In the final installment of our series of articles about TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress America” we HAD to speak with the couple from Minnesota that made it into the series. We talked to Brittany and Phil and heard all they had to say about getting married in NYC!
A TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY
Brittany shared with excitement getting to go to the Big Apple, “It was an absolutely surreal experience. We flew out to New York the weekend before to do some sightseeing. This was my first time in NYC so that was already something to see. They put us up in a hotel with the other brides. Everyone else we saw was trying to guess what state we were all from. ”
THE FAMOUS KLEINFELD’S EXPERIENCE
“Day one involved shopping at Kleinfeld’s. We were greeted by the owner and had full access to everything. The store was exactly like it was on TV and many of the designers were there showcasing their dresses. When it came time to shop I felt like they truly listened and came through with what I wanted.”
THE WEDDING DAY
After a cocktail party where the coupled donned state gear, (Brittany and Phil chose Buffalo Plaid!), Day 3 was the big day. Brittany recalls the high temps on the day they taped the ceremony, “It was a long, hot day but seeing Phil standing by the Bethesda fountain was magical.” Phil agrees that he’ll never forget the heat that day, “There was a lot of waiting and standing around because of all the people but when Brittany came onto the steps it was really exciting and worth it.”
And when Brittany and Phil found out that The Wedding Guys were involved in the planning, they were shocked to find that our team, straight from Minnesota, was involved in the entire wedding. “It was quite a surprise to hear that everyone coordinating the big day was from Minnesota.”
One aspect of the day that Brittany and Phil found surprising was “how friendly and caring everyone was. All the brides and celebrities really went out of the way to make sure everyone felt special and taken care of!” while Phil found the entire process surreal. “The application process was exciting,” Phil told us. “It was several rounds with different elements (videos, interviews, questions), and each time we made it through around I couldn’t believe we had a chance to actually do this. Once we found out we were selected it didn’t seem real. It felt a little more real once we put it on our calendars but it wasn’t until Central Park on the wedding day that it actually felt more real. To be honest, it still doesn’t seem real.”
PROUD MINNESOTANS
When asked why they think they were picked for this special series, Brittany has some ideas and kind words for the people back home, “I think we were chosen because we represent a bit of the diversity MN has to offer. Neither of us was born here but we still love everything about this state. (Phil was adopted from India as a child and I am from Wisconsin but moved to go to the U of M at 18.) The thing I continuously said was that the best thing about MN is the people. I feel really proud about how well Minnesotans take care of each other. I was so proud that TLC chose us to showcase our great state.” Clearly, this couple is very appreciative to be the MN couple from “Say Yes to the Dress America.”
FOREVER FRIENDS FROM SAY YES TO THE DRESS AMERICA
Brittany told us the show gave them long-distance friends, and she’s still in touch with the other couples from the show, “I didn’t even realize then how much of a bond we would have with them. I was so fixated on Phil and not looking like a sweaty mess that I didn’t realize how cool it was to have all these new friends sharing an anniversary with us. We now have a Facebook group and it is so interesting to know someone from every state. Now when I hear a news story about another state I immediately think about that couple.”
We have more interviews for you about this engaging series, as we spoke with both Randy Fenoli and Hayley Paige about their experiences with the show.
All Photos Courtesy of Brittany & Phil
