Eliza + Neal

How did you meet?

Neal and met in middle school. First day, first period, we had English together. I still remember where he sat relative to me. I thought he was the hottest person (lol), and I knew immediately I wanted to date him. We went back and fourth on who liked who while the other wasn’t ready to date. Summer going into 9th grade (2 years later), we hung out for the first time outside of school. Neal and I never really had an official anniversary – we were just together!

When did you know they were the one?

Neal wrote in my 9th grade year book, “I’m going to marry you one day.” That was 2009! I always knew that I would end up marrying him. Unfortunately we spent 8 years long distance because he went and followed his dream to play hockey. We had split while both attending separate colleges. One day we both contacted each other, and I knew from that day on that I would be with him forever.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

His humor – he is so goofy and is constantly making jokes, singing songs, or dancing. I will never stop laughing around him.
His heart – he cares so deeply for other people. Even people he hasn’t met before, he is so empathetic if they are going through something.
His competitiveness – he loves challenge me, competing with me, and I do the same with him. It’s so fun to push each other and I love a good competition.

Who proposed and how?

Neal proposed to me on our way to dinner. We had discussed when they day came, I didn’t want a crowed, or anything over the top. So it truly was a surprise when we were walking to dinner and he took me on a detour to go “check something out” by the lake. He then had a night planned with both of our families afterwards that made the night extra special.

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

Well, I feel in love with it the first time I saw it online. I knew I needed to try it on, and was certain that was my dress even before that. I went to A&Be in Minneapolis with my mom. The back of this dress speaks for itself, and as soon as they threw some clips on to make it tight, no other dress would have compared…

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

Our ceremony. Reading our vows to each other, in front of family and friends was scary, but so special to do. It isn’t every day that you tell your spouse words like that, and especially in front of other people.

What were your favourite details?

The florals – white roses down the head table and the white floral wall.
The black & white color scheme – so classic and really fit our edgy vibes.
Also I was OBSESSED with my glam… hair, makeup, earrings. I felt so comfortable and the most beautiful I’ve ever felt.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Trust in your day of coordinator so you can truly enjoy your day. Also the day is about you and your groom. It was really important to me to spend as much time with him as possible. If I didn’t get something done I had planned, or we didn’t say hi to a few guests, it was fine because I had my husband by my side the whole day.

Any standout vendors?

Makeup by Mindie. Her work is absolute perfection, and will make you feel so confident. She is also fun and engaging to work with. While I was getting my makeup done (and was a little stressed), she was chatting with me and my bridesmaids the whole time and help distract me from my nerves.
Events by Melody (event coordination). Took care of EVERYTHING day of. Their team was so calm and I never felt like they were stressed, so I wasn’t stressed. All the little things I lost sleep over month leading up – they handled and I never knew if any road block came their way.