Angela and Michael met where people spend most of their time: at work. As their relationship progressed, Michael knew Angela was the one for him and planned to propose at their favorite place: Disneyland. Yet, it was all a wonderful and unexpected surprise for Angela.
On that fated trip to “The Happiest Place on Earth,” Michael managed to coordinate a picture-perfect proposal. “Michael had been acting strange all day, and I didn’t know why,” says Angela. When he insisted they take a picture in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle she thought it was odd but was happy to go along with it. It wasn’t until Michael was down on one knee and a crowd had gathered around them that the moment became clear. Angela says, “The Disney photographer captured it all. It was really an amazing day.”
They set a date and embarked on wedding planning. Yet, a few months into planning the couple decided their intended two-year engagement was just too long to wait. Shortly after choosing their venue, they arranged a more intimate ceremony in a few months’ time. With their closest family members by their side, Angela and Michael headed to the county recorder’s office and held a civil ceremony making their marriage official without all the fuss.
Having the logistics behind them, they could focus on planning a reception full of fun and frivolity. Aiming to recreate the feel of a glamorous cocktail party from the Roaring ‘20s, the bride and groom asked guests to dress in their most elegant period-appropriate attire. “Planning our wedding was a team effort,” Angela says, “We both collaborated on what we wanted and did it together.”
Though they choose to keep the planning as simple as possible, Angela and Michael did hold on to some of the most traditional wedding reception elements. “Because we didn’t have a ceremony, we didn’t have bridesmaids and groomsmen, and everyone was allowed to select their period attire,” she says, “but we still got ready separately, and I had a lot of fun getting ready with my sisters and best friend, enjoying the day.” They made sure to include their first dance, cake cutting, and, of course, a bouquet and garter toss to keep some of the wedding essentials.
The couple had the day they dreamed of in celebration of their love and commitment to one another. Angela explains, “We really wanted to have an event where all of our friends and close family could come together and enjoy the night.” While they don’t feel that marriage has changed them, Angela shares her thoughts on what marriage has meant to their relationship. “I think we feel a lot closer and that our bond is truly unbreakable.”
—Abigail Blank
