XOXO by The Knot

In the season one finale of XOXO by The Knot your podcast host Whitney Little takes the role of guest with her husband of one year, Henry Bell. At last, listeners will meet the man Whitney has made mention of throughout the season and hear their full story.Whitney Little and Henry Bell married on May 27, 2018 on the rooftop of their New York City apartment. Both originally hailing from Texas, and both having resided in NYC for a number of years, Whitney and Henry finally met by way of introduction through a mutual friend during football season. The two Texas natives always seemed to have just missed one another in the years leading up to their eventual meeting, which worked out in the end as they met at just the right time in their lives, both in a good headspace and ready for love. Regardless of their loyalties to opposing Texas College football teams, feelings grew quickly and the two swiftly became an item. After dating for five years Whitney and Henry made a big decision together: they were ready to be husband and wife. While a courthouse wedding on the same day they made their decision together to wed would have done them just fine, each of their families were eager to be a part of their wedding celebration. The two waited for seven weeks until both their parents, immediate family members, and closest friends could convene to witness their union. Whitney and Henry put their own unique spin on every step of wedding planning, from the engagement—or lack thereof—to dress shopping, writing their own vows, and their first dance. On today’s episode, we explore what it takes to be ready for marriage and how to plan a sweet and intimate surprise wedding in just seven weeks. This is their story.(Photo courtesy of Phillip Van Nostrand Photography) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hunter McGrady and Brian Keys married on June 16, 2019. You can spot Hunter McGrady, model and body positive activist, on the cover of the latest issue of The Knot Magazine, which hits newsstands July 29, 2019. Brian was introduced to Hunter through her Snapchat account—by another woman who he was on a first date with at the time! Brian didn't go on a second date with that particular lady, but, months later, he did boldly slide into Hunter’s DMs. Brian got a sense of Hunter's humor and personality through her engaging and fun Snapchat stories. Hunter got to know Brian through a long series of direct messages, eventually becoming Facebook friends before they met IRL while she was visiting New York City on a work assignment. The duo finally met up in person after months of digital correspondence. They experienced a strong initial connection, so much so that their first date ended up lasting three days. A few months of dating convinced Hunter to move to NYC so her and Brian could be together in the same place. A few years later, and now Hunter and Brian are happily married. They recently hosted a stunning wedding celebration in Southern California where they put their own spin on conventional traditions including Hunter's wedding fashion, which was custom made for her style and body, their vows, and Hunter's first dance with her father. Tune in to find out what they did to create a celebration that was uniquely their own, reflecting their personalities, style and personal values. On today’s episode, the newlyweds take us through their love story and wedding planning journey, and Hunter shares empowering advice for loving the body you're in. You'll also get a sneak preview of what's available in The Knot Fall 2019 Fashion Issue, our most inclusive fashion issue to date, featuring Hunter McGrady as a guest editor. This is their story.(Photo courtesy of Jenny Quicksall Photography) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sydnee Goodman & Alex Rubens married on June 2, 2018 at The Ranch at Laguna Beach. These avid gamers hosted an incredible, vibrant celebration that truly reflected their personalities, love story and love for video games. Their story began at a Call of Duty Tournament, leading to a first date filled with ping pong, arcade games and savory bites. In the early days of their relationship Sydnee and Alex overcame distance, eventually settling down in Los Angeles, California, where they still continue to call home. Their shared passion for video games and their gaming community has fostered a relationship and newlywed life filled with fun, friendly competition and creativity. On planning their wedding Sydnee shares, "I was determined to make the wedding as much about us as possible, and we met through our passion for games." While their celebration was a perfect reflection of who they are and what they value, their wedding planning journey started off with another direction. On the episode today Sydnee and Alex recount how they had to pump the brakes, reevaluate and then fully create a celebration and a life that truly reflected who they were. This is their story.