August 30, 2008
When you wish upon a star...
How many brides can say that their husbands arranged a shooting star for the night of their engagement? Sarah and Derek met shortly after Sarah graduated from Michigan State University in December of 2003 and moved back to the Michiana area.
After dating for a little over four years, Sarah and Derek were on a cruise in February of 2007 when, on the night of the Captain's Dinner, Derek asked Sarah to take a walk on the deck. Sarah was wearing high heels and it was a windy night, so she wasn't all that happy about a walk outside, but she reluctantly agreed. As they were walking, they stopped when they saw a shooting star in the night sky. When Derek asked Sarah about her wish, she replied that she couldn't tell because it wouldn?t come true. When Sarah looked at Derek, he was on one knee and asked "will you spend your life with me?"
Sarah then learned that Derek had been preparing this surprise for a long time without her knowledge; traveling to Chicago with some friends to pick out her ring and meeting with her dad before the cruise to ask for her hand in marriage. The shooting star was an unexpected element that made the night even more special.
Back on dry land, Sarah set about planning her wedding for late August of the following year. Being not only budget conscious, but caring for the environment, Sarah decided on the Historic Oliver Gardens at the Center for History which would provide beautiful late summer foliage that could be accented with flowers in her wedding colors. Sarah also chose to use an online service, theguestbookrsvp.com for R.S.V.P's, which eliminated the use of extra paper and postage.
Sarah wanted to do something handmade for her guests as a remembrance of the day. Since the weather in late August can be quite warm, she decided on making fans that would also serve as the wedding program. Along with her maid of honor, Sarah spent many hours working to create the beautiful programs that were put to good use on that warm August afternoon.
Sarah wanted her ceremony music to reflect the feeling of the Historic Oliver Gardens and engaged a harpist to play music for the ceremony. A lovely selection of harp music entertained guests before the ceremony and when the harpist began playing "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera, Sarah and her dad made their way down the aisle.
Sarah's photographer worked with the couple to create a DVD containing pictures of their childhood, courtship and engagement which played continuously as guests arrived at the reception, giving new family and friends a glimpse of their lives.
Sarah and Derek's story proves you never know WHAT can happen when you "wish on a falling star!"
Historic Oliver Gardens,
Northern Indiana Center for History
South Bend, IN
Reception Location:
Ambrosia Banquet & Catering
New Carlisle, IN
Wedding Coordinator:
Kathy Strukel
The Perfect Solutions
Caterer:
Ambrosia Banquet & Catering
New Carlisle, IN
Harpist:
Devon Haupt
South Bend, IN
Wedding Gown:
Casablanaca, Greta's
South Bend, IN
Bridesmaids' Gowns:
Alfred Angelo
Hair Salon:
Hair Connection
South Bend, IN
Make-up Artist:
Camellia Cosmetics
Granger, IN
Tuxedos:
Louie's Tux Shop
South Bend, IN
Wedding Rings:
Windy City Diamonds
Chicago, IL
Flowers:
MichaelAngelos "The Event Company"
South Bend, IN
Wedding Cake:
The Flour Shop
Sevensville, MI
Reception DJ:
Exuberance
LaPorte, IN
Rehearsal Dinner:
Sunny Italy Cafe
South Bend, IN
Transportation:
Royal Excursion
Mishawaka, IN
Honeymoon:
Cozumel Palace
Cozumel, Mexico