Justin and Katara Natal
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOVE STORY!
How did you meet?
In 2011 we stood up in the same quince for my friend and his cousin. We danced together and hit it off that night but didn’t exchange numbers or see each other again for a good while. Fast forward to August 2015, and a mutual friend, James, invited me to a frat party in San Marcos. James introduced us, and we were attracted to each other right away.
How long did you date?
We “dated” for nearly 10 years. We have three beautiful girls ages seven, three, and one.
How did he propose?
It was our oldest’s 6th birthday party. Justin said he needed to give an employee a check in Austin before the party began. I questioned,” Can’t it wait?” Nevertheless, he left and I continued to get everything ready for the party. Later, we had just finished the gifts, and Justin stood up to say a few words of thanks to all of the guests. He put his arm around me, and his grip was so strong. He seemed nervous – but why? We’ve hosted guests so many times before. Then he started to say how even though after three children it already felt like were married, it was time to make it official! In front of all of our guests! Such a surprise and beautiful moment we were able to share with our friends and family. Come to find out, he didn’t need to deliver a check earlier.. He actually he went to get the ring!
Describe your wedding planning process
Did you hire a planner or day-of coordinator?
Yes! We hired a day-of coordinator named Taylor and her assistant Courtney. They made the day run so perfectly!
What were your wedding colors?
We went with green and two shades of purple with accents of gold, white, and black. Gold was definitely an accent we tried to have all throughout the wedding.
Where did you save the most?
I would say it was with the florist because she was absolutely amazing! She was by far my favorite vendor and did more for me than she actually charged. She made a lengthy vision board, brought plan B arch in case of rain, and just went beyond in so many other ways outside of floral.
Why did you choose your venue?
We chose La Dolce Vita because of the overnight accommodations that they offer. We have a huge family and tons of immediate family members. It was important to us that they would be able to stay with us and not have to go home so we could keep the party going!
Did you incorporate any special traditions or sentimental details in your ceremony or reception?
We wrote and said our own vows which were so lovely. Saying our vows was BY FAR my favorite part of the entire wedding. We also memorialized our loved ones that had passed away and seeing their faces on such an important day was a very nice touch.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
There are several things I would have done differently. I would have provided less favors, paid less attention to small details that guests don’t even notice, and I would have arranged the reception layout differently.
Tell Us About...
Your dress:
I picked out a sleek, satin, simple wedding dress in the beginning, but ended up falling in love with the complete opposite. The final decision was one with a long train that’s heavily beaded. The boutique was wonderful to work with making everything work out in a timely manner.
Your flowers:
My flowers were absolutely gorgeous. Kristie did an amazing job with finding the color and fragrance I wanted within my budget. I wanted a mixture of light and dark purple with different shades of foliage. I wanted Lilies in certain places and Kristie accommodated that. I wish I would have given more thought to what to do with them afterwards. I saved my bouquet but that was it. I meant to have the DJ announce for the guest to take home the centerpieces, but the day flew by so fast I wasn’t able to tell him or my coordinator. We also had my father-in-law bring in live palms for the ceremony. Palms hold a special place in our family so it was important to us to incorporate them in the ceremony. Kristie was able to add palm fronds into the pieces on our wedding arch which was a nice touch as well.
The food:
We had a taco trio consisting of one pork, one chicken, and one beef served with rice and beans with both a red and green sauce. It was all so delicious.
The cake:
The cake was fabulous! We knew it was going to be delicious. The samples we had were phenomenal. We had a four-tier hexagon cake and the flavors were strawberry with cream cheese filling, salted caramel with dulce de leche filling, banana with banana filling, and chocolate with ganache filling. The salted caramel with dulce de leche was my personal favorite and banana with banana filling was Justin’s favorite! For birthdays and other events I will hands down go back to Vanessa.
Recap your big day for us
What made you laugh?
My husband kept me laughing all day. When the dance floor opened up, everyone was enjoying themselves by dancing and laughing. Hearing the speeches with people’s stories and perspectives about us made me laugh and smile.
What made you cry?
Seeing Justin for the first time made me ugly cry. Thankfully, this was when I peeked at him through the window before the ceremony. I’m glad it was then and not when I walked down the aisle. I also shed a few tears when saying my vows.
What were the most memorable moments?
Saying our vows and our first dance were by far the most memorable. I’ll never forget the feeling of pouring my heart out in front of God and all our loved ones. Getting ready with my three girls and my mom was the second most memorable moment about my wedding day. Having my mom there for me and my girls’ every need, and watching my girls get into their dresses and having their hair done was like something out of a fairytale.
What’s the best advice you can give a bride and groom planning their wedding?
Ask every question you can about bar, parking, and rainy-day backup plans. I wouldn’t stress over the small details that guests might not notice. Overall, don’t forget about YOUR experience and putting effort into you enjoying your day. My final advice is to remember that the day is about you and your spouse. Put your energy into each other.
What did you look forward to most as Mr. and Mrs.?
We looked forward to having the same last name, being one in the eyes of God, eternity together, and raising the level of every aspect in our relationship because marriage is leveling up in every way!
Anything else you’d like to share?
Having been together for nearly 10 years and sharing three children, we wondered if getting married would even change anything. I’m here to tell you – it is SO different! If you get married by the church and take Christian premarital counseling, you will learn the true meaning of God’s purpose for marriage, and it is so much greater than human purpose. I 100% suggest taking premarital counseling even if you aren’t a Christian.
Sherry Goldman, the venue manager at La Dolce Vita, is an angel. I absolutely adored her and felt like she was family from the moment I met her.
Kristie, my florist, was also heaven sent, and I will continue to keep in contact with her for any floral needs because she was so spectacular.
Troy and Jordan, my photographer and videographer, were excellent. They were hidden when they needed to be and also put themselves out there when they needed to. They were personable, funny, and as sweet as can be.
Last, but not least, Lillian and Joel at Special Occasions were so wonderful and personable. They were quick to get us taken care of, even in the hustle and bustle of prom season!
Local Vendors:
Wedding Venue: La Dolce Vita
Reception Venue: La Dolce Vita
Officiate: Cole Phillips, The Connection Church
Photographer: Firefly Photography
Caterer: Un Poco de Todo
Florist: KB Flowers
Cake/Dessert: Di Sucre by V
Rentals: The Perfect Day
Bridal Shop: Celebrations Bridal and Prom
Makeup Artist: Dellexo Artistry
Hair Stylist: Dellexo Artistry
Bartending/Beverage Service: Wild West Resorts, LLC (La Dolce Vita’s in house bar)
Videographer: Jordan Zaruba, Toryzaruba Photography
Music/Entertainment: Southern Gentlemen Entertainment
Wedding Coordinator: The Perfect Day
Groom/Groom’s Party Tux Alterations: Special Occasions
Wedding Music:
Processional: Thinking Out by Loud Brooklyn Duo, Perfect by Brooklyn Duo
Bride’s Entrance: All of You by Brooklyn Duo
Recessional: This Will Be by Natalie Cole
First Dance: Always & Forever Heatwave
Father/Daughter Dance: I Hope You Dance by LeAnn Womack
Mother/Son Dance: My Wish by Rascal Flatts, I Love You Much Too Much by Santana, The Man You Have Become by No Limitz
Last Dance: You’re Still the One by Shania Twain
