Carrie & Matthew

HOW WE MET:  Matt and I met online. Our very first date was at Red Robin in Woodland. I lived in Sacramento and he lived in Lakeport CA. He was my last date from online. That is what I told my sisters because I wasn’t finding what I wanted. I guess I saved the best for last.

WHAT ATTRACTED HER TO HIM:  His eyes and how easy he was to talk to.

WHAT ATTRACTED HIM TO HER:  Looks and her great personality.

HERE’S OUR PROPOSAL STORY:  He had told my whole family he was going to propose on Christmas Eve. I am so surprised they all were able to keep it a secret! We had just finished opening gifts with the family. He came up behind me and got down on one knee. My sister had to tell me to turn around and that is when he proposed to me in front of my family and his three kids.

THE PRE-WEDDING STORY:  I was not allowed to see it until it was finished and decorated so Matt and I got to walk in and see our beautiful reception before everyone else.

MEMORABLE CEREMONY MOMENT:  Matt and I wanted to incorporate his three children into the wedding so we had all three kids come up and stand with us to not only unite Matt and I but to unite us all as a family.

MOST ROMANTIC MOMENT OF THE DAY:  Our first look! I was so happy we decided to do that instead of waiting for the ceremony. It gave us that special moment for just us.

THE UNEXPECTED MOMENT OF THE DAY:  Getting to carry a locket with my grandpa’s picture in it. My grandpa passed away when I was 18 so it meant a lot to have something of him with me.

MEMORABLE RECEPTION MOMENT:  Dancing with my husband for the first time and I mean the very first time ever! I think we did a decent job.

MY FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY:  Seeing my stepdaughter’s faces when they finally got to see me in my wedding dress. The dress was a surprise to them.

ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES:  Just enjoy the day! And if your groom and groomsmen want to go out the night before, let them. They all behaved wonderfully the day of the wedding since they got to get most of their drinking out of they way the night before.

ADVICE FOR OTHER GROOMS:  Just be patient and go with the flow.

OUR HONEYMOON:  We have a cruise to Alaska planned.