XOXO by The Knot

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)

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)

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