(Photo courtesy of Ivy Reynolds/The Gold Collective) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Shireen Gorgin Botura and Matheus "Matt" Botura married on May 11, 2017 in a small town on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy. These college sweethearts immediately hit it off after meeting at their campus library where they were both "studying" for final exams. Shortly after meeting, Shireen left to study abroad in Austria, but no distance could keep the two apart. Bonded by a love for travel, new cultures and adventure, the duo spent the next seven years exploring the world together including two years of navigating post-grad life working and living in China. After getting engaged these travel lovers wanted to share their love of new cultures with their friends and family at a destination wedding hosted in Italy, not knowing they'd soon call the country their home. Their wedding fully celebrated the culture and customs of their Italian host city. On today’s episode, Shireen and Matt connect with us from their new home in Milan, Italy to share the challenges and excitement of planning a destination wedding, living and working abroad, and tips for navigating marriage around the globe. This is their story.(Photo courtesy of Paolo Castagnedi) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Abbie Frank and Tim Voelker married on October 7, 2017 in Urbana, Illinois at Bluestem Hall. Both designers by trade, the pair first hit it off after connecting and talking online from across the country for nearly two months. They had many shared passions: In addition to their interests as designers, they both love classic cars, ‘90s Nickelodeon and woodworking. When the duo finally met in real life, right as Abbie moved to Brooklyn from Illinois to begin her graduate program, they went on their first date, shared their first kiss, and simply “could not stop smiling.” For three years they enjoyed living in New York City, exploring the metropolitan and growing as designers and as a couple. After graduating from Pratt, Abbie and Tim decided to move to Abbie’s midwestern hometown of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. It was there they began a new passion project, transforming Abbie’s family farm on a protected habitat into a beloved wedding venue. Tim proposed to Abbie on the farm and they were the very first couple to wed at what is now Bluestem Hall. These two are the ultimate DIY-newlyweds. On today's episode, Abbie and Tim share their journey both as a couple and as business owners—the good, the bad and the (often) messy reality of transforming a historic barn into a work of art where couples can host their wedding celebrations. This is their story. Photo courtesy of Jessica Olivero/Jessica OH PhotographyCheck out Abbie & Tim's venue, Bluestem Hall on The Knot Marketplace: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/bluestem-hall-urbana-il-1053562 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Liz and Steve Howell married on April 19, 2014 in Savannah, Georgia. Liz was working as a journalist in Columbus, Georgia when a friend from college introduced her to Steve, who was also living in Columbus, over Facebook. At the time, Steve was in training for the United States Army at Fort Benning. Steve was quick to reach out to Liz, inviting her to a barbecue. She was quick to say yes, which then led to Steve scrambling to throw together a barbecue he never really had planned. Despite the heavy rain that moved the party indoors, the downpour couldn’t wash out the spark between Liz and Steve. In their early days of dating, Steve was sent away to field trainings for weeks at a time, introducing Liz right away to some of the hardships of military life. His month-long trip to Army Ranger School was the true test of their love, as they could only communicate through hand written letters. The distance only made their connection grow stronger. One year later, when Steve was relocated to Savanah, Georgia, Liz transferred to a sister television station in Savannah and moved in with Steve. Although they were living together, they worked completely opposite schedules: Steve worked all day, while Liz took over the overnight shift at the station, leaving dinner time as their sacred couple-time together. It wasn't long before Steve asked Liz to marry him. Their wedding was a southern fairytale. As a married couple, Liz and Steve have lived all over the globe, from Italy to Germany, navigating military life together along with their two young daughters. This episode of XOXO by The Knot talks exclusively with Liz, as Steve is currently deployed in the Middle East. Liz opens up about the hardships and sacrifices that come with life and motherhood as a military spouse. This is their story.