"Today is extraordinary!" - Melissa and Matt's amazing officiant.
A good officiant can really make your ceremony! Melissa and Matt's officiant gives an incredible speech about marriage that is a beautiful reminder to all of us. Hear that and more incredible speeches in their wedding video by Embee Videography.
From the bride:
Matt and Melissa first crossed paths in 2011 while both living in Manhattan. Matt was new to the city, and happened to know Melissa's roomie/BFF. Melissa's BFF, Ericka, was dating Matt's fraternity brother, who was doing a rotation in NYC. Matt, Ericka, and Craig would hang out from time to time and Ericka invited Melissa along one night to hang out with them, which is when she met Matt for the first time at a bar in the East Village. Although Melissa brought a date that evening, she kind of had her eye on Matt.
Before Melissa's BFF moved to St. Louis, Matt made one last-ditch effort to hang out with Melissa. Melissa and her crew went to a Lady Antebellum concert on one fateful Saturday night and Ericka invited Matt to drinks after the concert. Sparks flew and a couple of days later, Matt asked Melissa out on a date. Melissa said sure, and they had their first date at Bar Veloce Wine Bar in Chelsea. After lots of wine, some nervous moments (on Matt's end) and good conversation, Matt walked Melissa home and Melissa politely said \"Goodbye\" on her front stoop. Melissa went inside and just knew something was special about this guy…
Matt and Melissa started dating and made it through long-distance when Melissa was acting, Hurricane Sandy, meeting each other's families, Matt's bro apartment (which Melissa was allergic to), their first "I love you's" and moving into an apartment together in Brooklyn. The years they had in NYC together were incredible however Melissa always knew she wanted to live closer to her family, and Matt made that happen for her. They made the big move to Chicago in January 2015, and have since been able to spend quality time with both of their families. They've also enjoyed trips back to NYC, as well as vacations in Jamaica and Greece.
After ring shopping in the late summer/early fall of 2015, Matt finally proposed on November 15th. Melissa knew it had to be coming soon, but Matt did a great job at throwing her off by taking her on several nice date nights to keep her guessing. On the 15th Matt took her to Nico Osteria in Chicago's Gold Coast, one of their favorite restaurants. After a wonderful dinner, Matt guided Melissa to Washington Square Park (NYU's campus is on Washington Square Park in NYC - Matt researched and found out there was a Washington Square Park in Chicago, too!). While strolling through the park, Matt stopped, got down on one knee, and popped the question! Melissa was thrilled - they enjoyed the night out celebrating at the Signature Lounge in the Hancock building (and several other drinking establishments) and taking many 'gram-worthy selfies.
Cinematographer: Embee Videography
Dress: Pronovias
Officiant: Dr. John Mike Kunzer
Photographer: J Kelley Photo
Planner: Palace Events
Reception Venue: Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
See the full list of vendors and learn more about Melissa + Matt's wedding HERE.