Brooke + Michael

How did you meet?

Mike and I met through his sister, I was friends with her first. We were friends for about a year before I even found out she had a brother. We had a chance meeting when we all met at workout we all went to in the city. The next day I texted her that “her brother was super cute” and a month or two later Mike and I began hanging out.

When did you know they were the one?

I knew Mike was the one a few months in to our relationship, he just made me so happy, I was always laughing around him, he allowed me to be myself, and he made me feel so secure. I first told him I loved him in a homemade Valentine’s Day card and I just knew he was the guy I was going to marry.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

He makes me laugh, he is the hardest worker I know, and he is so caring & trustworthy.

Who proposed and how?

Mike proposed to me two years before we got married. It was still during COVID we had gone ring shopping so I knew we were moving towards getting engaged but I didn’t know how or when he was going to do it. We decided to take a trip with two other couples (including his sister and her husband). We chose Roanoke to hike, go to breweries and some vineyards. I thought maybe we would get engaged so I got my nails done and brought the perfect outfit. Three of the four days passed that we were there and no proposal to say I was frustrated was an understatement. The last day we planned to hike a trail that led to a waterfall. It was the best hike of my life, Mike got down on one knee with our dog and asked me to marry him at the base of the waterfall. It was perfect – we celebrated with champagne and photobombing kayaker down the waterfalls.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I fell in love with Archie first on your Instagram account, I kept seeing it and was so obsessed with it. I wanted something simple yet dramatic and elegant all at the same time. I first went to Lovely Bride DC and tried dresses on unfortunately they did not have Archie. I went to a few other boutiques to try on dresses and kept in thinking about Archie. My mom and I decided to take a girls trip to Charleston during COVID, luckily the Lovely Bride in Charleston carried Archie I tried it on and just knew it was the one. My mom and I were crying tears of joy as we facetimed my maid of honor in the store. I had Archie for over a year before my wedding and never second guessed my choice, it was perfect!

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

The best part of the wedding was marrying my best friend, Mike & I’s vows were everything and they are promises we will keep to each other forever. A close second was throwing the most epic dance party for our friends and family, our band was everything!

What were your favourite details?

My favorite details were my florals my wedding planner did an amazing job with keeping them elegant with a boho vibe. I also loved our drink toppers – we had edible drink toppers for our signature cocktail with our monogram from our wedding invitations. Our dog was our ring bearer which was perfect! Mike and I had created our champagne wall that guests got to enjoy prior to the ceremony. Our venue was breathtaking right on the water with a vineyard in the back drop. We also had a photo booth which was so fun for guests.

What advice would you tell other brides?

I would tell other brides to trust your instinct and gut when picking your dream dress and to try and stick to your vision of how you want to look on your day! I also would tell other brides to live in the moment on the day the little things don’t matter just you and your partner (and no one else will know if something didn’t happen but you) so don’t stress it!

Any standout vendors?

I loved my hair and make up team they were perfect and made getting ready a flawless process! My videographer and photographer captured our day perfectly! Our band brought the party all night long our guests can’t stop talking about them! My dress was absolutely perfect I felt amazing in Archie!