Real Columbus Wedding: Kate Bolig and Joslyn DeSantis’ Blind Date Turns into Marriage
From a blind date to moving in together during the height of COVID, the Bolig-DeSantis couple knew they were destined to be each others’ forever.
Who: Kate Bolig and Joslyn DeSantis
When: Oct. 14, 2022
The story: Kate Bolig and Joslyn DeSantis claim their story “isn’t all that original,” but I’d have to argue against that. The two met on a blind date set up by neighbors who live next to Joslyn’s sister, Dena, who happened to live next door to Kate at the time.
Their first date was Oct. 15, 2019, at Marcella’s in the Short North. “We are happy to report we closed the place down on a Tuesday night,” the couple says. Apparently, Kate still gives Joslyn a hard time for not initiating a first kiss that night.
The two moved in together in September 2020, during the height of COVID. “In lesbian years, this is a lifetime,” the couple jokes. “But we’re proud we didn’t rush into anything.”
The proposal: Although the two had discussed marriage, it was “still a surprise” when Kate asked Joslyn to marry her on Jan. 17, 2022. “We were in Sonoma, California, with Joslyn’s family getting ready for a day of wine tours,” Kate says. “Kate found a quiet moment in the morning alone with Joslyn, nervously presented a ring and asked me to marry her. With a few tears, it was an instant ‘Yes!’”
The pair spent the day celebrating with family, drinking wine and eating delicious food. “It was perfect in every way,” the couple says.
The wedding: Kate and Joslyn got married in fall 2022 at Understory Columbus, with Joslyn’s sister, Anne Nightingale, officiating the ceremony. They decided to host a semi-intimate wedding where they could surround themselves with “some of the most supportive people” in their lives that continuously show Kate and Joslyn “so much love and acceptance.”
Their bridal party consisted only of the couple’s siblings—Joslyn’s three sisters and one brother, and Kate’s two sisters.
They made custom fun facts about themselves on cocktail napkins—six total versions “that the guests loved finding”—in addition to custom activity boxes for their nieces and nephews “that were a big hit.”
They had a quick ceremony, which segued straight into speeches and a special song, transitioning into cocktail hour and dinner.
“It’s cliché, but the whole day was so memorable for both of us,” the couple says. “It was really special to get to celebrate our love with those close to us.”
VENDORS
Photographer:Amy Ann Photography
Wedding planner:Aisle & Co.
Ceremony & reception venue:Understory Columbus
Caterer: Understory Columbus
Cake & desserts:Buckeye Donuts
Florist:Stem Floral Studio (Carrie Slack)
Rentals:Aisle & Co., Aiden & Grace, Got Ya Covered Linens
Invitations:Avant-Garde Impressions
Ceremony & cocktail & reception musician:D&M DJ Entertainment (Mike Forrest)
Rehearsal dinner venue:Third & Hollywood
Transportation for wedding party and guests:Bexley Beat
Hotel for newlyweds and guests:Marriott Columbus OSU
Brides’ gown shop/designer:La Jeune Mariee/Paloma Blanca
Brides’ hair stylist: Cassadi Shirk of 444 Columbus
Bride’s makeup artist:Yodi of Almaz Faces
Engagement ring shop:Ashcroft & Oak Jewelers
Wedding bands shop:Ashcroft & Oak Jewelers