(Photo courtesy of Lotus Creative Studios) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chris and Lou Cueva married on August 1, 2015 in Palm Springs, California. While working as flight attendants for the same airline, the two initially crossed paths on a jet bridge while switching crews at the Boston airport. There was an immediate spark, but Chris was in a relationship at the time. The two got to know each other over airport coffee, and despite being "friend-zoned" at the onset of their relationship, Lou stayed in touch with Chris from across the country; At the time Lou lived in Boston while Chris was based in southern California. Needless to say, the connection between the two was undeniable and once Chris ended his relationship the pair put their own relationship on the fast track. Less than six months after their initial meeting, Chris and Lou set out together on a cross-country road trip as Chris relocated from his hometown in Long Beach to move in with Lou in Bean Town. In the fall of 2013, Chris took Lou by complete surprise, proposing to him in Hawaii. Lou quickly said yes but after some thought, the two did has some reservations at a time in U.S. history when there wasn't complete certainty that their union would be legally recognized by everyone. Regardless, they joyfully moved forward with wedding planning. On top of the usual pre-wedding stresses faced by all couples and the legal restrictions imposed on same-sex marriage at the time, Chris and Lou also faced disapproval from some members of their immediate family when they shared the news of their engagement. On today’s episode, Chris and Lou Cueva tell us how their relationship took flight. They dive in to personal details of staying committed, sticking by each others' sides through all the challenges thrown their way, and share details of their one-of-a-kind, totally them, aviation-themed wedding. This is their story.(Photo courtesy of Ash Durham) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Seema Bansal and Sunny Chadha married on December 28, 2018 in Miami, Florida. Four years earlier the duo was introduced to one another by mutual friends while Seema was on a trip to New York City. After immediately hitting it off, Seema headed home to Vancouver and the two continued to stay in touch despite the thousands of miles between them. A few months after long-distance dating, Seema moved to New York City to be with Sunny. As their love began to bloom, so did their idea for a groundbreaking business: Venus ET Fleur®, the company behind the popular Eternity Roses that last up to one full year. Their business and their cultural heritages played a large role in creating a memorable wedding weekend. On the episode today, Seema and Sunny walk us through their multi-day Indian wedding festivities and how they incorporated details that reflected who they were as a couple and what they value. In discussing their journey as co-founders, describing their vibrant wedding celebrations and sharing about their first six months of marriage, this powerhouse couple highlights the importance of teamwork and togetherness in building a love that lasts. This is their story.(Photo courtesy of Blink Photography) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Maxanne and Tim Little married in Abilene, Texas on March 28, 1981. For decades they told their kids they met on a sidewalk, but that wasn’t exactly true. Maxanne and Tim are XOXO by The Knot host, Whitney Little’s parents and in this episode Whitney uncovers the real story of her parents relationship. She talks to them about how they met, details of planning their wedding celebration on a $1000 budget and their best advice and learnings from nearly 40 years of marriage. After so many years together some details from their past are clear, with others being less so. And with that, this week we are challenging our listeners to reach out and talk to their own parents—whether they’re married, divorced, widowed, or anything in between—about their own love story, and what they’ve learned along the way. What they have to share might surprise you, make you laugh or even make you cry. This episode of XOXO by The Knot is filled with great takeaways for listeners and learnings for our host. Are you ready to meet Maxanne and Tim? This is their story. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After meeting through a mutual friend in 1993, Amy Walter and Kathryn Hamm knew early on in their relationship they’d both found the person they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with. Despite legal restrictions at the time, the two decided to declare their love in front of family and friends with a heartfelt commitment ceremony in 1999, a moment they now consider to be their “first wedding.” After seeing the limited amount of resources available to those planning same-sex weddings, Kathryn’s entrepreneurial mom founded GayWeddings.com, which Kathryn joined in 2005 as the company’s president and co-owner. Under Kathryn’s leadership, GayWeddings.com was acquired by WeddingWire. Fast forward to 2013, when Kathryn and Amy renewed their vows and united their family legally under the eyes of the law. (Same-sex marriage was legalized in Washington, DC, although it was still not recognized as legal in their home state of Virginia.) On this episode, the two share their unique experiences navigating wedding planning as a lesbian couple in the late ’90s and then again nearly 15 years later, highlighting how they discovered the true meaning of marriage and commitment along the way. This is their story. