August 23, 2008
On Par With Melanie and Steve:A GAME OF LOVE
Melanie and Steve were golfers in their free time, but never imagined their game would lead them to love.
Melanie Graham and Steve Fawbush met through mutual friends and quickly learned of their interest in golf. Despite
their hectic schedules of work and raising kids, Melanie reflects, "Golf gave us a good reason to be together and
spend quality time with each other." Fortunately, their love of the game resulted in love for each other and five
years of dating bliss.
At the end of Summer 2007, Melanie was preparing for her daughter's upcoming wedding. Despite being busy, she
accepted Steve's offer for a round of golf on a beautiful Labor Day weekend. As the game unfolded Steve whispered
to a friend, "You?re going to see something great today."
On the ninth, Steve leaned over the hole with a puzzled expression. "Come here and take a look at this," he
exclaimed. With unassuming wonder Melanie watched as Steve picked a small box from the cup. Her realization was
counteracted with disbelief; It was a ring!
Up to that point Steve's performance on the first nine holes was uncharacteristically inconsistent, and now Melanie
understood why. She learned that Steve had secretly called her three children and his two kids in advance asking
for their permission to propose, and, with their blessing, planned to surprise her. After her enthusiastic "Yes!"
Melanie?s game on the back nine worsened and, funnily, Steve's improved.
Their engagement flew by lasting less than a year. Melanie drew upon her past event planning experience as well as
her recent skills planning her daughter's wedding to prepare her own with ease. "We knew we wanted a
family-centered wedding with close friends?a reunion-like atmosphere." After a long search for the ideal venue,
Melanie discovered Swan Lake Resort, the perfect match to carry out their wedding vision. As soon as Steve visited
the resort he was exceptionally pleased with Melanie?s choice, "This is it! This is the exact place we were hoping
for!"
The wedding weekend was unlike any other. First, guests checked into the Swan Lake's hotel accommodations while
family members stayed in cozy cabins close to one other. After a leisurely round of golf on Friday afternoon, rain
was beginning to dampen the hopes of rehearsing the ceremony outdoors, planned for the beautiful gazebo among newly
renovated grounds. When the decision had to be made, however, Melanie trusted her instincts and called for the
great outdoors. As if her call somehow dictated the weather, clouds were swept away by 3 pm, and the picturesque
rehearsal showcasing Melanie and Steve?s love was held with sun overhead and fairways in the distance.
Following their run-through, guests congregated around the fire pit for the rehearsal dinner, or more appropriately
titled, "rehearsal barbecue." In addition to golf, guests were encouraged to take advantage of the other amenities
Swan Lake provided, including a full-service spa, tennis courts, and pools, to name a few.
The clouds stayed hidden for the remainder of the weekend, making for a flawless wedding day on August 23, 2008.
Although Melanie's father had unexpectedly passed away two weeks prior and the family was grieving his absence, she
knew that he was watching over them all, making sure the wedding was as she dreamed it to be.
Looking back, Melanie and Steve were thrilled with the wedding and pleased their guests enjoyed the weekend as much
as they did. Everyone, guests and vendors alike, agreed the wedding was a true "hole in one" commenting, "It was
perfect...The best wedding we?ve ever attended!"
Melanie and Steve found love on a fairway, and their story is as romantic as they come. No bogies about it.
Swan Lake Resort
Plymouth, IN
Photographer:
Kevin Zini,
Zini Photography
South Bend, IN
Wedding Gown:
Allure Executive Collection,
Bella Bridal
St. Charles, IL
Bridesmaids Gowns:
Wtoo, Bella Bridal
St. Charles, IL
Hair/Nail Salon:
Swan Lake Resort Spa
Plymouth, IN
Tuxedos:
MW Tux
Wheaton, IL
Wedding Rings:
Fey & Co.
Naperville, IL
Flowers:
MichaelAngelos
"The Event Company"
South Bend, IN
Invitation:
weddingpalace.com
Wedding Cake:
Swan Lake Resort
Plymouth, IN
Reception DJ:
In Tune DJ
Mishawaka, IN
Rehearsal Dinner:
Swan Lake Resort
Plymouth, IN
Honeymoon:
Hawaii