Michelle + Donald

How did you meet?

A mutual friend of mine and Don’s had been wanting to set us up for a while, but the timing hadn’t been quite right. But one day in July 2015, I went to meet my girlfriend on the lawn of the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison, for the summer series Concerts on the Square. Halfway through our bottle of wine, Don saw us and joined our picnic blanket with another bottle of wine. He started sharing stories about a music festival he’d been to earlier that summer – I thought he was really cool and very handsome! After he left, I asked my girlfriend who he was. Turns out, he was the same guy she had been trying to get me to meet for a while! She asked if I wanted her to send him my phone number. I said, nah just give me his digits. I texted him that night and we ended up going on our first date the next weekend – to a Dave Matthews Band concert. 10 hrs just the two of us, and it went perfectly. We have been together ever since.

When did you know they were the one?

It sounds wild, but I had a strong feeling from the first day I met him at Concerts on the Square that he was the one. Everything was easy, I loved his friends and family. I loved the way he took care of me and challenged me to be the best version of myself (he still does). We fit seamlessly into each others’ lives right away.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

His integrity. His charisma. His drive.

Who proposed and how?

After 4 years together, Don surprised me by getting down on one knee in the same place that we had met, on Madison Capitol Square. He had handpicked the perfect engagement ring and had photographers hidden around the Capitol Lawn to capture the moment. After soaking in the moment together, and taking some special photos, the surprise continued with a surprise engagement party at our favorite Madison bar, with many of our closest friends and family there to party the rest of the night.

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

I fell in love with the MWL line scrolling on Instagram, and my sister found a bridal salon in Illinois that carried them – Bella Bleu. I was obsessed with the Georgie in crepe, it was the first dress I tried on, and the one I went with!!

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

Our ceremony was so special. Seeing Don at the end of the altar, walking next to my dad, and seeing everyone I love and who loves me to witness, with a beautiful backdrop of the lake in Madison. It was picture-perfect. A close second would be the first dance with DJ.

What were your favourite details?

My dress, the flowers and all of the candles and vessels used for the candles, the string quartet for the ceremony, and then we had a saxophonist accompany our DJ which was a special touch.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Lean into whatever the day gives you. Specifically, weather, if you have an outdoor element! If it is a little blustery and rainy – go out and dance in the rain and wind with your friends!!