It was love at first sight for Atlanta couple Alissa and Michael who met during a going away party for a mutual friend. Michael noticed Alissa as soon as she arrived and knew that he had to introduce himself. Once introductions were made, the rest was history and the two became inseparable.
However, when the time came to take their relationship to the next level, things didn’t go quite so smoothly.
“Our proposal story is actually pretty funny. Earlier in the week,” recounts Alissa, “Michael told me one of his manager’s was having a birthday party for his wife on the rooftop of Ponce City Market in Atlanta on Saturday morning. Michael made it seem like we were just going to swing by, say hello, and leave.
“Friday night rolled around, and we stayed out late at a family birthday shindig. I was super tired and annoyed on Saturday morning from being out so late the night before. I immediately called Michael when I woke up and asked him if we could blow off the birthday party. He insisted we would just swing by for an hour then leave. We weren’t living together at the time, so he came to pick me up in an Uber (which I thought was weird). I literally complained the entire ride to Ponce City Market about having to go to this party!
“Once we got there, they took us up to the rooftop. I looked around and no one was up there. I started getting even more annoyed thinking Michael got the time of the party wrong! One of the workers told us to just hang out and wait because they were still setting up the party. It was at that point I heard Michael say, ‘Alissa?’ I turned around and he was on one knee! I thought he was joking, but I realized he actually had a ring! He asked me to marry him and then both of our parents popped out of nowhere,” shared Alissa.
As Alissa and Michael began the process of planning their June 2019 wedding, they first identified their wedding vision and the elements that were most important. Alissa envisioned a classy, elegant wedding and knew that the venue (103 West) and a live band (Papa Sol) would play key roles in executing her dream. She also knew she wanted a wedding dress she could dance in!
Alissa had heard about ECE through a girlfriend who had recently married.
“My friend’s wedding was off the chain! When it was my turn to start planning, I reached out to her for ECE’s information. After browsing the website, I decided on Papa Sol because I loved their band name (LOL) and their promotional video was exactly what I wanted in a wedding band! They didn’t disappoint,” said Alissa.
Alissa and Michael worked with Matthew Thomas from ECE Atlanta to secure the band and work out the details. “Working with Matthew was great. Anytime we had questions regarding anything band-related, he was able to answer them immediately,” said Alissa.
While some couples can become overwhelmed during the planning process, Alissa made sure to focus on the important pieces. Her favorite part of the wedding planning process was spending quality time with her mom. She and Michael met with all the vendors and made a lot of decisions together, but Alissa’s mom also tagged along to each meeting and helped in any way she could.
“It was really fun going to my dress fittings with my mom, and planning the perfect finishing touches for the big day,” shared Alissa.
When asked what advice Alissa would give to couples planning a wedding, she says, “My biggest piece of advice is to not let the wedding get bigger than the big picture. A lot of brides will get stressed out over things like food or a budget, but just remind yourself that the big picture here is you’re marrying your soulmate!”
When the big day arrived, everything was perfect. Even months later, Alissa finds it difficult to choose a favorite moment from her wedding day. “Oh my gosh, there are so many to choose from! I think my favorite had to be our first dance. Every single person in the crowd was singing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Franki Valli so loudly while we were dancing. It was an awesome feeling and memory.”
VENDOR DREAM TEAM
Wedding Band: Papa Sol | ECE Agent: Matthew Thomas | Photography: Alana Buffington of Looking for Lane Photography | Venue + Caterer: 103 West | Event Planner: Erin Thomas of Southern Lady Events | Florist: Kimberly Evans of Fully Alive Florals | Bridal Gown: Augusta Jones from The White Magnolia | Groom’s Attire: Guffey’s | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Bill Levkoff from Bella Bridesmaids | Videographer: Brett Tighe | Hair + Makeup: Formal Faces | Stationery: Marcy Howard of Fine Papers
