As many of you know, Mark and I met when I had shoulder surgery three years ago. He was my physical therapist assisstant who helped heal my shoulder and get it back to the way it should be. We started dating shortly after my therapy was complete, and have been together ever since.
Mark proposed on October 11th, 2008. He tricked me into going to pick up a bird bath for his mom in Marshall. When we pulled up to Southern Exposure, he led me through a number of different gardens with beautiful flowers. Finally, we walked up to a gazebo, which I found out later was the actual gazebo where they hold their weddings. We walked in, and he handed me his jacket to hold on to. Mark asked me grab the keys out of his coat pocket, so he could go put the seats down to put the bird bath in the back. I reached in, and immediately felt the box. He had knelt down, stating something was "wrong with his shoe"! The thought that I wasn't actually supposed to find the box raced through my head, and for a moment, I wasn't sure what to do. I finally looked down at him, and he was smiling. I pulled the box out, and the rest is history!
Later that evening, we were supposed to be going out to dinner with his boss and a patient. We got ready and left for Jackson. As I walked in, looking around for his boss, I saw a hand waving. I did a double take and saw his family and mine sitting at a table near the back. It was the best surprise I could have asked for! I couldn't have been happier that our families could be there to share in our special day. Mark did a wonderful job hiding everything from me, and I was extremely grateful for all the effort he put into making it a perfect day.
Thank you to my parents, my brother, Bret, and his fiance, Mandy, for driving all that way to be there for us. Also, thank you to his parents and Michelle, (Mike was out of town, and Mikey was working!). You helped make our day even more special!
Our wedding is going to be a winter theme, complete with Christmas trees, lights, and hopefully some beautiful snow! The ceremony will be at Hawk Hollow Chapel in Bath, Michigan and will begin at 5:30pm.
The reception will follow immediately after the ceremony is complete. Guests are welcome to venture over to the Eagle Eye Country Club, which is about 5 minutes away from the chapel. There will be hor'dourves for everyone to enjoy until the reception begins around 7:00. The dinner will be plated, with choices of either chicken or sirloin. Please be sure to send back the response cards telling us which choice of entree you would like. Thanks!
There will be a transport shuttle taking guests back to the hotel from Eagle Eye after the reception from 11pm-1am. There will be two hotels for people to choose from, though the bridal party will be staying in the Full Service Marriot. Hotel names will be provided in the invitations. Make sure you book your rooms immediately so we know if we need to add more to our blocks!
We wanted to let you know we are registered at the following: Bed, Bath, and Beyond and Macy's. We also wanted to take the time to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us take the honeymoon of our dreams! We couldn't have asked for better family members or friends. Your gifts will allow us to begin our lives together in a way that is unique and special. Thank you for being a part of our lives and our special day!
