Hotel Orrington wedding: Melissa & Alan

The two met when Melissa was invited to the soiree by a mutual friend when Alan was getting his PhD 6 years ago.  Once the two met and locked eyes, they spent the remaining hours sitting on a radiator avoiding intense discussions.  They spoke about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, working in museums (Melissa works at an art museum) and watching people take shots from an ice luge shaped like a dinosaur (which tragically the tail melted so it looked as if people were doing shots off the dinosaur's butt).

A little time had passed, and the two went on a second date and sealed the evening with a kiss under the 6 train.  They were inseparable ever since.

During a trip to Chicago for a friend's wedding, Alan asked Melissa's father for her grandmother's engagement ring which he took back to NY and hid in his drawer.  Melissa flew from Chicago to Germany and returned just as Alan flew to Argentina.  When he returned on her birthday, he walked into their 200 square foot studio apartment and popped the question.

Personally, if Melissa can find humor, conversation and love with a man getting his PhD in Vertebrate Paleontology while living in a 200 square foot studio then I say go for it.  

The two hired some pretty kick a$$ vendors from I Do Films, Scarlet Petal, Toast & Jam, and Livia Corporal (hair).  It has been a long time since I walked into a wedding with a slew of vendor names that I personally consider top notch.  

Because they hired a solid team of people to run their event, the two left every one of us a lone to do our magic.  Truly, they wanted to laugh, play, toast and dance.  Melissa's goal?  "That by the end of the night we are married and everyone has a great time and their feet hurt from extreme dancing."

Success.  Her dream came true.

Good luck to you both.  And, Alan?  I am slightly jealous of your profession.  Good job.  Just make sure to wash your hands after digging through all that dirt.  

Enjoy your honeymoon.  

Melissa & Alan

April 17, 2010
Ceremony: Hotel Orrington; Evanston, IL
Reception: Hotel Orrington; Evanston, IL

Ceremony: Hotel Orrington
Reception: Hotel Orrington
Caterer: Hotel Orrington
DJ: Toast & Jam
Florist: Scarlet Petal
Makeup artist: Dana Armstrong
Hair: Livia Corporal
Officiant: Rabbi Evan Moffic
Videographer: IDo Films
Deserts: Take the Cake
Invitations: Melissa & Alan
Programs: Melissa & Alan (with help from the third thru fifth season of Lost on netflix)
Menus: Melissa & Alan (with help from seasons one and two of Lost on Netflix)
Bride's dress: Marisa
Shoes: Banana Republic
Groom's suit: Calvin Klein
Wedding consultant: Elizabeth Tulipana