Today we're diving into a heartwarming and hilarious conversation about all things weddings with none other than Rebecca, Katie Van Slyke's childhood best friend, long-time guest, and all-around domestic queen. If you've been around the Katie Van Slyke community for a while, you already know Rebecca is no stranger to the spotlight, known online as "Becca" (though Katie swears she'll always be "Rebecca" to her).
With her cozy farmhouse life full of animals like Squirt the miniature horse and baby goats Edward and Jacob, Rebecca shares the behind-the-scenes of cooking, homemaking, and farm life. But today, it's all about looking back on love stories, Pinterest-worthy aesthetics, and the cringey wedding trends we all now pretend we didn't lean into.
Mason Jars, Burlap, and Cowboy Boots—Oh My!
Katie and Rebecca start the episode by reminiscing about Rebecca's 2013 barn wedding—complete with cowboy boots, mason jars, lace, and, of course, burlap everything. "It was the height of 2013 Pinterest," Rebecca laughs. From burlap chargers to a barn venue and lace-wrapped jars, her wedding embodied the DIY Southern rustic aesthetic that dominated that era.
Fun fact: While Rebecca was walking down the aisle, Katie Van Slyke was busy at her first Congress horse show. "I didn't attend her wedding, which was heartbreaking, but I'd never let you skip Congress for it," Katie says. Instead, they shared an emotional memory of Katie being "proposed to" with a Disney ring to be a bridesmaid—even though they both knew she couldn't make it.
Wedding Aesthetics and Trends: The Good, The Bad, and The Appliques
Katie got married in 2020—twice! Her first wedding was an intimate elopement in June, and the second was the big celebration that fall. Like many millennial brides, she now looks back on some trends (cue overly intricate signage fonts and so many appliques) and cringes a little. Still, she says she'd do some parts all over again—like the antlers and pheasant feathers that made her decor uniquely hers.
"I hated my hair, but I loved my dress—even though it screamed 2020," she admits. Katie Van Slyke reflects on her emotional two-wedding experience and how the elopement, with just 15 people, held a special kind of intimacy that even a big party couldn't match.
Rebecca, who was one of Katie's maids of honor, shares a deeper layer to that day. Her own father had passed away just two weeks before Katie's wedding, but she rallied through with grace, love, and resilience. "It was probably our first real hug," Katie says through tears. Their emotional bond was felt throughout the day—especially during speeches.
Enter Matt: Wedding Talk from a Guy's Perspective
Matt shared his love story and quick engagement after dating just a few months—"When you know, you know," he said. He and his wife got married in 2021 after a long engagement and had a cream, pink, and white wedding theme. He joked about trying to cry at the altar but being too nervous or overwhelmed to make the tears happen.
While Katie and Rebecca shared elaborate wedding planning stories, Matt confessed he and his wife didn't take a honeymoon right away. "We just went straight into dental hygiene school and starting my business," he explained. But their dream is to one day go to Norway and stay in an ice hotel—a romantic trip they're still holding out hope for, despite now having a baby.
Finally—A Honeymoon for Katie Van Slyke
After years of delays (thanks, COVID), Katie and Jonathan are finally taking their honeymoon for their five-year anniversary. Where? St. Lucia! Think overwater bungalows, glass-bottom floors, ocean views, and absolutely no itineraries.
"I'm not planning a thing," Katie laughs. "I want to do nothing. Maybe drink something with a pineapple in it and sit in the ocean."
After watching friends and family do it, she's more than ready to experience that full, relaxing honeymoon escape. It's a well-earned celebration after years of growing a marriage, surviving a pandemic wedding, and building a farm life together.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Katching Up with Katie wasn't just a throwback—it was a reminder of how our weddings reflect the times we live in, how friendships evolve, and how special it is to grow through seasons of life together. Whether you had a burlap-filled barn bash or a chic, modern affair, your wedding is yours—and it's all part of the story.
Have a favorite wedding trend you'd still do today? Or one you wish you could take back? Let us know in the comments!
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