Melina and Nowell's love story began when they met as teenagers through their families' connections. Their relationship grew over the years, and they became inseparable after a hangout in a mall parking lot during the pandemic. Nowell proposed in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, with a romantic picnic set up by their parents. Their wedding had a Gatsby-inspired vibe with lots of gold and took place at Rowena's Inn in Harrison Mills, chosen for its scenic views and charming decor. Melina's wedding gown was simple and elegant with a square neckline, buttons down the back train, and thick straps. Her favorite moment of the wedding day was their first look, a private and special moment where they exchanged vows before the ceremony.

Melina wore Jana by Jenny Yoo Bridal

 

Read on for more details about her wedding!

 

  • Nowell and I met when we were about 14/15 years old. I danced with his younger sister and our families knew each other as our moms were great friends. In 2015 our families ended up in Hawaii at the same time. During this trip my family had planned an excursion for us to go swimming with the sharks. There was one open spot and out of Nowell's whole family he was the only one who wanted to join us, so he did. At this point there were no feelings between us...we were just acquaintances. Fast forward a couple years later to 2020, the year of the pandemic, we had a mutual friend who asked us both to join her in a parking lot hangout. This was the safest way at the time to hangout and see friends. Ever since that first hangout at a mall parking lot we have been inseparable.

  • Nowell and I were on a trip in Paris with his parents and my mom. We spent the morning just the two of us at a coffee shop then walked around until we ended up in front of the Eiffel Tower. There was a picnic with flowers, chocolates, and French treats set up for us (courtesy of our parents). Nowell got down on one knee and it was the most special moment.

  • I loved the Gatsby vibe, fancy with lots of gold.

  • I got married at Rowena's Inn in Harrision Mills. The reason I picked this venue was because of the views for both ceremony and reception as well as the quaint look of the building/decor.

  • When choosing my wedding gown I knew exactly what I wanted and I got it. I loved the simple look of no lace, square neckline, buttons down the back train, and thick straps.

  • My favourite part of our wedding day was when Nowell and I did our first look. This was so special because Nowell had no idea what my dress looked like and this is where we did private vows. It is so stressful saying vows in front of the crowd during the ceremony, so it was special to have this moment where it was just Nowell and I committing ourselves to each other.

  • Try not to stress about the little details and remember to enjoy this one special day. The memories you will have from your wedding will last you a lifetime so be present and don't stress about others the day of... it is about you and your significant other!

  • We absolutely LOVED our photographer and videographer (@matt.and.morgan). Such a sweet couple and were very accommodating.

    Our florist Emily from @etherealfloralfarm made the most beautiful flower structure going up the tree during our ceremony. You have an idea and she will make it happen.

    Bria from @beebop_sweetshop baked us the best gluten-free cake (you couldn't even tell it was gluten free). The flowers she hand drew on top of the cake were amazing.