Melissa grew up in the enchanting town of Bennington, Vermont. Eight years ago, Alex’s parents moved there and met Melissa’s parents at church. Ever since, the two families have been hoping to see their children get together- and after a few years of polite small talk when the two ran into each other during visits home, they ended up dancing at Alex’s sister’s wedding in 2017. The timing was finally right for sparks to fly, and their love grew despite living on separate coasts. Eventually Melissa found a job in California so they could finally live in the same time zone, and when she went to the train station to pick up Alex for the last time, she found him down on one knee!

The joy, gratitude and love in this day was flowing through every minute- from Melissa’s meditative moments as she got ready at her parents’ house, an emotional first look with her dad, reading a letter Alex had written to her (while he read hers as he waited in the empty pews), the gracious ceremony held in the 100-year-old Catholic church, to the perfect location for a traditional, elegant and slightly rustic reception: the historic Park-McCullough House. The horses in the meadow came out to play and the sky turned pink as the sun went down. Dinner and merriment under string lights went on well into the night inside the carriage barn, and there will little hints of stars and stripes in a festive nod to the date: the fourth of July!

We wish many years of July 4ths filled with blessings and togetherness for these two beautiful souls!

Reception Venue: Park-McCullough House in Bennington, VT / Ceremony: Sacred Heart Saint Francis De Sales / Hair & Makeup: Salon 290 / Catering: Grafton MKT / DJ: Aaron Topfer / Videography: Fyvie Films / Dress: Nicole Gown by Theia from Lovely Bride / Tux: Indochino

To view the rest of the photos online or to order prints, visit the full gallery here.