From the couple’s questionnaire:
“It was a warm fall day, the first day of their senior high school, when Ellie and Matty first met. Shy and new to the school, Ellie was surprised when Matty greeted her by leaping in front of her to say hello. Ellie would soon learn that Matty was always full of surprises. Over the next couple of years, they became good friends, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2006 that they began to realize that there might be more adventures in store for them beyond just friendship.
However, Matty was now attending college in Florida, while Ellie was still at Andrews–the first test of patience for the two of them. Matty hoped to overcome the obstacle of distance, flying Ellie out to Florida to ask her out, but he chickened out when it came time to actually ask her. Ellie returned to Michigan disappointed. But two weeks later, Matty visited Michigan and finally worked up the nerve to ask Ellie to be his girlfriend. She said yes. The next five years were full of one adventure after another, including three years of long-distance of challenges, two graduations, new jobs, and a new puppy.
Finally, on a cold winter day in March 2013, Matty decided to take Ellie on an adventure that would change things forever–a scavenger hunt that led her to find Matty waiting at the end. There, with her parent’s approval, he proposed to Ellie, asking her to decide with him that it’s forever. She said yes. ”
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On a beautiful sunny day, on a rooftop in Kalamazoo, Ellie + Matthew vowed to spend eternity with one another…

Photography by Jamie & Sarah

Photography by Jamie & Sarah
The girls started off the morning in their penthouse at The Gatsby in Kalamazoo, Michigan where they spent the morning giggling, and getting their hair and make-up done before Ellie slipped into her fabulous, flowy and ruffled ballgown by Watters Too and her gorgeous turquoise Badgley Mischka heels. The boys spent the morning at Kara’s Kottages, where they threw on their khaki suits from J. Crew, along with their sage or coral ties before heading to the Kalamazoo Skydeck for their rooftop ceremony.
After an emotional ceremony with custom vows the couple wrote themselves, they kissed and released colorful balloons (in the spirit of Disney Pixar movie “Up“)! Then, it was onto the party downstairs at Loft 310, where Park Place Design had adorable blush garden rose, and succulent centerpieces nestled into painted mason jars and milk glass vases, which were beautifully complimented by pastel lanterns. They ate fabulous food from Private Events (Entertainment District), had a romantic first dance, and also celebrated their family’s culture with a Chinese tea ceremony during the reception. Then, they capped the night off with an ice cream bar from Cold Stone Creamery… YUM!

Photography by Jamie & Sarah
Congratulations you two! We are so honored you included us in your special day!