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When Matthew met Clare, he was so taken by her that he knew that she would become his wife! He was so convinced that he asked to marry her on the day they met. Needless to say, though it took longer than Matt wanted, he was right.  That woman he loved at first sight has become his woman, his wife, his love forever.  Talk about premonition!  Also, be sure to read Clare’s amazing unforgettable moment: great fathers are truly blessings!  The couple’s wedding was photographed by Katelyn James of Katelyn James Photography.

Bride: Clare Brown
Groom: Matthew Meneely
Occupations: Bride – Beauty Publicist and Lifestyle blogger ; Groom- Security
Wedding Date: 06.02.2012
Location: Richmond, Virginia

Meeting & A Lovestruck Proposal ….. “Matt and I met at Syracuse University. We were both there attending graduate school and Matt was one of the first people I met. We hit it off right away and before I left to go home, Matt pulled me aside and asked me to marry him. The FIRST night I met him. I obviously said “ummm no???” but we remained friends. Our friendship turned into something more the last semester we were in grad school and we started dating.”

How He Proposed ….. “Matt proposed to me on Valentine’s Day (which was actually my least favorite holiday). He said I was such a snoop; he knew I would find out his plans if he proposed any other way. We were at a lovely restaurant in NYC sharing dessert and, suddenly, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so surprised! It definitely made me change my mind about Valentine’s Day.”

Wedding Details ….. “I wanted my wedding to feel very classic. I didn’t have a theme and I had an all-white color scheme with hints of pink. Because the wedding was held in the summer, I wanted it to have a carefree, beautiful feel. I chose baby’s breath for my primary flower. It is such a light and airy flower. My bridesmaids looked like they were carrying little clouds. It was beautiful.

I also added fun touches throughout the reception. For example, we had brunch for dinner which was a huge hit with our guests. I also made the table numbers special places around Manhattan that Matt and I like to go.”

An Ode to Family ….. “The wedding was very family focused. The wedding was held on my parent’s wedding anniversary. We wanted the wedding to feel like an homage to our parents and all they have done for us.”

The Most Unforgettable Moment ….. “My Dad’s speech. Apparently on the night of my first birthday party, he was amazed at how quickly time had gone by. So he wrote a poem to me that he planned to read to me on my wedding day later in my life. Well, twenty six years later, my wedding arrived; so, he got up and read me the poem. It was AMAZING! I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room!”

{You Make Loving You So Easy}

Click here to view more gorgeous images.

Vendors

• Photography: Katelyn James of Katelyn James Photography
• Wedding Dress: Mori Lee
• Hair/Makeup: Carla Williams of So Serene Salon
• Shoes: Milk and Honey
• Ceremony: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 
• Reception Location: Bolling Haxall House 
• Wedding Planner: Anna Burke Events 
• Florist: Janie Medley of Janie Medley Flora Design 
• Cake: Jean Jacques Bakery 
• Stationery: Shine Invitations