Planning & Parties Blog

The Wedding Story of... Noelle & Andrew Bullard

The story of Noelle and Andrew began at the University of Michigan where they both attended school and found each other through mutual friends. Learning they had several classes together, they agreed to meet for weekly study sessions, but realized they were spending hours chatting rather than studying.

The Wedding Story of... Samantha & Dan Hocker

A Couple Supports Each Other Through the Storms of Life

As the only girl in a family of three, Samantha had her heart set on a “princess wedding.” Yet that dream shattered when Annie, Sam’s mom, got seriously ill and spent 40 days in the hospital.  The wedding had to be postponed until a Thursday in August so that Annie could be by her only daughter’s side after enduring intensive therapy and recovery.

The Wedding Story of... Rich & Ami O'Brien

Their story started several years ago in the small town of Ligonier at West Noble High School. Rich was a few years older than Ami, but they crossed paths in the halls from time to time, never really speaking to one another. After all he was the cool Senior/punk skater boy and she was just a lowly freshman.

The Wedding Story of... Alaina & Eric Milton

When Alaina Borden and Eric Milton eventually reacquainted in 2003, the chemistry between them was undeniable. Both from Griffith, Indiana, they had known of each other for years, so neither found this surprising. Alaina recalls, “We were six years apart in school, but we knew each other through mutual friends.

The Wedding Story of... Amy & Matt Weyer

After losing a grandparent to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, both Amy Zolman and Matt Weyer became passionate about honoring their loved ones.  The two became involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Amy as a team coordinator and Matt as a volunteered marathon runner. Matt’s team captain, Amy’s co-worker, suggested the two meet. 

The Wedding Story of... Hilary & Mike Riley

I moved to Fort Wayne following graduation from Goshen College. I started my career and moved in with a family. I had only been living in Fort Wayne a couple weeks when I was approached by my best friend to go downtown on a blind date. Despite hesitation on both of our parts, Mikey and I agreed.

The Wedding Story of... Melody & Lamar Spencer

What could be more romantic than a getaway to a tropical paradise? Melody and Lamar Spencer found the answer by saying their vows under the warm Jamaican sun with their closest friends and family sharing in their day.

The Wedding Story of... Emily & Tyler Talsma

This Quirky Couple Created a Wedding That Matched Their Personalities

A Paloma Blanca gown had everything Stephanie’s heart desired: ivory, fitted, mermaid, silk and lace and buttons down the back and a train for a vintage look.

The Wedding Story of... Meeghan & Brendan Hart

Ralph Waldo Emerson said that the “Earth laughs in flowers.” If that’s true, Meeghan Miller Hart and Brendan Hart started their relationship and marriage surrounded by lots of laughter. Meeghan and Brendan got engaged at the Central Park Conservatory Garden in New York City (where they live) and had their wedding reception at the Historic Oliver Gardens at The History Museum (formerly the Center for History) in South Bend.

The Wedding Story of... Kaitlin & Joe Duran

Kaitlin Riley and Joe Duran were both participating in the program Teach for America, which places recent college grads in under-resourced high schools for two years. Before the two could begin teaching in New York City in 2009, they had to pass teacher certification exams and took the exam in the library of a Chicago high school.