Erica + Bennett

How did you meet?

Bennett was the boy next door, my best friend’s older brother, and part of the family that my family spent every holiday and vacation together. I was 3 and he was 5 when we first met, however we didn’t bat an eye at each other until later in life post college when we ended back up in the same city.

When did you know they were the one?

I had never looked at him that way my entire life, so the second I started seeing more in him and feeling butterflies around him, I knew it was different. I knew he was the one with every time we spent together.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

Bennett is LOYAL, funny, and a little kid at heart- he enjoys the simplicities of life!

Who proposed and how?

Bennett proposed on the cliffs of Bodega Bay in California overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was a beautiful sunny day and to my knowledge we were going on a hike during a trip for a family wedding. I have no idea a ring was hiding in his backpack he just “had” to bring to carry sunscreen and water bottles.

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

Ivory Loft Bridal in Fenton, Michigan. I originally found this amazing shop after falling in love with another MWL dress that I saw on Instagram. I then realized the only boutique that designer was sold at happened to be 20 minutes away from my home town. While I loved the one I originally came for, the moment I put on Stevie, I knew it was the one. To this day, I didn’t need a single hem or alteration. It fit me like a glove and the owner of the shop was amazing at “how it was made for my body”. Every time I put it on I feel so beautiful, sexy, and confident.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

The best moment for me, was our midnight kiss to ring in the new year. We’ve endeared so much over the last few years with having to wait 2 1/2 years and postpone our original wedding. When it turned midnight, we were surrounded by all our family and friends, confetti was launched in the air, everyone was joyfully shouting, cheersing with champagne and and counting down. It felt like a fairy-tale.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Focus on you and your partner. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters. We had so many people cancel last minute, including our grandparents and best man, and it still was the most amazing day with my husband. We didn’t leave the dance floor and looked into each other’s eyes the entire night.