Imagine a European jet-setting courtship: eyes first meeting in The Netherlands, a first date in Italy, gondola-cruising the canals of Venice, and eventually a proposal in Germany. That’s exactly how it happened for Rosemarie and Alexander Kathy.

As professional ice skaters, the couple met in 2005 through the European ice skating company, Holiday on Ice, with which they were both on contract. Through their shows and travel, a year later, in 2006, Alex finally asked Rose out, and thus their romance grew.

It didn’t take long after they began dating officially for Rose to realize that Alex was the one. “He is kind and understanding of others and loves his family. We could talk for hours in depth right from the beginning,” she says. Alex feels the same about her, as well. “[I knew Rose was the one] because we could be together every day all day and it [just] felt right,” he says. “We did everything together—eating, traveling, working—and there was never a dull moment,” he adds.

So sure of his love for her, Alex proposed to Rose in Germany last July.

Because they were on contract in Germany from the summer of 2008 through January 2009, planning a wedding in Sacramento from abroad obviously proved to be somewhat of a challenge, so the Internet played a big role process. Rose’s parents assisted the couple by meeting with the vendors they chose to be sure they were a good fit for their vision.

However, selecting her wedding dress was quite another story. “I made many trips from Sweden to Denmark for fittings and finalizing the dress,” Rose explains. “My dress was from Denmark, my garter from Sweden, my shoes from Canada,” she says with a smile. “It's only fitting that since we traveled the world together—over 20 countries—that my wedding day attire would be collected from various places too,” she adds.

In early August in front of family and friends at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento, Rose and Alex became husband and wife. The bride remembers walking down the aisle clearly. “My father said to take it slow and enjoy the moment. I did, but I couldn’t wait to get up to the altar to hold Alex’s hand. I felt like running up there!” she says. Alex adds, “I was just very excited...our first kiss as a married couple was the most special moment. I dipped her!”

The party then moved to Vizcaya Pavilion and Mansion where guests dined on roast chicken and pork tenderloin stuffed with dried fruit and walnuts, topped with an apricot and mint glaze, rosemary potatoes, and assorted grilled vegetables. “Our guests said it was the best food (and portions!) they had ever had at a wedding!” Rose says.

The couple honeymooned in Napa where they spent their first days as husband and wife at a bed and breakfast, enjoying the local wineries and indulging in spa treatments—a relaxing culmination to a worldwide wedding planning extravaganza.

Ceremony Site: Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
Officiant: Father Kiernan
Ceremony Music: Bride's sister; and organist
Photographer: Justin Buettner Photography   Phone: 916-220-0159
Reception Site: Vizcaya Pavilion and Mansion   Phone: 916-455-5243
Hair: Scarllet Salon
Bridal Attire: House of Brides, Denmark
Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Bride's Jeweler: Tiffany & Co.
Groom's Jeweler: Tiffany & Co.
Invitations: Evites
Flowers: Leann Maestretti
Caterer: Vizcaya Pavilion and Mansion   Phone: 916-455-5243
Desserts: Chocolate covered strawberries by Vizcaya Pavilion and Mansion   Phone: 916-455-5243
DJ/Entertainment: Allstar DJ Group
Favors: Lavender Bath Salts by Bulk Salts Bath & Body
Honeymoon Location: Napa
Other Resource: Wedding Program by: Theresa Vina
First Dance Song: Everything I Do I Do For You by Bryan Adams
Father/Daughter Dance Song: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Mother/Son Dance Song: Unforgettable by Nat King Cole
Bouquet Toss Song: Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) by Beyonce
Garter Toss Song: American Woman by Lenny Kravitz

Any tips you'd give to brides and grooms planning their wedding:
Relax if things go wrong.

Anything else about your wedding?
Our photographer (Justin Buetter) was amazing!

What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
Not a thing! Have a two-day wedding?!