Real Weddings: Michelle + Ian

Michelle and Ian were married at Avalon Legacy Ranch on November 2nd, 2019. Matches like the two of them don’t come along every day- after meeting on eHarmony, Michelle & Ian had their first date in Historic Downtown McKinney. The date began at Filterd and then proceeded through McKinney including a little walking, a little talking, a little frisbee throwing- 14 hours later (Yes! You read that correctly… fourteen!) they decided it was time to part ways, only to see each other immediately the following day for another 12 hour date! What can we say- when you know, you know!

Ian decided to make it official on a trip to Wisconsin. Ian’s mother owns a beautiful homestead on a riverfront and he decided that would be the perfect time to pop the question. There were plans for a hot air balloon ride but unfortunately the weather didn’t allow it so Ian had to think quickly! On the final day of the trip, he brought out a pair of binoculars and pointed out an eagles nest (both a convenient distraction and a majestic sight!) to distract Michelle. His cousins helped with the master plan and they even managed to film the entire thing- something that was very important to Michelle! Obviously, she said yes- and they chose Avalon Legacy Ranch to host their most important day.

Michelle and Ian had guests flying in from all sides of the country. With so many travelers, it’s important to make sure they all have a worthwhile experience. We asked Michelle what she wanted her guests to take back home with them when they left her wedding- “I wanted them to feel “Texas”, I wanted a place where it was intimate, quiet, romantic and something totally different. A place where they had never been before but felt familiar. I wanted the ceremony and reception to be at the same location but not the same place (not like a hotel hall).”

Michelle and her mother were the wedding-planner-duo-team! We love seeing families involved in the process and being willing to help make sense of all the “wedding crazy” through planning season. We asked what Cathy & Michelles favorite parts were- “Honestly all of it, my mom and I are so close that planning it was like planning this amazing party with your best friend. It was also another “excuse” to see each other and just be together. Don’t get me wrong it was stressful at times but if I didn’t have her help my wedding wouldn’t have turned out so amazing “

Favorite morning moment: “My hair and makeup with the girls, it’s almost like a morning “sleepover” just being with the girls.”

Favorite ceremony moment: “Seeing Ian when I walked down the aisle, seeing how emotional he was. I have only seen him cry once so that was a big moment for him especially in front of our family and friends, it showed how vulnerable he was in that moment and it makes me love him even more.”

Favorite reception moment: “Our first dance, Ian and I are really good at not getting distracted by other people when we dance, I don’t know what it is but when we dance it always feels like it’s just us and no one else is around.”

Choosing the perfect venue is such an enormous decision! What is your best advice in narrowing down the search to find your dream setting for your big day? “Choose a place where you feel comfortable, where you connect with the people that work there. It’s was almost a ‘a ha!’ moment, we we picked Avalon. We had been to a few venues before but nothing felt special, they all felt like it had been done before. I wanted a venue where I knew I could be creative, I could make it my own wedding style that no one had done before. I also wanted my guests to have that ‘a ha!’ moment. I wanted them to walk in and say “Wow, I have never seen anything like this for a wedding, this I won’t forget.”‘

From one newly wed to a future bride- what is the best advice for wedding day and planning? “Don’t sweat the small stuff. The day goes by in a flash. What I wanted most from my wedding is for my guests to remember it how it made them feel. Your wedding will not be perfect, because perfect is impossible and if you let go of it being perfection it will be the most magical day of your life. I also suggest to take a moment, and what I mean by that is while people are dancing grab your husband and step to the side and watch. Take a moment to embrace the day you created and take mental images.”