The Chupi Wedding Series: Kelly & Tom

In the latest installment of The Chupi Wedding Series , we speak to Kelly & Tom about the beginning of their journey in an Irish Pub in Denver to their gorgeous wedding in their backyard.

We actually met on Match.com in October of 2018. I am a widow, my husband died unexpectedly in 2017 and Tom is divorced. We met on Match.com (which we don’t typically tell people). We met in person at an Irish pub in suburban Denver.. this is typically where we tell people we met! Ironically, meeting for the first time in person at an Irish pub set the tone for our trip to Ireland and love of everything Irish.

After dating for a few months, being introduced to kids and realizing we were perfect for each other, we planned a March trip to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day. I had never been to Europe before and Tom’s dream trip was to go to Ireland. We landed in Dublin the morning of March 17, 2019. After getting some food, checking into the Airbnb, and getting caffeine, we spend the entire day experiencing St. Patricks day in Dublin. We went on a late night walk and ended up in St. Stephen’s Green where Tom proposed. Tom didn’t have a ring and told me that he wanted to get my ring in Ireland. A few days later, we ended up in the flagship store and found the perfect ring at Chupi.

We went on a late night walk and ended up in St. Stephen’s Green where Tom proposed. Tom didn’t have a ring and told me that he wanted to get my ring in Ireland.

Upon coming home, we looked at wedding venues and decided on a June of 2020 wedding at an outdoor location in the Colorado Rocky Mountain foothills. We also bought a house and blended our families during the summer of 2019 in suburban Denver. In August of 2019, Tom’s twelve year old son Hayden was unexpectedly diagnosed with a massive brain tumor and cancer. This diagnosis, a two month stay in the hospital and surgery changed our plans for the wedding. We didn’t want to spend (nor could we afford) money on a large wedding with looming medical expenses so we decided to move the wedding to our backyard and get married at home in October of 2019. We chose our home because Hayden would be able to come home for a visit and be in the wedding.

Our wedding day started with breakfast at home with Tom’s parents and my mother-in-law (from my late husband). It was very touching to see and feel how the past can become linked to the present and future. Jeff’s family will always be our family and it meant a lot that Jeff’s mom was there. Tom was at Children’s Hospital with Hayden finishing therapies for the day. I took my daughter, Maya, and Tom’s daughter, Avery, to get their hair done.

I wanted a boho-backyard wedding, so I chose a simple lace dress. While it was my second wedding, I still wanted to be somewhat traditional while being laidback.

Around 1pm everyone arrived at home where the decorating was already underway from Bella Vita events… and it was the first time in 2 months Hayden was able to be at home! He saw his dogs and cats and was able to be in his room. After hair and makeup, it was time for some pictures. Family and friends arrived through the backyard and grabbed a drink in time for the ceremony to begin. After the ceremony, dinner, dance and reception followed. Even though Hayden had to go back to the hospital, it was a cherished and special night.

Having family and friends together was the most exciting part of our wedding day. Hayden was able to come home. My brother and sister-in-law flew in from North Carolina. Jeff’s family was present and a part of the ceremony. We both lost brothers in the past 10 years and it was special to honor those who were gone. Good music, good food, friends and family. It was a special night to celebrate life and the future.

I wanted a boho-backyard wedding, so I chose a simple lace dress. While it was my second wedding, I still wanted to be somewhat traditional while being laidback.

Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate. That’s what we wanted our guests to remember from the day. Life will throw you unexpected tragedy. Life took away my first love, but because of Jeff’s life, I am able to love Tom. Tom’s brother passed away unexpectedly from a heart condition. My brother died in an avalanche. Tom’s son has cancer. We cannot control any of these things that have happened; however, we control our healing and how we will continue to celebrate life and love. I hope everyone remembers that healing, love and the present are most important in life.

Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate. That’s what we wanted our guests to remember from the day.

I picked out my engagement ring at the store because it was classically me. It was unique and nothing like I would have found in the United States. When considering a wedding band , it was a no-brainer. I needed a matching Chupi piece . I love my wedding set and get compliments daily on how beautiful and unique it is.

My Chupi Engagement Ring is a memory of my magical trip to Ireland where I found love for a second time in life. It signifies a future that will be full of hopes, dreams, beauty and adventure. I love my Chupi wedding pieces.