August 4, 2022

Michelle & Matt 10/23/21

“I could not tell you if I loved you the first moment I saw you, or if it was the second or third or fourth. But I remember the first moment I looked at you walking toward me and realized that somehow the rest of the world seemed to vanish when I was with you.” ― Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince

Michelle and Matt first met when they were both living in D.C. Matt had just graduated from Georgetown, and Michelle was working as a nurse at Georgetown Hospital. Despite the fact that they lived a block away from each other, and had mutual friends, they didn’t meet until they matched on a dating app called the League.

When they matched, they discovered that they both love beer and checking out new breweries, so their first date was to a local brewery. Michelle told us, “As soon as we saw each other that night we both knew we had found our person!”

Not long after meeting, Michelle was accepted into UVA’s Family Nurse Practitioner program and had to move from D.C. to Charlottesville. Michelle says, “Without hesitation, Matt encouraged me to pursue my dreams and reassured me we would make things work. Matt is the most patient, kind, and down-to-earth partner I could ever ask for which balances out my craziness!! I think we work so well together because we are both blessed with the ability to step back and see each other’s opinions from their point of view. I think we learned this from our parents who have taught us what it means to love and sustain a healthy relationship.”

The Engagement

When it was time for Michelle to graduate from FNP school, Matt wanted to take Michelle on a trip to celebrate. Little did she know, he also planned to propose. But, like so many other plans in the spring of 2020, Matt and Michelle’s travel was postponed. After delays and rescheduling, the lovebirds were finally able to take their trip to celebrate Michelle’s accomplishment (and for Matt to pop the question).

As soon as their flight landed, Matt took Michelle over to La Jolla Cove to watch the sunset. The couple’s wedding website tells us the rest of the story, “The views were absolutely incredible, and while the two could have sat there all night, the cold started to creep in. As they stood up to head to dinner, Matt told Michelle he had been wanting to ask her something for a very long time, ‘Michelle Kensie Carroll, Will you marry me?’ was the last thing both of them remember, but they knew they would be spending the rest of their lives together and couldn’t be more excited and happy to marry the person each of them had dreamed about since before they could remember.”

The Wedding

Michelle & Matt were married on October 23rd, 2021 in Charlottesville, VA.

The Details

“We want our big day to be all about a celebration of our love for each other and want it to be fun for everyone! We have so many wonderful family and friends who are traveling from near and far, and we are so excited for them to see our beautiful venue, witness us marry each other, and have the best time during the cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing!”

Michelle selected ivory, navy, and burgundy as her colors and wanted to mix in some greenery. Overall, she wanted the vibe to be romantic and classic.

Treats & Drinks

Michelle & Matt opted for a buffet-style dinner with passed hours devours and a biscuit board (like a charcuterie board but with different types of biscuit sandwiches) for cocktail hour. They also offered their guests a full open bar with two signature cocktails – an Old Fashioned for the groom (we love this as an alternative to a groom’s cake) and an apple cider Aperol spritz for the bride.

The Bridal Party

Michelle and Matt opted to have to maids of honor and two best men. We love a big wedding party. The bridesmaids looked gorgeous in dresses that they picked out on their own while the groomsmen looked dapper in their tuxes from The Black Tux.

The Family

One thing that Michelle wanted to be sure to capture on her wedding day was special moments with her parents.

The Bride & Groom

Michelle & Matt’s wedding photos were shot on location at the Lodge at Mount Ida during golden hour.

The Ceremony

Michelle & Matt’s 5 pm ceremony took place at the Mountain Grove, a short walk from the lodge.

Guests were greeted with music from an acoustic duo, McHale & Justina.

Michelle told us that the most important thing about the whole day was that their wedding was a celebration of their love.

The Reception

The party was really important to Michelle & Matt. They wanted their wedding to be a big celebration, and it was. From the 8-piece band (Michelle & Matt said they wanted all of their guests out on the dance floor), to the buffet-style dinner, to the anniversary dance at the end of the night, this wedding was a party to remember.