September 6, 2017
Melanie and Adam met at the annual Marquette University School of Dentistry Picnic. Adam saw Melanie and told his friends he just had to meet to her. They talked for a bit then saw each other out later that night at Mo’s Downtown. Since they were both attending dental school at the time (Melanie in her first year, Adam in his third year), and also assigned to the same clinic, they crossed paths at school often. But it wasn’t until January that they re-connected through cross country skiing. Adam heard that Melanie was a competitive cross country skier and asked her if she would be willing to help him to learn how to ski as he had signed up to do the American Birkebeiner (52km ski race in Hayward, WI.) Melanie still remembers how thrilled she was! “I was so excited that he asked me to go skiing with him, but I told him I didn’t have my skis in Milwaukee. I immediately called my dad and asked if there was any way I could get my skis back to Milwaukee. Luckily, his co worker had planned to drive through that night. I had my skis that evening, but I played it cool and didn’t tell Adam I had my skis until a couple of weeks later. We started going on ski dates and the rest is history!!”
Adam’s proposal to Melanie is one of my favorites of all time. Adam explains his elaborate and beautiful proposal, “I wanted to propose to Melanie in a meaningful and memorable way. Since we began dating through skiing, I thought the American Birkebeiner would be the perfect place to bring our story full circle. I reached out to the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. They were eager to help, and together we came up with an online contest. The contest seemed to be for anyone – an email reaching out to past Birkebeiner and Kortelopet skiers in Wisconsin who would like the opportunity to participate in the race’s opening ceremonies with US Ski Team member Kikkan Randall. The ‘selected’ individuals would join Randall as flag bearers skiing down Main Street culminating at the awards stage. The email laid out the contest rules and deadlines to which we replied. However, little did Melanie know, that email only went out to the two of us and Knutson selected us as the ‘winners.’ The ceremony worked perfectly as it allowed for our families to witness the proposal without any suspicions from Melanie. Included in the crowd was Melanie’s dad who has been a Birkie skier for almost 30 years and my dad who skied his first that year. Mel and I followed Kikkan, who was carrying the Birkie torch, with the Wisconsin and United States flags down Main Street. Once to the stage, and after the opening words, Mel and I were introduced and thanked for being participants. Birkie announcer Peter Graves then asked me to unveil the ceremonial sculpture that was created especially for the evening. Little did Melanie know, it was actually created for us with the words, ‘Melanie, Will You Marry Me?’.” Shocked and surprised, Melanie said “YES!” and the happy couple celebrated with their friends and family that night.
Just like their proposal, their wedding was extremely well-thought out, absolutely beautiful, and SO them. They were married at Old St. Joe’s Church on campus at St. Norbert College, Adam’s alma mater, followed by a gorgeous reception at Thornberry Creek Golf Course. Blush and sequin details brought the entire space to life! My favorite details though were the giant cake pop tower and the custom seating chart Melanie made. The seating chart had every guest’s photo on it, so personal and perfect! This is definitely one of my favorite weddings ever and I just adored working with Melanie and Adam! They are so sweet and genuine!
Congratulations to the happy couple! I hope their future is full of lots of fabulous ski trips, laughter, and love!
I am OBSESSED with their classically beautiful rings!
Oh my goodness, Melanie makes a beautiful bride!
The sweetest first look under the willow tree.
Melanie’s first look with her father! Heart melting!!
Married!! Hooray!!
Such a stunning bridal party!
Those jeweled blush dresses looked absolutely gorgeous!
The Newlyweds!!
Oh just stop, they are too cute! I can’t take all this cuteness!
Ok, but seriously, doesn’t Melanie look like Natalie Portman?! I wanted to call her Natalie all day!
Thornberry Creek looked beyond magical!
Seriously, I wanted to eat that entire cake pop tower!
Instead of a normal grand march, the bridal party had to go on a “Scavenger Hunt.” The DJ would name an item and they had to run to the guests to find it. Every round they would take away a chair, like musical chairs. It was absolutely hilarious and I was basically crying from laughing so hard!
Thanks to all the amazing wedding vendors that helped make Melanie & Adam’s big day wonderful!
Ceremony: Old St. Joe’s Catholic Church // Reception: Thornberry Creek Country Club // Catering: Thornberry Creek Country Club // Officiant: Father Neilson // Hair & Make-up: Elements Salon and Spa // Flowers: Nature’s Best Floral // Wedding Dress Boutique: Bliss Bridal // Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Adrianna Papell // Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Rings: Security Jewelers // Cake Pops: Mrs. Wonn-derful’s Cake Ball Co. // Invitations & Programs: Paper Junkies Co. // DJ & Uplighting: Wisconsin Music DJ // Rentals: Ruby Design // Transportation: Bultman Limousine // Guest Transportation: Lamer’s Bus Lines // Videographers: Kyle Hoffman & Vince Smith
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