Christmas Wedding in Greenville
Christmas Wedding in Greenville.
Ryan and Michaela are one of those rare "I saw you and fell in love with you" couples. They got married alongside all their closest friends and precious family members at the most beautiful venue decked out in Christmas- Michaela's favorite holiday! They had lots of sweet details that were true to them. Ryan sewed a part of his shirt that he wore when they first met cut out in the shape of a heart onto her wedding dress and surprised her on the day-of. Michaela even read her letter she wrote to her husband in middle school during their first look and EVERYONE was in tears! Their day was so, so tender!
Reception Venue: The Ryan Nicholas Inn//Photographer: Mary Catherine Echols Photography
From the Bride:
Q: Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day? Did you have a specific theme, style or color palette? Did you incorporate any cultural or religious traditions in any part of your day?
A: Our wedding theme was all things Christmas! * Tis the season to be married * The entire venue was decorated beautifully in golds and greenery. A beautiful sleigh was outside the front door. My bridesmaids wore a latte brown color dress that accented with the burgundy décor. Our wedding was focused on Jesus Christ and how he has impacted our lives and brought us together to serve him.
Q: How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.
A: Ryan and I met by chance one night while we were both out with our friends. His best friend was actually the one who hit on me. I remember the best friend kept trying to talk to me but I was more concerned with Ryan. Long story short he walked me to my car and said he was taking me on a nice date the next night. Sure enough, he called, made reservations, prayed over our meal, and I was in love. I went home that night and told my mom all about it. I just KNEW. Which is crazy for someone so indecisive as myself. We were dating about a month later and were engaged 4 months after that. He proposed at Sierra Nevada Brewery. The ladies in my family and his family had decided to have a fun girls day in Asheville, NC. Ryan was going to stay home and my brothers were supposed to help him move into the new house. When all of us girls got to Sierra Nevada, his mom and sister took the lead and headed to the outdoor area. It was a rainy Saturday and I remember thinking to myself, "Why are they going outside if it's raining?" Once we got out there I saw someone who looked like Ryan on the big stage where bands usually played. It hit me about 5 seconds later after I had glanced back at him. I walked down to meet him and he proposed on the stage. Both of our families were there to watch so it was super special and a complete surprise.
Q: What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
A: The most special moment of my wedding day was our first look. When I was in the 7th grade I wrote a letter to my future husband. I sealed it up and honestly forgot about it until a few weeks before the wedding. I searched everywhere for it and finally found it. I left it sealed until our first look so I had no idea what it said. We each had letters prepared, even though I had no clue what mine said. We read each of our letters aloud and it was the sweetest moment I have ever had. My letter was full of funny things like my favorite color and how I had planned for the bridal party to wear turquoise.. (lol) and many misspelled words, but also serious aspects that I'm shocked my young, immature self even understood at that age. Many promises were made that I had kept my whole life, simply waiting for my wedding day. It was an incredible moment filled with raw emotion that I will never forget. Another special moment was when it was time to put on my wedding dress. My mother unzipped the dress and there was a piece of blue fabric in the shape of a heart sewn into it. She told me that Ryan had taken the shirt that we met in and cut out a heart for me to wear as my something blue. It was the most thoughtful thing that he's ever done.
Q: Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you'd like to share with other couples planning their day?
A: Planning advice would be to pick a venue that offers everything you need. My venue came with all the decorations (saved time and money), a wedding planner, catering, dj, places to stay, etc. It made life much less stressful and more enjoyable.
