Kate Wasserbach, owner and creative director of Abel Honor New York, has always been a romantic at heart. Growing up, she would often imagine her perfect wedding day, just like most little girls do. As a renowned designer, Kate has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors. However, designing a wedding dress was always something she wanted to save for herself – until it came time to plan her own big day.
In 2023, Kate tied the knot with her business partner, high school sweetheart, and true love, Travis Moore, in an unforgettable ceremony held at Ballyfin Demesne, a Relais en Chataeu in Ireland. The property played host to Kate and her guests for four magical days, complete with horseback riding, archery, clay shooting, falconry, and more. As the owner of Abel Honor New York, Kate was determined to make her wedding dress something truly special – and she didn’t disappoint.
Kate’s two stunning wedding dresses, as well as those worn by her entire bridal party, were all custom creations from Abel Honor New York. For her main dress, Kate collaborated with industry legend Geri Gerard and her team. Together, they worked from scratch to bring Kate’s vision to life – from muslin fittings to fabric sourcing. The result was a truly magical love story come true.
In this exclusive behind-the-scenes look, Kate will share the inspiration and planning that went into creating her dream wedding, as well as some valuable insider tips for making your own special day a reality.
Kate Wasserbach and Travis Moore Real Wedding Story
Can you share a brief overview of how you and your partner met and fell in love?
It’s a fascinating story how Travis and I first crossed paths. Our connection began in high school through a mutual friend. What struck me immediately was his charisma – anyone who knows him will attest that he has an effortless charm that makes it hard not to fall for him! As we navigated our early days together, my infatuation only grew stronger. Fast forward 15 years, and we’re still going strong in our dating journey!
How did the proposal unfold? Were there any surprises along the way?
It was a surprise that still takes my breath away – one that Travis carefully crafted to make our holiday date night truly unforgettable. Every year, we would plan a special evening around Christmas time, and this year was no exception. As I got ready upstairs, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the prospect of spending a romantic evening with my partner.
When I came downstairs, I was greeted by the warm glow of candles, an assortment of canapés, and a game of backgammon set up in our cozy living room. Travis had even prepared a DIY French martini bar as a pregame to our night out on the town. It was all so familiar, yet something felt slightly off. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of an evening that would exceed all my expectations.
As I finished getting ready, Travis told me to make myself a martini and join him fireside for some backgammon. But what made this night different from any other was the subtle hint he dropped earlier in the day. You see, Travis has been giving me a single long-stemmed rose every morning since we moved into our new home – a sweet gesture that I’d grown accustomed to. So when he casually mentioned forgetting to give me my rose that morning, I didn’t think much of it.
That was, until he got down on one knee, ring and rose in hand, asking me to marry him. It was the most romantic moment of my life. After we shared our special news with each other, Travis surprised me again by saying we had a driver waiting outside to take us to meet my family at my brother’s house. I couldn’t believe it – a vintage Rolls-Royce and a driver ready to whisk us away on a night that felt like something out of a movie.
We celebrated with my loved ones before heading out for a romantic dinner, followed by some karaoke and good times with our closest friends. It was truly the best day of my life.
What was the most challenging aspect of planning your wedding, and how did you overcome it?
When it came to planning our special day in Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, one of the most daunting tasks was navigating a remote wedding planning process. To overcome this hurdle, we sought the expertise of Michele, an exceptional Irish wedding planner. Her exceptional skills and local knowledge enabled us to bring our vision to life, exceeding our expectations in every way.
Why did you choose the specific venue for your wedding ceremony and reception?
For as long as I can remember, getting married at Ballyfin has been a cherished aspiration of mine – ever since Kim and Kanye’s intimate honeymoon celebration there. That was when I was just 21 years old! Fast-forward to my 30th birthday, and that dream finally became a reality. What made it even more meaningful was the strong Irish connection we shared as a couple.
The picturesque Irish countryside is breathtakingly beautiful, but what resonated with me was the unique Irish approach to life and love – their laid-back charm, warm hospitality, and genuine sense of community.
Can you describe the process of finding your wedding dress and the groom’s attire?
I recall the thrill of creating my own wedding gown under my label, Abel Honor New York, in collaboration with renowned atelier Geri Gerard. Together, we crafted a breathtakingly beautiful custom piece that not only stole the show but also marked the pinnacle of my career. From initial sketches to the moment I walked down the aisle, it was an unparalleled experience, filling me with immense pride.
My reception dress, too, served as a creative outlet for me to inject some personality and flair, whereas my gown embodied regality in every sense – complete with an 11-foot train! Meanwhile, my groomsmen and Trav donned bespoke Abel Honor tuxedos crafted in Bari, Italy, while my mom and maid of honor sported two custom AHNY dresses, one for the ceremony and another for the reception. Altogether, we brought to life ten unique Abel Honor ensembles, each with its own narrative.
This endeavour not only commemorated our special day but also marked a significant milestone in the growth of our brand as it ventured into the realm of bespoke bridalwear – an exciting development that left me beaming with excitement!
Were there any unique elements or personal touches incorporated into your wedding ceremony?
Our wedding ceremony was led by a Celtic monk, honoring our heritage with a traditional Irish blessing of marriage. The atmosphere was filled with the lively sound of bagpipes and the poignant symbolism of a handfasting ceremony, which represents the union of two souls. In another nod to tradition, we had close friends from both sides of the family write and share heartfelt letters about the bride and groom, serving as a beautiful introduction to their new families.
The service was infused with numerous special and spiritual touches that made it truly unforgettable. To make it even more inclusive, we live-streamed the ceremony for loved ones who couldn’t be there in person.
What were some of the most memorable moments from your wedding day?
The KWM experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The evening began with a sea of formal attire as every guest donned their finest black tie ensembles. As the night unfolded, horse-drawn carriages whisked away those in attendance, adding a touch of whimsy and romance to the proceedings. Amidst the revelry, impassioned speeches were delivered, while an Elvis impersonator brought his unique brand of rockabilly flair to the festivities.
Looking back, what advice would you give to other couples planning their weddings?
When contemplating the cost of a wedding, it’s easy to view hiring a wedding planner as an unnecessary expense. However, I can attest that it’s an investment that pays off in the long run. Not only does a professional planner simplify the planning process and make the day itself more enjoyable, but they also free up mental space for creativity and execution. For me, it was truly worth every penny.
What emotions did you experience on your wedding day, and how has it impacted your relationship since then?
As I reflect on our journey with Travis, I realize that my love for him only grew stronger after exchanging vows. Our unwavering commitment spanned many years, and I had thought that nothing could surpass the depth of my affection. But then came the day when we formalized our union, and everything changed. We are now a united entity, no longer two individuals with separate paths.
Travis is not just my partner; he’s become an equal co-parent to our precious child, who embodies the finest qualities of both her parents. Our little one represents the crowning achievement of our love story – a testament to the power of our bond. If I had to relive those moments, I’d marry him again and again.
