Kalen Karnes and Christopher Connell Strickland

« WE - Real Weddings

Share

Artful Beginning

Story by Theresa Farrage
Photography by Janine McClintock Studios

For Kalen Karnes Strickland, a graphic designer, having her May 8, 2010, wedding ceremony and reception at the Joslyn Art Museum provided her with the artistic connection that she was searching for. The museum's Dale Chihuly glass sculpture even helped Kalen decide on her color scheme of magenta, purple and white.

“I love purple, and I wanted it to be very simple due to the explosion of colors from the Chihuly.”

Kalen designed her own invitation and program, and she had one of her good friends, Kate Linstrom, design her bridesmaid dresses. Kate, a clothing designer from Omaha, now resides in New York City.

Not to be outshined by his wife and her friend Kate, Christopher Connell Strickland chose to express his artistic, colorful side by singing two Neil Diamond songs with the Confidentials, the band that performed at the reception. He even incorporated Kalen's nickname, “KK,” into the songs.

One aspect of the day that Kalen holds dear to her heart was having her mom's parents attend the wedding.

“My mom passed away in 2003, so to have both her mother and father there was amazing.”

Wedding Vendors & Other Information

Ceremony location – On the bridge in the Joslyn Art Museum
Reception location – Fountain Court at the Joslyn Art Museum
Number of guests - 165
Theme or color scheme – purple and magenta; simplicity
Bride's dress - Alita Graham for Kleinfeld
Hair - Katie Hillebrandt at Studio K
Rings – Borsheim's
Florist – Vem Salestrom
Caterer – Hap Abraham Catering
Cake- Cake Lady Karen
Photography – Janine McClintock
Transportation – Ollie the Trolley
Rentals – AAA Rents & Event Services
Honeymoon destination - Antigua
Favors – Chocolate
Invitation design – The bride
Program/menu design - The bride
Bridesmaid dresses – Designed by Kate Linstrom, one of the bride's best friends from Omaha. She is now a clothing designer in New York City.
Music – The Confidentials
What he gave you for a wedding gift? Shoes to wear to the wedding: magenta Christian Louboutin heels. I still wear them all the time.
What you gave him as a wedding gift? A tie for the rehearsal dinner
How did he propose? We were moving in together in New York City, and we were unpacking. He hid the ring in one of the boxes for me to unpack.
Most memorable moment of the wedding day: Being with all of the people I love