpful during the planning process, but I still wanted to throw in a few surprises for him. One month before we got married, I reached out to the Yellow Cake Company to see if they could make a Groom’s cake of Wil’s dog, Ruby. It was incredible. It was almost like she was there,” said Katie.
Katie told us that Wil surprised her too, by asking the band, City Heat, to change the word “baby” to “Katie” in every song.
Everyone had a marvelous time at the reception. Guests donned leis as the evening’s revelry continued. Katie and her bridesmaids took to the stage with the band. When it was time for their departure, the band called Katie and Wil on stage to help sing the final song and lead everyone out of the reception venue. The band continued to play as friends and family gathered to see Katie and Wil off. The newlyweds walked across a glass bottom walking bridge to The Edwin Hotel as a friends and family shot off confetti cannons.
After a honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast, Katie and Wil are at home in Birmingham, Alabama.
Katie and Wil registered for Herend Fishscale Light Blue and Herend Princess Victoria Light Blue fine china, Kirk Stieff Old Maryland Engraved Sterling Silver, Skyros Legado White everyday china, Juliska Isabella crystal, Simon Pearce blown glass barware and Rosenthal Filet Toiras stainless steel flatware.
WEDDING VENDOR DETAILS
Bridal Gown: Ivory and White (Lela Rose Capri Dress)
Bridesmaid gowns: Bella Bridesmaids in Homewood (Dessy)
Bride’s Cake: Cakemakers, Etc.
Groom’s Cake: The Yellow Cake Company
Jewelry: Bromberg’s
Rehearsal Dinner: Chattanooga Golf and Country Club
Reception Caterer: Events with Taste
Event Rentals/ Furniture/Accessory Rental: Luma Designs and Please Be Seated
Floral: Fox and Fern
Invitations/Stationery: WeezieB Designs
Music/Entertainment: City Heat
Photographer: Bamber Photography
Wedding Planner: Casey Reese Soirees Event Planning
Wedding Night Accommodations for the Bride and Groom: The Edwin Hotel
