written by Katie Chancellor
photography by Goen South Photography
"I can't put into words how much I love this man. He is my perfect mate." Kristin Duncan first met Hunter Barron in Cambridge, England. At the time, they were high-school students attending classes abroad. Love blossomed, and a long-distance relationship started their senior year when they moved back to the states. Kristin, a native Texan, finished high school in San Antonio. Hunter, originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, attended a boarding school in Tennessee.
Ceremony Location: Westin La Cantera Resort
Officiant: Reverend Don Sommerville
Reception Location: Westin La Cantera Resort
Photographer: Goen South
Wedding Consultant: Carey Mllington
Catering: Westin La Cantera
Flowers: Goen South
Wedding Cake: Cakes by Cathy Young
Programs: Goen South
Gown Designer: Priscilla Platenium of Boston
Gown & Veil Purchased At: Priscilla of Boston - Dallas TX
Shoes: Ster
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: lvina Valenta
Bridesmaid Dress Purchased At: Bellas Bridal of Stone Oak
Flowergirl Dress Designer: The Ladybug Collection
Hair & Makeup: Jane Adams Designs
Men's Formal Wear: Men''s Wearhouse
Videographer: Goen South
Favors: Donation to Multiple Sclerosis Society in honor of our good friend Erin O'Neill
Ceremony Music: Monte Vista Strings
Reception Music: Think Big
Guest Accomodation: Westin La Cantera
Wedding, Reception, Floral Design : Goen South
Fast-forward several years later almost out of college; their relationship was even stronger. "You don't make it that long in a long-distance relationship if it's not the right person," said Kristin. She knew Hunter was the one for her but did not predict his proposal in 2007.
They were living in different states attending college. "I was trying to convince him to drive to see me that weekend," she said. He was not so cooperative. All he told her was to be at the airport at a certain time. She thought nothing of it since he had bought flights for her before. This particular flight took her to his hometown of Charlotte. When she arrived, her suspicions began. "He was so nervous. At dinner, he knocked over our bottle of wine!"
After dinner, Hunter suggested a walk and talked Kristin out of changing her shoes. He was ready to pop the question. When they arrived at the back of the property and passed through the iron gates, she saw the reason for his rush: the yard was covered with hundreds of candles with a pathway of roses leading up to a balcony. On the balcony sat one chair surrounded with more candles. As she sat down, she was so overwhelmed that she could hardly concentrate on what he was saying. She just remembers saying, "Yes!"
The two were engaged for a little over a year while they planned their San Antonio summer wedding. During that time, they both graduated from college and moved to Charlotte for new jobs. Kristin began working as a Business Analyst for Lash Group, a biotechnology consulting firm. Hunter started his new job at CB Richard Ellis as a commercial real estate broker. Their jobs and the miles between them did not leave much time for wedding planning. However, the date was set for June 14, 2008, and the planning commenced.
Above all else, the couple knew that they wanted their friends and family to enjoy their special day. The two of them know how to have fun together and wanted their wedding to reflect that. "We wanted people to leave thinking it was the most fun they've ever had at a wedding," said Kristin. They decided on the Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio for the location. The limestone arches at the Old Fort Lawn framed the beautiful Hill Country backdrop that Kristin and Hunter wanted. It provided a historic San Antonio feel with spectacular scenery.
The entire wedding planning process was a family event including the choosing of a wedding dress. Kristin had considered several options before trying on a strapless dress with beaded details by Priscilla of Boston. She knew instantly that it was the one. "It was exactly what I thought it would feel like. My dad started crying and said, ‘That is the dress! That's it!'" She chose a cathedral-length veil to complement the gown.
Kristin and Hunter wanted a fun, yet classic and traditional wedding. With the help of Morris Goen and the design team at Goen South, they chose soft pinks and creams with touches of crystal to create a romantic and elegant setting for both the ceremony and reception. "They thought of everything! Morris Goen is the entire reason that the wedding was as good as it was," said Kristin. Her love of pink was shown throughout the day from the bridesmaids' dresses to the flowers choices. Her pink and cream bouquet of roses and orchids was interwoven with crystals for added sparkle.
Their guests, totaling almost 350, were offered lemonade and water upon arriving for the evening summer ceremony. Behind the scenes, Kristin and Hunter sent each other written letters with personal vows to read before seeing each other. "It means a lot more to have something that you can keep," said Kristin.
The spiritual ceremony began just before dusk and included a special moment where each of their mothers brought their favorite flowers down the aisle to place in a single vase representing the uniting of the two families. A string quartet provided music during the event. Eleven bridesmaids and groomsmen attended them and included Kristin's sister as her matron of honor and Hunter's father as his best man.
Since it was a warm June evening, the ceremony was kept to a minimum. A cocktail hour followed where guests could relax as photographs were taken of the bridal party. Martinis customized by Kristin and Hunter were available as well as other options. Large-screen televisions played a slideshow with pictures of the two growing up.
Cocktails progressed to the reception, which took place in the ballroom at the Westin La Cantera. Soft fabric draping, more crystals, and candlelight gave the room a romantic feel. The four-tiered vanilla cake with cream frosting was lavishly decorated with more roses and orchids. "I wanted as many fresh flowers as possible on it," said Kristin.
The two danced to "Three Days" by Pat Green for their first dance as a married couple. The song is special to them because it signifies the longest time they were able to see each other during their long-distance courtship. The band "Think Big!" provided live music for dancing and tons of entertainment for guests. Their wireless instruments allowed members of the band to be in the middle of the action on the dance floor encouraging everyone to be involved.
At the end of the evening, the band followed guests outside to provide music while everyone showered Kristin and Hunter with rose petals. Their vehicle of choice was Kristin's father's diesel truck, which brought a little Texas flair to the event. "It took several people to stuff me into the truck because of my dress!" said Kristin.
Kristin and Hunter's wedding day was designed by the team at Goen South. The company assisted them in all aspects of the implementation of details from a full-service florist to a team of photographers. Owner Morris Goen was involved from the first meeting and was impressed by the couple. When asked about them, Morris said, "They never lost sight of the real purpose of the day. Family was so important to both of them."
The couple honeymooned in St. Lucia at Jade Mountain Resort where they enjoyed massages and mountain bike tours. A team from the Travel Channel arrived on their last day of the vacation and asked to follow them around the island with their film crew. Look for them on a special to be aired soon!
Kristin and Hunter's long-distance days are finally over. They now reside in downtown Charlotte and still keep family close to their hearts.
