KATHRYN & GARY
December 1, 2023
Fairhope’s Kathryn White, Assistant Buyer at CK Collection, is a self-professed “Access girlie” and we’ve loved sharing her stories over the years. Known for her distinguished taste, we knew her wedding would be nothing short of stunning and spectacular.
Having learned the fashion world growing up in the family business that is CK Collection, she polished her natural abilities in NYC, too. Committed to all things CK Collection and a healthy lifestyle, Kathryn was ready to meet her perfect partner. Cue Gary Chilcutt. Hailing from Tuscaloosa, Gary is an operations manager at one of the largest barge lines in the southeastern United States, Parker Towing.
It all started on a dating website and Kathryn shares, “We met on Bumble in September of 2023 as I was preparing to go to Scotland for my 30th birthday and finally met in person at the Hope Farm for dinner over a month later. We both went into it with no expectations as we barely had any communication since we first matched. However, we connected instantly on that date! The conversation flowed easily, and he was just so warm and magnetic. We discussed that neither of us ever had a date go that well. As our relationship progressed, I realized he is everything that I am not and that’s what I love about him most. Able to face anything, he’s so patient, kind, calm and happy.”
Kathryn captured Gary’s attention immediately, too. “I knew Kathryn was the one after our first date. We went into the date blind but when we started talking it was like old friends catching up. It was just natural, and I don’t remember a moment of awkward silence since. She’s also a beautiful brunette so I was set on her from the start! She’s a truly caring individual and devotes her time and attention to the people she loves. She pushes me out of my comfort zone to test my sense of spontaneity. Selfless and accepting people, I’ve grown to love her family as well,” he tells us.
After dating for just 3 months, Gary popped the question. “Both in our thirties, it was a whirlwind romance. The week of the proposal I sensed something was up as he seemed nervous and stressed. I think he had something more elaborate planned, but he just worked himself up so much that he decided to randomly propose on a Monday at noon in my backyard. I didn’t want anything grand, so I loved that it was just us,” Kathryn shares.
As for the vibe and theme for the big day, Kathryn explains, “I wanted something very moody and romantic that would transport my guests to a different world. I knew that a destination wedding was a must and Hotel Peter and Paul in New Orleans was the first thing I booked. Once I knew I could create this old-world European look in New Orleans, everything fell into place. With my vision board complete, I found my wedding planner, Hien from Wink. While I had the vision, she made it happen. She was our fearless leader, and I couldn’t have had a better team.”
With custom invitations secured from Scriptura in New Orleans, Kathryn focused on the lighting and florals. “I’ve loved flowers my entire life and always dreamed of having the most over the top wedding florals. We brought in chandeliers and a million candles, and I told Hien if she thought we had enough flowers and candles to add more and that’s what she did in the final hour!”
Obsessed with the mirrored aisle, Kathryn shares, “My parents were very supportive of my vision. It was a test for my mother, Lisa, and I as we’re very aesthetic driven people. Her stepping back and letting my dream come to life was huge but that didn’t necessarily include the mirrored aisle. After begging and finally accepting the aisle probably wouldn’t happen, my parents secretly had Hien working on it behind the scenes. Seeing it right before the doors opened, I just started bawling. It was overwhelming to see Gary standing at the end of it and I’m pretty sure my dad, Tom, had to hold me up as he walked me down the aisle.”
Having an intimate wedding of 100 guests, Gary and Kathryn were able to focus on the personal touches. “We asked Gary’s grandmother, Ann Chilcutt, who is an amazing artist to paint our wedding venue and then used it to create customized Christmas ornament favors since it was a December wedding. Because I’m a daddy’s girl, his speech at the reception is something I will never forget! My mom’s only request was having a huge live band and she found the incredible Phunky Monkeys. My mom and her friends are dancers, but little did I know that the Chilcutt side was ready to turn up, too! Bacchanal, our caterers, were so accommodating and the food was just amazing.”
Naturally, we ask about the gown and Kathryn shares, “My wedding wardrobe was, of course, the most time consuming. Being in the fashion biz, I had pretty high standards. We went to 6 places to find my dress from Fairhope to New Orleans and finally Birmingham. We settled on a beautiful Monique Lhuillier ball gown from Ivory and White in Birmingham where we had a great experience.”
Supported by a friend-filled bridal party that she adores, Kathryn was thrilled by the kindness of Valerie Goldberg, Kristin Boan, Susan Owen, Cindy Meador, Doris Bonds, and Tammy Cunningham as they threw her a beautiful bridal luncheon at the iconic Brennan’s Restaurant as special way to kick off the wedding weekend festivities. “They’re very special people not only my life, but in my mothers’ life, too. I am so thankful for them. It can’t get more New Orleans than that!”
Putting all the glamour aside, Kathryn confides, “Even I was surprised how touched I was when I saw Gary at the end of the aisle. And when he pulled me away from the reception into the back of the car with him, I felt such peace knowing I married my soulmate.”
Ready to relax, Gary and Kathryn enjoyed a honeymoon in Hammock Cove, Antigua. As for their future, Kathryn adds, “Gary and I will be living in Fairhope as my life will always be here with my family and CK Collection! Luckily, he loves living here and has a great job. We hope to start a family and keep all the blessings coming.”
