Movies and Marriage at University of Wisconsin | Michelle + Dan

Close friends in high school, Michelle and Dan didn’t begin dating until their freshman year of college at University of Wisconsin. Over nine years later, they tied the knot! How to capture so much history and such a happy future? With film, of course! Michelle and Dan exchanged vows on the UW campus in exactly the same movie theater in which Dan worked as a projectionist.   Now an editor and videographer, Dan also created a trailer introducing their wedding party! As Michelle explained, “About a month before the wedding, we sent our party members questions about us. Dan then edited the answers into a 5-minute film. Some questions were: What is one word you would use to describe Michelle? Who wears the pants in the relationship?”  Is that not the best idea ever?

Their first dance had something to do with the movies, too. Set to “La Vie En Rose” by Louis Armstrong, it’s not only a song from one of their favorite movies (Wall-E) but they both played the trumpet, making that beautiful song a perfect and personal choice.

More details from our lovely bride (who looked a dream in her custom Lea-Ann Belter gown):

 

 

How did you guys meet?

 

“Dan and I started dating our freshman year of college but were close friends through high school. I was nervous about pursuing the relationship with such a good friend, but it was totally worth it. We dated for 9+ years before getting married in May.”

wedding dress: customized Lea-Ann Belter Sabrina gown via Town & Country Bridal | photographer: Photography by Raisa | scroll down for full vendor list

How did Dan propose?

 

“Dan and I are from Wisconsin but currently live in St. Louis. Without close friends or family around, he still wanted to make the moment special. My favorite takeout restaurant in St. Louis is always trying new recipes and changing their menu, so we usually get something extra to try. The night he proposed, Dan slipped the ring box in the takeout bag. As I was taking the items out, he asked, “What’s the special item in the bag this time?” It was the ring! It was a special moment, and then we enjoyed the yummy food right after.”

 

Tell us about your day!

 

“Dan is an editor and videographer and worked as a projectionist in college. We actually had our wedding ceremony in the movie theater he projected at. The theater and our reception hall were in the same building—one of the unions on campus at University of Wisconsin – Madison. Before our recessional, we played a “trailer” that introduced our wedding party. About a month before the wedding, we sent our party members questions about us. Dan then edited the answers into a 5-minute film. Some questions were: What is one word you would use to describe Michelle? Who wears the pants in the relationship? Instead of a cake, we did an ice-cream sandwich bar with ice cream and cookies. “

 

Describe your wedding day in 5 words or less.

 

“Best day at the movies.”

 

What was the funniest moment of your day?

 

“Dan’s siblings sang a song to the melody of “Friend Like Me” from Aladdin during their toast. They adapted it to be about Dan and titled it “Friend Like Dan.””

 

Three words to best describe your partner:

 

“Calm, creative, caring.”

wedding dress: customized Lea-Ann Belter Sabrina gown via Town & Country Bridal | photographer: Photography by Raisa | ceremony: Marquee Cinema in Union South | reception: Varsity Hall in Union South | florals: Daffodil Parker| hair stylist: Rae Lynn Lane| makeup artist: Kelly Kamuchey | bridesmaid dresses: Stylish Shop | menswear: The Black Tux | stationery:  Minted | rentals: A La Crate | DJ:  Soundsational DJ

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email Jessica@Lea-AnnBelter.com.