Love Story: Melissa & Michael

"Michael and I met in high school when I was a freshman and he was a junior. Our town was small and he was in the same grade as my sister who I shared many friends with. It was almost inevitable that we would eventually meet.

This moment came in February of 2002. I was the sound technician for our school production of Godspell. After every show, we had a cast party. This particular cast party happened to be held at Ryan’s house.  Ryan, also a junior, was one of the actors in the play. He not only invited cast and crew to the party but his personal friend as well. Michael and Ryan had been friends since they were ten years old. Michael had come to see the play that night, so of course he was at the cast party.

At the party, my friends and I played board games, snacked, and eventually made our way out to the hot tub. It was filled with rowdy high school students -- there were probably more people in it than should have been, but we didn’t want to miss out on the fun. Despite the overcrowding, I hopped in and just so happened to sit next to Michael! It was very loud and hard to hear what everyone else was saying so I struck up a conversation with him. He was very quiet at first but so attentive and sincere.  I instantly felt a connection to him. Our conversation lasted the rest of the night and essentially has never stopped. 

After that night, Michael came to every production of Godspell and attended every cast party. He had found something amazing in life that he just couldn’t stay away from - me. We spent the next few months talking on the phone together almost every night. I found Michael to be charming, peaceful, and playful.  He found me to be open-minded, creative, and adventurous. We intrigued each other very much. We started spending every waking moment together and quickly fell in love. 

Since the summer of 2002, Michael and I have been inseparable.  A lot can happen in 10 years and it certainly has! We have had many challenges but have been able to get through every single one of them because of our deep understanding of each other and of our commitment to one another. We have cared so much about one another and stand together so firmly in our beliefs in being accountable, trustworthy, supportive, and most of all playful that it has allowed us to create a strong foundation and a bright future together.  Perhaps it was fate that led me to meeting my best friend and future husband at such a young age, but I am so incredibly grateful that I did. "

Engagement Pictures by 5th and 59th Photography

7.16.2011 ~ Vineyard Vows

Back in July, Chelsea and Eric got married at Beckenridge Vineyard in Dallas - one of my all time favorite venues!  I love working with the staff there, and their venue is gorgeous.  Plus, this was one of my favorite weddings of the year!  I LOVED their colors - original, subtle, and perfect.

The weather was being a little tricky (true Oregon style), so they had a tent setup "just in case" - but no rain during the ceremony or afterwards - yay!  The ladies got ready in the bride's room, while the guys hung out and got ready in the amazing Belvedere Room.  This is an amazing "groom's room" full with Foosball, a beer fridge, fireplace, and couch! 

Chelsea looked absolutely stunning.  Her dress couldn't have been more perfect (she got it from The Bridal Gallery).  It was one of my favorite dresses of the year too!  I loved that she had a cascading bouquet - it was gorgeous!  All of the floral was provided by Denice of Distinctive Designs.  She did the centerpieces as well (which we'll get to in a minute - they are superb)! 

They had fans as guests entered, which had their name and table number on it.  These fans were colorful, fun, and elegant with their wooden handles.  Each person had a seat inside, with their name and a certain color flower to let the caterer know if the guest had RSVP'd for steak or fish.  It worked beautifully! 

They had a great ceremony, including a hilarious reading about wedding gifts.  So unique, and it totally fit the humor of the bride and groom.  Ryan from Focal Point Digital Media was there the whole day to document everything - and it's so great to be able to have a video to remember the words of the ceremony, to hear the laughter of the guests, to watch the event flow throughout the day.  I definitely think that having a wedding video is priceless - and then you can relive your wedding again and again! 

After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed passed appetizers and "mock" mojitos from Reed Catering, as well as wine from Chelsea's family winery!  BJ the DJ provided the music, and he was great to work with!  Okay, now for some details! All of the tableware was from A to Z Party Rentals, and the table linens were from Crossroads Fine Linens.  Chelsea and Eric wanted to incorporate vegetables into their table arrangements, and Denice did such an amazing job.  Just look at these photos!  It was fun to hear all of the guests walk around, trying to decide which was their favorite, as they were ALL different!  The best part?  The bride and groom had me donate all of the food to the local food bank the next day.  I LOVED this idea - and the food bank was SO appreciative!
 

Maalaea and Ian of I and M Photography took all of these amazing pictures, and I LOVE working with them!  To end the day they had a classic car to drive off in - and I loved it!  The bridal party got to it first and decorated it with love!  Chelsea and Eric - I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness!  Thank you for allowing us to share in your day with you!