Bride: Daina Richie, 34
Groom: Kevin Troy, 35
Occupations: Richie, higher education professional; Troy, softwear engineer
Homebase: New Jersey
Wedding Date: September 19, 2010
Wedding Location: Ceremony & Reception – Moshulu Restuarant; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Computer Love In June of 2008, Kevin Troy sent Daina Richie a friend request on Facebook. Since they shared several mutual “friends” and once studied at neighboring Pennsylvania colleges, Daina thought it was harmless to add him to her FB acquaintances. “Daina gave me tests on the phone; she didn’t want to invest in me until she felt I wasn’t some random dude,” admits Kevin.  In August the pair met for the first time. “I suggested we go out after church,” remembers Daina. “There were all kinds of calamities (including a fender bender and mistaken identity) that prevented us from going but we did anyway,” says Kevin. By September, they were officially a couple.

When You Know, You Know Once Daina and Kevin began dating, everything just seemed to fall into place. “We started out with clear hearts,” says Daina adding that she and Kevin “were both in really good spaces. We didn’t have any baggage.” Kevin agrees. He points out, “In past relationships, something just didn’t feel right. Daina made everything easier.” A year later, the couple moved in with each other.

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[Images provided by Euan Henry Photography]

New Year’s Resolutions Living together causes many romantic relationships to go south but it seemed to strengthen Daina and Kevin’s bond. When asked how she knew Kevin was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, Daina immediately answered in September 2009. “The ease of being in each others presence while living together let me know we would be fine,” she says adding that they discussed marriage their first six months as a couple. So on New Year’s Eve 2009, after getting a blessing from her dad and selecting a ring with her mom’s help, Kevin asked Daina to be his wife. She of course accepted. “I chose to propose on New Year’s Eve because it symbolized us starting a new chapter together in our lives. I felt it would signify our new beginning.”

Don’t Rock the Boat On a picturesque September day, before 80 friends and family members, Daina and Kevin became husband and wife. The couple decided to tie the knot aboard a boat that doubles as a restaurant, The Moshulu. According to Daina, Moshulu means fearless in a Native American language. The officiator for the ceremony was a former college buddy of Daina’s and now serves as the chaplain for the University of Pennsylvania, Daina’s alma mater. “His sermon was my favorite part of the ceremony,” she says. Kevin says his fave memory of the ceremony was the first time he saw Daina. He adds, “Everyone started cheering for her!”

Daina’s Money-Saving Tips for Future Brides

Second Time Around Consider a retail establishment that sells vintage, thrift and/or previously-worn bridal gowns instead of going the traditional route. Daina’s gown from Sabrina Ann was exquisite and cost her a fraction of what a similar brand-new one would have.

Think Inside the Boat Catering halls, hotel banquet rooms, etc. are not the only spaces to say I do. Get inspired by the Troys and choose an unconventional venue like Moshulu to tie the knot in and you just might save money in the process. [Important Triple B note: Be sure that your “unconventional space” has the proper equipment and staff for a dj, band, etc.]

Stay True to Yourself Daina warns that attempting to adhere to others expectations of your nuptials often causes unnecessary debt. “Lead the planning with your heart. Never try to do anything when planning a wedding just to impress people,” she advises.

Take a look at past Tie the Knot Tuesday features here.

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