Lee and Kevin: A Modern Match Made

Written by: Clare Spencer

Photography by: Kellee Laser

kelleelaserphotography.com

Lee admits when she started wedding gown shopping she had never heard of Mimi's Bridal Boutique. She had six months to plan everything and so she quickly turned to Google to find bridal shops near Ann Arbor. The search results came up with two shops, one being closed the weekend she planned on shopping in the area. It must have been fate, as it only took one appointment at one boutique to find 'The One' and that boutique turned out to be Mimi's. On the way to her appointment, Lee remembers telling her mom she was just going for ideas and that she was not going to buy anything that day.

"As I opened the door, I imagined singing coming from the heavens and doves springing into flight, but that's how I remember it...it was beautiful..."

When asked if she knew what she wanted or what she liked, Lee had no idea. She didn't know where to start. Some people shop with their hands first and then with their eyes and Lee happens to be one of those people. As Lee felt the fabrics in one closet of dresses, she randomly chose one dress, asking if she could try it on. They started with her random pick and when Lee emerged from the dressing room her mom cried; it was 'The One'. It was the Demi gown by Amsale- a silk crepe, slim fitting modern gown. She loved everything about, from the form fitting style to the sheer back with peplum and button details. Lee tried on the rest of the gowns but none felt like her. She came back to the original one, and, when she put it on one more time, she finally felt like a bride.

"My advice to brides would be to try everything! Most of the dresses look completely different on the hanger than they do on [...]. Go with what makes you feel like you, it's not a costume, it's your wedding dress. It should be the dress that makes you feel like the most amazing version of yourself."

Lee is from Toledo, Ohio and her husband, Kevin, is originally from Florida but moved to Perrysburg, Ohio in junior high. Their paths were destined to cross despite the fact he went to an all- boys high school and Lee went to an all-girls high school. They met on New Year's Eve their senior year of High School when Lee's girls' night at her house turned into a coed party. After hanging out for all of New Year's day, Kevin ended up asking her out the next day, January 2nd. That chapter of their relationship lasted about a year but ended due to the long distance factor, since they attended different colleges. Even though they drifted apart they still managed to maintain a friendship over the next ten years. When Kevin moved back to Ohio they began strengthening their friendship, which developed into a relationship.

One night in June of 2015 Lee returned to her house after taking her dogs for a walk to find Kevin waiting for her and he was absolutely love-struck. While Lee got the dogs some water, Kevin began asking questions.

"Kevin asked me if I loved him. I, of course replied yes. He then asked if I wanted to spend my life with him. I again answered with the obvious yes. As I turned around the man was on his knee with [...] the biggest diamond ring I have ever seen and he then asked, "Promise?"

The wedding took place on January 2nd, 2016 which was the twelfth year anniversary of their first date. It was held at The Valentine Theatre in downtown Toledo. Lee wanted a 1920s vibe for their wedding and the theatre was the perfect location; from the dripping, vintage chandeliers and red velvet to the ivory columns and grand staircase, the venue matched her vision.

"Everything about my wedding was perfect! I had the perfect dress and the perfect venue and the perfect groom...I would not change a single thing about it."