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Wedding Inspiration

Romantic Ballroom Wedding at The Skirvin Hilton | Hallie + Matthew

It’s every girl’s dream to be able to say she has known her Prince Charming her whole life. Well, this is true for Hallie Chilcutt and Matthew Donovan. The two had been close friends since sixth grade, and at only 13-years-old, the two had their “first date.” This young relationship only lasted a few months, but not only was it the start of a great friendship, but also the beginning of a budding love story. Hallie and Matt remained very close friends over the years. It was not until Hallie’s first year at Oklahoma State University and Matt’s at Denver University, that the romance between the two resurfaced. Hallie was attending a destination date party in Matt’s college town, and after hearing of the run-in Hallie had with his family at the local mall, Matt knew he had to make an effort to see her. The two made plans to catch up. The rest was history! They made a long-distance relationship look easy, as Hallie made weekend trips to see Matt during the school year and Matt returned home every summer to see his girl.

A few weeks after Hallie’s college graduation, Matt surprised Hallie with a trip to Napa Valley and San Francisco on the Fourth of July. Knowing that the 4th was Hallie’s absolute favorite holiday, Matt could not have thought of a better time to pop the question. After a long day of wine tasting and exploring, the couple decided to relax on a bay and watch fireworks. In the middle of the firework show, Hallie noticed Matt getting a tad nervous. Before she could say a word, he was on bended knee, asking her to spend the rest of her life with him. Just as the firework show started its grand finale, Hallie answered, “Yes!” and Matt’s beautiful proposal was complete.

Holding their ceremony and reception at The Skirvin Hilton, Hallie and Matt were married on July 4, 2014. Her father, Matt Chilcutt, escorted his daughter down the aisle to her prince. The couple’s adorable flower girl, Kayla Shibley, and ring bearers, Dominic, Thomas and Michael Desjardins, stole the show as they pranced down the aisle to the altar.

Hallie wore an elegant gown by Jim Hjelm. The A-line gown was covered in lace with a keyhole back. Meg Guess Couture designed a custom lace veil for Hallie to complete the look. Hallie dressed up her gown by wearing Kate Spade earrings and a gold and crystal Swarovski necklace. She also wore her grandmother’s garter, which still had its original penny in it, as well as a half dollar that had been added after their 50th Anniversary, also on the 4th of July. The bride carried a bouquet that was composed of fresh florals in shades of white and touches of navy blue. Her bridesmaids carried bouquets that resembled her own in shape, style and color. Each bouquet was unique with an assortment of hydrangeas, navy berries, seeded or silver dollar eucalyptus, ivory spray roses, dusty miller leaves, Italian ruskus, lisianthus and ivory astilbe. Matching the bride, the bridesmaids’ bouquets were wrapped in ivory satin and gathered into an organic shape. The maids’ tea-length dresses were each made from champagne silk taffeta and had various necklines. The couple’s bridal party was complete with 16 members. By Hallie’s side was maid of honor Allie Wilson and matron of honor Stephanie Padgett. Matt’s best man was his friend, Paul Phillips.

With the help of their wedding coordinator, Alli Coleman, the reception was that of pure class and tradition. The couple shared their first dance to “You and Me” by Dave Matthews Band. When reminiscing on their special day, Hallie and Matt say that their most memorable moment was when they took a few minutes from the reception to step outside and watch fireworks together, just the two of them.

The couple vacationed in the beautiful Paradise Island Bahamas at The Cove Atlantis. They happily reside in Long Island, New York, where Matt plays for the New York Islanders. The couple now celebrates the Fourth of July in a big way carrying on Hallie’s grandfather’s tradition.

Other Local Vendors: Meg Guess Couture Bridal & Boutique, Red Prime Steak, Chirps & Cheers, Amanda Watson Photography, On a Whim, DJ Connections, Gordon McDougal, The SNL Booth, Megan Bottomly