A dream is a wish your heart makes and for Danielle & Michael their dream of a fairytale wedding undoubtedly came true!
Danielle isn’t your typical bride so naturally her wedding was anything but typical. In every aspect of her wedding, Danielle wanted to incorporate a vintage romance fairytale touch!
They knew they wanted to get married in the very place Michael had proposed, The Biltmore Estate. Next up, Danielle made a bold choice that not many brides would make, she ordered her wedding dress in PINK without ever seeing it in person. She’s a lover of all things Disney so incorporating that into her day simply came natural. She, along with her bridal party all got ready while watching Frozen for what may have been the zillionth time, but who’s counting! Keeping with the magical theme, for their first dance, Danielle & Michael chose “Kiss the Girl” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid…it was Danielle’s wedding day and Disney had to be played!
Needless to say, this princess has definitely found her prince charming!
Read on for more of their incredible fairytale love story of a wedding day.
Photography by Holly Cromer
How Did You Two Meet?
Michael and I met in D2, a dining hall at Virginia Tech, over a Summer Session of classes. Being the only dining hall open we fumbled and noticed each other over the whole milk station! No one else was ever there, clearly for conscientious health reasons. But I, a milk lover with my cereal, and he, a football player bulking up for season united there!
What Was Your Favorite Moment of the Day?
My favorite moment of the day was my first look with Michael. You know you spend every day together, seeing each other, laughing, eating or whatever. It felt off that on the biggest day of your relationship you stay away from each other. To me that sounded like a mess of anxiety waiting to happen for no reason, so we had our first look! I loved doing this because at this time our string trio was rehearsing for our wedding. It had just stopped raining, and it was such a relief to finally get to spend time with the man who I was marrying! Asking Michael his favorite moment, he definitely agrees. The anticipation of this “pink” dress had his imagination winding!
How Did He Propose?
Michael proposed by taking me to the Biltmore Estates. I had always wanted to go because it had such a grand feel in pictures and literally took my breath away. On the day of our visit, we walked around in the gardens and then up to the Diana statue where he got on one knee and proposed with the beautiful Biltmore mansion in the background!
Tell Us About Your Bridal Style
I actually won my wedding gown! Say what! Celebration Bridal of Lynchburg, VA was hosting a win your gown competition (they are also currently hosting this). The goal was to reach the most likes by the end date of the competition, and we did so! I was granted 2,000 towards a gown, as well as $250 in accessories of my choosing. I couldn’t have been more thankful. I chose the Maggie Sottero Divina in blush. Fun fact, I hadn’t even seen it in blush but I had a gut feeling and went for it. We literally left the salon paying nothing. I couldn’t believe it. I’m so thankful to Celebration for allowing me to compete, and for even giving away an opportunity like that!
What Was Your Vision for Your Wedding Day?
My vision for my wedding day was inspired by vintage themes, romance, and a magical feel.
What Was Your Favorite Part of the Planning Process?
My favorite part of the planning process is that I can proudly say this wedding was imagined, dreamed, and created by me! I spent relentless hours back and forth trying to put my ideas together. The result was well worth it.
Do You Have Any Advice for Other Couples Planning Their Day?
If you want to go big or go home, then do it! Do you what YOU want to do. There are so many people that can have an opinion on your wedding day and what it all really boils down to is how you and your future husband enjoy it all! What makes you comfortable?
Looking Back, What Was The Best Decision You Made During the Planning Process?
The best decision I made when planning my wedding day was choosing my venue. Without the Biltmore and the Champagne Cellar, my vision would not have been given the justice it deserved! I had always dreamt about the Biltmore, and luckily that was made possible for Michael and I on our special day.
Where Did You Honeymoon?
We honeymooned in Disney for 7 days at a New Orleans themed romantic resort on site. Then we shifted to an Italy themed “Portifino Bay” at Universal for 3 days. Disney really makes your trip special when celebrating, and we’re also in love with Harry Potter so yes, all of this was indeed thrilling and magical!
Vendor Team
Venue, Catering & Cake – The Biltmore Estate // Wedding Planner – Two Sweet Sparrows // Florals – Flower Gallery // Hair – Amanda Price // Makeup – Blush Asheville // Dress – Maggie Sottero // Dress Shop – Celebration Bridal // Shoes – Betsey Johnson // Grooms Attire – Black by Vera Wang // Ceremony Music – Ron Clearfield //
pink shade is lovely complementing the flowers!