Trevor and I met on a study abroad in Spain in 2013 and figured out right away that we had a lot in common. We became good friends, but it wasn’t until over a year later that we went on our first date. When we got engaged in January of 2017, the only thing we knew for sure was that we did not want a summer wedding. After looking at dozens of wedding venues near Detroit and Grand Rapids and feeling like we would never find the right one for us, we booked a Sunday evening tour of the Cheney Place in Grand Rapids on a whim. We both fell in love, and one of the dates they said they had available was in late December. We were excited about a winter wedding, so we decided to book it and set our date!

After that, I knew that I wanted to at least try on some long sleeved dresses, so at my appointment at Elizabeth’s Bridal Manor I asked my consultant if they had any available. She said she knew just the one and added Style 4744 to our growing collection of gowns to try on. At her suggestion I tried it on first, and I was in love before even seeing myself in the full length mirror. I felt like Kate Middleton, and I loved the classy and dreamy combination of the lace detail and the flowing skirt. When my consultant said it was by Paloma Blanca, I felt like it was a sign. My husband and I met and became friends in Spain, and because of that the Spanish language has always been important to us. I did try on several other dresses, but nothing else came close!

We were married on the perfect winter day surrounded by our family and friends, and I still can’t believe it has already been 6 months! I wish I could go back and relive that amazing day and wear that beautiful dress again.