Photo credit: Meshali Mitchell Photography
For many of us, a conceived thought remains just that - an idea with little to no action following. This is not the case for one Prince Charming who resolved in his heart to give the love of his life the surprise of her lifetime… enter Ryan + Amanda.
“I overheard Amanda say it was her dream to get engaged and married on the same day,” recalls Ryan. This was almost two years ago when the groom heard his lady express this to a friend. Ryan got inspired. When he found Amanda’s Pinterest page, he struck the personalized “wedspiration” jackpot! Amanda had her “Dream Wedding Day” all pinned up!
It wasn’t a smooth road from conception to the big day, but then again, why would it be called the “big” day if it didn’t require overcoming some challenges? Over the next year-and-a-half, Ryan (hereafter known as “Amanda’s Casanova” *smile*) Leak took the lead on planning the surprise proposal and wedding of her dreams, invited all their loved ones to Miami for the destination wedding, and 3) hired the blushing bride’s favorite vendors. As if keeping everything a secret from Amanda wasn’t tough enough, other challenges arose.
On the eve of the surprise wedding, Amanda’s flight was canceled with no other flight in view. (Pause to gasp). Hers was the only one canceled out of the dozens that guests would be traveling en route to Miami from various departure locales across the nation. Plans were hatched and re-hatched literally up to the day of the wedding, but marrying his love Amanda via the surprise wedding of her dreams was the only possible outcome for Ryan. The promise of wedded life with his lady was so clear, so close that any challenge was overrun by his faith, resilience, resourcefulness, and devoted cohorts.
The documentary of the journey to Ryan and Amanda’s big day was absolutely beautiful. You’ve gotta watch to see the tears, Amanda’s glow, and the exuberation! Ryan’s relief that the day - exactly five years after their first date - had finally arrived! Amanda’s tears of elation and the beautiful warm, extended embrace the couple shared indelibly imprinted the moment in the hearts of all honored to witness. If this epic tale teaches us anything, it’s that true love is worth the journey.
**In lieu of gifts, the couple invited guests to support ending worldwide sex trafficking via The A21 Campaign. We encourage you to visit, get educated, and support.
Until next time... Happy dreaming + happy planning!