Just five months away! Shawn Johnson and her fiance, Andrew East, are checking things off left and right on their wedding to-do list — and rightfully so! The former Olympian tells Us Weekly exclusively that the couple are getting married in Nashville in April 2016.
As previously reported, Johnson and her football player beau, both 23, got engaged during a Cubs game at Wrigley Field in Chicago back in July. The pair nailed down their wedding date first before the gymnast began to whip up her dream custom dress with Nashville-based designer Olia Zavozina.
“She took me through this whole process of trying on 10 to 15 different dresses in her studio and asking me what I liked and didn’t like and looking at fabrics,” Johnson tells Us. “We’re building it from the ground up. I’m so excited. I’m obsessed with it.” (Johnson recently teamed up with WeddingWire's #justsaidyes campaign, which gives a lucky bride-to-be the chance to win a $5,000 Macy's registry and a Marriott-sponsored honeymoon.)
Johnson — who plans to honeymoon in Italy — reveals that Zavozina is also helping her with her rehearsal dinner outfit. But before breaking bread with her future in-laws, the gold medalist will be taking part in a field day with her nine bridesmaids and East’s nine groomsmen.
“What she’s designing is more going to be like pants and a really cute top, and then I might change into like athletic clothes for the field day,” Johnson explains. “It will involve a lot of water balloons, I’m sure!”
Johnson will also be inviting some famous friends to her ceremony — specifically her Dancing With the Stars buddies. (The athlete won Season 8 with her pro partner, Mark Ballas, and placed second in Season 14 All-Stars.)
“I don’t know who will be able to make it out or not, but Mark and Derek [Hough] better make it out,” Johnson says. “That’s all I have to say!”