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ashley Brooke and Ryan Chambers met more than 10 years ago, but their story didn't start until 2012. Ashley's path led her to Ryan after an emotional split from her college boyfriend and first husband. Ashley was rebuilding her life, when her neighbors (who happened to be Ryan's brother and sister-in-law) made it their mission to set the two up. From the onset of their relationship, Ryan stood by Ashley's side, supporting her as she learned to trust and love again. Eager to start their married life together, the two said "I do" only three weeks after getting engaged. Their episode is filled with laughter, tear-jerking stories, and displays of their overwhelming support for one another—especially after Ryan was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. This is their story. (Photo courtesy of Hughes Fioretti)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jennifer Ashley Wright, a novelist, and Daniel Kibblesmith, a comic book author and staff writer at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, met at a mutual friends holiday party in New York City. The self-proclaimed introverts hosted a literary themed wedding celebration on August 26, 2017 with bookish details like a newspaper-inspired program with articles, comic strips and horoscope contributions penned by their guests, bookmark escort cards and a 60-second novelist for an interactive guest entertainment element during cocktail hour. Oh, and did we mention a guest appearance from Spider-Man at the reception? Each element played up the couple’s shared love of literature for a celebration that was uniquely their own. Their episode is filled with humor, honesty and promises of commitment to one another, even when they’re ghosts. This is their story.(Photo courtesy of Michael Webber for Brain Dorsey Studios) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Michael Russo and Richard Piana married on July 26, 2014, following a ten year long engagement. From an initial meeting where it was love at first sight in 2001 to an epic wedding celebration more than a decade later in 2014, their love story goes to show that good things are worth the wait. Despite same-sex marriage not being legalized for all U.S. citizens until June 26, 2015, Mikie shares on the episode that he always knew he would get married to the man he loves most, Richie. And for them, planning their wedding was all about finding a locale and vibe that was a true reflection of who they are together. When they arrived at Harbor Club at Prime in Huntington, New York, they knew immediately it was the perfect venue for their wedding. As for the decor and style of their celebration, Mikie, who is founder and CEO of Michael Russo Events, found inspiration from a pair of Christian Louboutin striped sneakers! Tune in to hear what traditions they tossed, twisted and made their own. This is their story. Episode photo courtesy of Anthony Vazquez Photography.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Paige and Colin Chenault married on June 18, 2005. These Texas natives are all about hard work and community. They have spent the past two decades building, growing, and fostering incredible professional and personal networks across the country. Both Paige and Colin have achieved incredible feats in their careers, family life and fitness. Together, they co-founded The Birthday Party Project, a non-profit whose mission is bringing joy to children experiencing homelessness through the magic of birthdays. In their fourteen years of marriage they've experienced a rollercoaster of getting scrappy, supporting one another and pushing through to the next big thing. These two aren't afraid of hard work. This is their story.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Caitlin and Ben Binder-Markey’s marriage and relationship is a true testament to their vows, “for better, (or) for worse.” Their love story began as an unexpected summer romance. After realizing their love was so much more than a season, they overcame distance and continued to get to know each other. Eventually, love made its way to marriage, and—despite foreclosed wedding venues and ceremony details gone awry—Caitlin and Ben promised to love and cherish one another ‘til death do them part. A blissful couple of years as newlyweds had them feeling fulfilled and ready to grow their tribe. It was then that they discovered fertility, pregnancy and the road to parenthood isn’t paved in gold. On this episode of XOXO by The Knot, you’ll hear from Caitlin and Ben, a Chicago couple who have lived the highest highs and lowest lows in their marriage. They share the best parts of falling in love and married life, as well as address some of the most difficult challenges, including fertility and being a supportive partner through tough times. Together every step of the way, their love story speaks to their strength as a couple. This is their story.Episode photo courtesy of Greg Lassik, Endless Wave Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.