Purchasing her gown from Lovely Bride Atlanta, beautiful real bride Melanie’s gown brought her to tears when she first put it on.
‘When I put this dress on, I actually started to cry. I am so not a crier. But it is beautiful. Perfect for the beach. The 3d flowers were my favorite part of the gown’
Names: Melanie Ellis and Lawrence Powers
Wedding Date: 1.18.20
Guest Numbers: 42
Wedding Location: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Photographer: Amber Darn Photography
Tell Us Your Love Story
How did you meet? We met when were younger at a summer camp. We reconnected many years later. We both lost our spouses at a young age and a mutual friend helped to get us together.
How did he put a ring on it? Funny story! He had an elaborate proposal set up on Christmas. To get me out of the house, he took my son, John Marshall and I to a movie. A friend had snuck over to my house to set it up. However, John Marshall, who was 10, got a migraine in the movie. We had to leave and drove home in silence. When we pulled up to the house, Larry tried to stop me before going in. I however, knowing my son’s migraines, pushed past to get him inside. My son went rushing into the bathroom to be sick. I went in the door and saw the ring. I couldn’t stop, I just turned to Larry and mouthed “I’m sorry,” and went running after John Marshall. After I got my son to bed, I came downstairs and said “Are you sure you still want to do this?” He laughed and said yes. I told him he had to wait for me to get John Marshall medicine and I intentionally walked as far away from the ring as possible to not get distracted. When things were finally settled, he proposed, and I honestly do not remember a thing he said. Just me saying yes!
Where did you draw inspiration from? The ocean and the colors of the resort.
What made the wedding personal to you? My son walked me down the aisle. He was so proud! And so excited to gain a stepfather. His father passed away when he was 6 months old, so to see the special relationship that has formed between Larry and him, makes me beyond happy.
What were you most nervous or excited about? All the people looking at me! But it was actually cute. Getting married on the beach, there were all these strangers in bathing suits with their drinks just being spectators. I swear, so many random people now have photos of us!
Now, the most important part – the Dress!
Tell us about your dress? There are not enough words! I looked at all the regular stores and nothing seemed to fit my personality. They would either be too sexy or too princessy. When I put this dress on, I actually started to cry. I am so not a crier. But it is beautiful. Perfect for the beach. The 3d flowers were my favorite part.
What stockist did you get it from? Lovely Bride in Atlanta
What was your most memorable moment from your day? There were so many! But definitely the first look. We did the first look on the resort up the hill at Fort Amsterdam. I hiked up the hill in heels and my dress. It was so windy, my veil flew off. It was a lot of work to get there, but so worth it. It is the perfect place for us to spend time together alone (with our photographer) before we were thrown in to the rest of the wedding activities. I think our photos reflect just how perfect that moment was to us.
Vendors to credit:
Photographer: Amber Dawn Photography // Resort/Location: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort // Wedding Planner: Artemia Events and Marry-Me Sint Maarten // Travel Agent: Destify // Priest: Archdeacon Terrance Rawlins // Make-up: Stefanie Leonora // Hair: Miguel Alexander // Suits: Studio Suits // Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale // Headband: Twigs and Honey // Shoes: Bella Belle // Earrings: BHLDN // Ties: The Tie Bar