Some might think planning a wedding in one year is stressful, but imagine living a busy D.C. life and planning your wedding in a mere three months! That’s the reality for Natalia Millan and Matt Cheney, a D.C. couple who are taking on the challenge of planning their wedding with a very short turnaround time.
Natalia, a SoulCycle instructor, and Matt an Associate Broker at Washington Fine Properties, say they met in a very serendipitous way and their best advice for planning a wedding in three months is communication.
The couple took time out of their hectic schedules to share their love story with all of you.
How did you and your fiancé meet?
Natalia: I was dog sitting for the week for a couple who are friends of mine. The little nugget is an early riser, so I took him out for a walk around 6:30 a.m. I was pretty much in PJ’s, hair quite messy and obviously no makeup! Although I did at least manage to brush my teeth before I walked out of the house.
Matt: It was early in the morning and I was walking back from the dog park with my puppy Duke. We were on M Street and I saw a really pretty girl up the street. She was walking a dog too and I thought, cool. The two dogs saw each other and wanted to play. Our paths crossed and the dogs started pulling towards each other so they could play and needless to say, the rest is history.
How did he propose?
Natalia: He had thrown me off with some questions about rings just two days before he proposed, so I really didn’t think it was happening that night. I had to teach at SoulCycle that Sunday afternoon and when I got home there were a dozen roses on my side of the bed. We got dressed up and headed out to dinner.
Matt: After a dinner to celebrate 10 months of dating, I said to Natalia that I thought it was a good night to watch the sunset. We ended up at the Tidal Basin just as the sun was setting — it was perfect. I just dropped to one knee and asked. It was very cool. Some people close by started yelling “Look what he is doing!” but even better was the happy face Natalia had when I dropped to my knee.
How do you stay calm when planning a wedding in three months?
Natalia: I actually let it all go when I teach, so the more stressed I am, the harder I go in class. Also, having a balance between the wedding and ‘normal’ life has been helpful.
Matt: Communicating seems to help a lot along with a couple high-intensity interval classes a week at the gym. We are also moving two weeks before the wedding (Nope, not kidding), so we have plenty to keep us grounded and not get carried away with wedding planning.
How are you prepping for your big day? In and outside of SoulCycle?
Natalia: Along with the 12 classes I teach a week, I go to physical therapy twice a week to work on strengthening. I also like to add (when my schedule allows) one workout like yin yoga, reformer pilates or a barre class.
Matt: I have to say Natalia’s classes at SoulCycle have gotten incrementally harder since we started planning the wedding.
Any special diets?
Natalia: Matt eats healthier than I do, but I gave up added sugar (with a few exceptions) back in June.
Matt: Natalia and I have generally eaten healthy but I have cut back on some things here and there in preparation for the wedding.
When and where will your wedding be?
Natalia: Our wedding will be on October 1st. We wanted it to be somewhere special for us, in a place that meant something to us.
Matt: It will be at a family property in Litchfield Connecticut this fall. It has always been my favorite time of the year and will be even more so now.
What are your colors?
Natalia: The decor of the wedding will be white and navy.
Matt: We have asked guests to wear white and navy as well.
Is there a theme?
Natalia: Love 😉
Matt: We do not have a theme but we are bringing together friends and family from all over the world for a fun party at a place close to our hearts.
What are you most excited about as a married couple?
Natalia: To be able to call him my husband!!!
Matt: Everything!
Any advice for anyone else planning a wedding in a limited amount of time?
Natalia: That planning a wedding will take as long as the engagement is set for.
Matt: Do not sweat the small stuff.
If you or someone you know is interested in being featured in “Tie the Knot Tuesday” please send an email to cirizarry@sbgtv.com.