Real Wedding: Michelle & Mike

Where it all started

Michelle and Mike’s love story dates back almost 30 years ago to their high school days in Thunder Bay. The pair hung out with the same group of friends and Mike had a secret crush on Michelle. After losing touch for many years, their paths crossed again, and the friends seamlessly picked up where they left off. This time, Mike knew he had to share his true feelings with Michelle, so one night he kissed her while they were sitting in a hot tub.

For their first official date, Mike picked up Michelle in his ’67 Mustang and took her on a romantic dinner date to an Italian restaurant. Afterwards, they went for a walk to his favorite spot by the lake and held hands for the first time – a memory that still gives Michelle butterflies. Later on, in this exact spot by the lake, Mike asked Michelle to spend forever together and surprised her with a celebratory picnic on the dock.

Planning the wedding

Michelle knew from the start that she wanted to have a destination wedding, Mike was on the fence until she showed him how affordable and beautiful getting married in paradise would be. They decided to host their big day in Cancun, a destination they visited each winter. Moon Palace Cancun stood out to them as they had heard rave reviews from their friends and family and the resort was offering complimentary stays for kids under 17, a huge value for their blended family with five teenagers.

Day details

On January 19th, 2019, Michelle and Mike said “I do” during an elegant seaside ceremony on the beach. Their big day was very family focused; Michelle’s father walked her down the aisle, the couple’s children stood by their sides at the altar and the wedding band Michelle wore on her finger had previously belonged to Mike’s Nonna.

Afterwards, the newlyweds celebrated with a picturesque reception on Bugambilias Terrace and spent the evening dancing beneath the moonlight with their loved ones. Mike and Michelle both considered this to be the perfect end to their vacation of a lifetime.

Wedding day wear

Michelle’s gown: Backless lace and tulle column gown from Essense of Australia

Michelle’s shoes: Michelle went barefoot for her beach wedding

Michelle’s accessories: Simple and elegant accessories including a sparkly comb, hoop earrings, a silver bangle and other bracelets.

Mike’s attire: White linen short sleeve button up shirt with beige shorts

Mike’s accessories: His favorite shark tooth necklace

Wedding bands: Michelle wore a wedding band that once belonged to Mike’s Nonna and Mike wore his father’s wedding band

The bridesmaids wore: Dusty pink dresses

The groomsmen wore: The same outfit as the groom with different boutonnieres

Small details

Colour scheme: Neutral palette with beige, white and dusty pink tones

Wedding style: Intimate and elegant

Flowers: Yellow roses rovided by the resort

Photographer: Cecelia Dumas Photography

Hair: Sunrise Spa at the Moon Palace

First dance: Speechless by Dan & Shay

Favours: The couple put packages together for their guests which included all the information they’d need for their week away (maps, itineraries, wedding details, etc.) along with luggage tags and glass bottles to collect sand.

Invitations: Email invitations created by Wedding Vacations

Old: Michelle’s wedding band

New: Michelle’s wedding dress

Borrowed: Michelle borrowed a silver bracelet inscribed with Mike’s birthdate which belongs to his mom

Blue: A handcrafted seashell ring made by the couple’s daughter, Camryn