Hannah and Michael: A Chance Meeting

Written by: Clare Spencer

Photography by: Belle Soet

http://lambandlark.com/

Many brides set their expectations quite high for their wedding gown shopping appointments. They have a set idea of how the experience should go and when the experience falls short of their expectations, brides become discouraged. But who could blame them? This is such an important day and we all hope it goes off without a hitch, and that the whole wedding planning and experience is nothing less than perfection.

When Hannah came to Ann Arbor to go wedding gown shopping , she went from shop to shop hoping to find the dress of her dreams but none of the appointments went the way she had planned. At one of the stores the sales girl mentioned Mimi's and asked if Hannah was heading there next. Hannah wasn't, but she immediately called to see if they could squeeze her in later that day. They not only said there was an open slot but there was time open right then.

"As soon as I walked in the door I thought, this is where I'll find my dress."

The gowns that were pulled for her matched her style perfectly. She didn't even need to pull out her big binder of wedding gown photos. Several of the gowns caused a reaction and the 'I like it' feeling but it wasn't until Hannah put on her gown that the feelings changed from 'like' to 'love'. The gown was "Luca" by Hayley Paige: a flowy, A-line gown with a flouncy skirt, gathered V-neck bodice with draped beaded details.

"Before I knew it I was dancing around the floor, just giddy with excitement. I think everyone knew right then that it was the perfect dress."

Hannah attended Meridian High School and Michael graduated from a high school in Harrison. Both of these high schools were part of the Jack Pine Conference, which every year holds a banquet for the top ten academic students from each school. The students were encouraged to sit with kids from other schools, so they were forced to meet new people. Hannah remembers there was one empty seat left at her table. A boy asked if he could sit there.

"I said yes, of course, and couldn't help but notice what beautiful blue eyes he had."

Just like from a romance novel, "I didn't remember his name or even what school he was from, just his blue eyes, but he remembered me."

Hannah and Michael both ended up attending Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant where they met for the second time. Turns out they actually lived in the same part of campus and had many mutual friends, they just managed to never cross paths. The summer after their first year they took an English course at the community college in Mount Pleasant. They sat next to each other and started talking, Hannah was unaware of the fact they had met before. After finals were done for the class the two went out for coffee and in her words, "We've been together ever since."

Five years later Hannah was ready to tie the knot and be with Michael for life. Hannah even teased him that she would propose if he didn't. As a Fall tradition, the couple would go on a weekend getaway. They decided to go to Denver and she was completely convinced he was not going to propose. One evening they were star gazing in the courtyard of the bed and breakfast they were staying at when, to Hannah's happy surprise, Michael proposed. They were holding hands and he listed all the things he loved about her. She knew what was coming next because his hands were shaking. Eventually he got down on one knee and asked to marry her. Hannah can't remember her initial response but she eventually said yes.

The wedding was held at Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan. Hannah always wanted an outdoor wedding but with Michigan weather being so temperamental the couple decided to choose a venue that had an indoor option. The ceremony was held in the Courtyard and the reception in the Great Hall. They chose the space for the indoor/outdoor option and for the beautiful and historic feel. It was the end of May and the forecast was for chilly temperatures and a chance of rain. The wedding planner asked if Hannah still wanted the ceremony to occur outside.

"I was absolutely sure, and to help stave off any showers my bridesmaids started doing an anti-rain dance in our getting ready room!"

Just some final words and advice from Hannah:

"Don't be afraid to change your mind about what you want! You never know until you try it on. And don't be concerned about anyone else's opinion, even your fiancé's - your wedding dress is for you and nobody else. Your fiancé will think you look amazing no matter what."