Matthew and Michelle met on Nov. 21st, 2009 at a local bar called Jack’s Bait Shack. Both had been going there for many years, however their paths never crossed. Well, until that day in Nov. Michelle had gone there on a day she usually never does. While sitting at the bar, she hears this very loud boisterous laugh. She looks over and sees this man with an incredible smile. He heads outside, so she decides to head out there as well. She can hear him having a conversation with a few gentlemen and being the outgoing girl she is, interjects herself into their conversation. For the next 5 hrs, Matt and Michelle are glued to the bench talking each others ears off. He asked for her number, she gave it. The very next day he called (Like he promised he would), they set up a date for the next night. Michelle says that was the day she knew she had found “the one”. Matt says when he asked her for her number, he knew he had found”the one”. Over the next three years they have built a life and home together. They are the proud parents of Bruiser, their Basset Hound/Beagle mix they rescued, who cant seem to leave the kitchen when mommy or daddy cook! Matthew proposed to Michelle March 17th, 2012. He got down on one knee at her parents home. Michelle’s father had been battling lung cancer, and Matt knew how much it would mean to her if her father could see her get engaged before he passed. Michelle’s father was front and center when Matt put the ring on her finger at 11:30 that morning. He passed away at home that evening, but he did so knowing his only daughter found her soulmate. Michelle and Matt decided on Oct. 27th, 2012 as the date for their wedding because it was a few days after her mother’s birthday and a few days before her aunts. The day was absolutely perfect. Michelle was so excited and nervous for the ceremony to begin. When Matt and Michelle had their “first glance” photos, she practically ran to him, just wanting to see his face and give him a kiss (a kiss she says they had to “practice” before the ceremony). Michelle’s favorite part of the wedding was having her two brothers give her away. Her something old, was her fathers wedding band that was tied to her bouquet. Matt’s favorite part was the vows they created and of course the dancing. DJ Gil Blake played such fantastic music the dance floor was never empty. Michelle and Matt dont think their day could have been any better. It truly was their dream wedding and a perfect way to start their marriage!
Dress: Davids Bridal-Ft. Myers, FL
Flowers: Driftwood Garden Exchange-Naples, FL
Shoes: Davids Bridal-Ft. Myers, FL
Rings: Custom
Cake: Ella’s Cakes-Naples, FL
Make Up: Done by Bride
Hair: Beth Kasel of Style One by Walter-Naples, FL
DJ: DJ Gil Blake-Naples, FL
Officiant: Peggy Rice (Brides Aunt)-Naples, FL
Wedding/Event Coordinator: Kristin Downey of Stonebridge Country Club-Naples, FL
