Engagements and proposal stories are a cherished memory for a couple. People are always finding new and creative ways to showcase their love. From sky writing or choreographing an entire dance mob performance, telling someone that you want to spend your life with them is a once in a lifetime moment. Within the last couple years over the top proposals have become a growing trend. But whether you are with 100 of your pals, 3,000 strangers, or only your family members, that moment of declaration is meaningful and special to you.
In early December, Matt Brunnette, owner of Mill City Fineries and member of the Forever Bride Association, proposed to girlfriend of two and a half years on the beautiful frozen Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, Minnesota. And although his plan of a show stopping sunrise was muted by clouds, the mixture of beautiful scenery, Minneapolis skyline, and the peaceful snowscape made this intimate engagement a magical affair.
Matt and Leigh-Anne met in New Jersey on a work trip November of 2011. At the time Leigh-Anne was living in Chicago and Matt in Minneapolis. Despite co-workers encouraging a courtship the two wondered how it could work with 500 miles between them. Fate stepped in and the two spent the next 14 months being assigned on and off to the same work projects. They were able to work and travel together and from that they began to build their relationship. Their love and ability to travel often took them anywhere from the warm and sunny beaches of Key West, to the majestic and mossy forests of Seattle and even a few places abroad. Thus far, a trip to Berlin and Munich for Oktoberfest has been their favorite adventure. “I got the full lederhosen outfit and she got a dirndl and it was incredible.”
Matt and Leigh-Anne’s relationship was a unique one. Any relationship that begins with long distance is always a bit more difficult. “It was especially important for us to develop great traditions…as we lived in different cities for the first year and a half of our relationship.” That is how the tradition of Lake Calhoun began. In their first winter together the two of them would wake up early, visit Rustica Bakery for a pastry and coffee treat, then head to Lake Calhoun to watch the sunrise. Born was the idea of how Brunnette was going to propose. Eight of their close friends were in on the proposal and waiting in the tree line to congratulate and capture the memories as they unfolded.
So whether you wish to show the love of your life how you feel through an intimate song written just for them, or a jumbo screen with hundreds watching you take a knee, the important part is that the story is told and that the memory is made and remembered. Those are moments and stories we love to share at Forever Bride.
Matt and Leigh-Ann are planning their wedding on June 27th, 2015 at the Copper Hen in the Minneapolis area. We would like to congratulate and thank Leigh-Anne and Matt of Mill City Fineries for sharing with us your love story and the beautiful images that so perfectly captured this timeless memory! Congratulations!
