Interview with our STUNNING bride, Shelby:

HOW DID YOU MEET? Alex and I met the first day of my freshman year of high school. Our sisters (who were both seniors at the time) thought it would be fun to play matchmaker with their younger siblings, so they put our lockers next to each other. As it turns out, their plan worked, and by the end of the first week Alex had asked me out on a date.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU THE MOST TO YOUR HUSBAND? His caring personality and genuine love he has for the people closest to him.
HOW DID HE PROPOSE? (Alex’s side of the story): I asked Shelby to come over and have dinner on my dock by the lake a few days after she had gotten home from her six week trip to Italy. At that point, we had known each other and dated off and on for about six years and I knew that she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I set up a romantic setting on the dock with champagne, candles and a lobster dinner. While she was outside eating, I ran in to fill up her champagne glass and put the engagement ring in the bottom (hoping she would notice before she swallowed it or it fell into the lake somehow). When she took her last sip, it made a clinking noise and she finally noticed that SOMETHING was in her glass. I quickly got to one knee and don’t remember a word I said after that other than the infamous, “will you marry me.” Luckily, she said yes, and the rest is history!
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR VISION FOR YOUR WEDDING? Our theme was vintage, romantic with an Italian flare. We wanted to incorporate the whole Italian theme since we were getting married at a venue that looked like it was straight out of Tuscany. My love for purple also played a big role when making decisions on flowers, dresses and decor.
TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR VENUE: Since Alex popped the question right after I came home from Italy, we thought that Bella Collina would be there perfect place for us. I always dreamed of having an outside wedding on the lawn, and Bella Collina really was everything I could have imagined!
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST PLANNING CHALLENGE? Thankfully, we didn’t run into a lot of problems while planning the wedding. I guess our biggest challenge was trying to reduce the guest list and dealing with the possible complications of Hurricane Sandy.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN ELEMENT OF YOUR WEDDING? I loved the ambiance of the night with all of the candles lit and the market lights strung outside. It was such a magical night!
DID YOU HAVE ANY DIY DETAILS? Yes – we actually had quite a few DIY projects. But, my mom and I are both designers so we enjoy being creative and putting things together ourselves. I designed and printed the programs, menus and place cards, as well as put together our favors for the guests, which were little s’mores packages for them to use down by the fire pit.
WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR WEDDING DAY?
Shelby: The most memorable moment for me was the ceremony. I’ve always dreamed of walking down the isle with my dad in my wedding dress. I will never forget the big grin that Alex had on his face when I first saw him – he was so happy! It was also special to have my Grandfather marry us. For a few months there, we weren’t sure if he was going to be able to do the ceremony, but he did it and did such a wonderful job!
Alex: My most memorable moment was looking into my future wife’s eyes and reciting our vows to each other.
DESCRIBE YOUR CAKE: Our cake was simple, but it tied in with the rest of our decor by incorporating the lace and lavender.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER? AWESOME!! Ever since we met Sara & Jason (which was about a year and a half ago) they have felt like friends that we have known forever. They really take the time to get to know each couple that they work with, and that really means a lot. Our experience with them will be unforgettable and I hope to keep in touch with them over the years!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND AS A COUPLE? Alex and I are getting ready to buy a house on a lake in the Orlando, FL.
CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR VENDORS:
Photographers: Concept Photography
Wedding Planners: An Affair To Remember
Band: Leonard Brothers
Cake: It’s Tasty Too
Florist: Vintage Vines
Linens: Over the Top
Ceremony Music: Strings N’ Things