Rebecca and Michael tied the knot on November 19, 2023 at Perona Farms.

Their love story began in April 2016 at our boxing gym.

“I’d seen him around but hadn’t yet spoken to him,” says Rebecca. “When I went to watch him fight one evening, something just clicked, even though we’d never exchanged a single word.”

The very next day, Mike reached out, asking if he could take Rebecca out for ice cream.

“I gave him my address, and we both discovered, with a touch of amazement, that we lived just two blocks apart, albeit in neighboring towns,” says Rebecca.

They met up that day, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. What started as a simple invitation turned into the beginning of an unforgettable journey, one filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.

The Proposal

As their fifth anniversary was approaching, Mike made dinner reservations for them, which seemed perfectly ordinary.

Meanwhile, Rebecca’s friend Sam, a photographer, reached out, saying her couple for a portfolio shoot had canceled and asked if Mike and Rebecca could step in on Sunday instead.

“I was hesitant at first because Mike isn’t a fan of photos, plus we had our anniversary plans, but he eventually agreed with a bit of reluctance,” says Rebecca.

They arrived at Ringwood Botanical Garden for the shoot, and Rebecca noticed that Mike kept checking his phone and excusing himself to “use the bathroom,” which was unusual for him.

“I was getting a bit frustrated, thinking he was being rude, so I kept apologizing to Sam for the interruptions,” says Rebecca. “Then, during the final pose, Sam asked him to hug me from behind, but when I turned around, there he was — down on one knee, asking me to marry him! I was completely shocked and, of course, said yes!”

In that whirlwind of excitement, a small thought crossed Rebecca’s mind: she wished their families were there to share this incredible moment.

“Just as I was thinking it, we turned a corner — and there they were, our families, waiting for us with our dog, Loki, by their side,” says Rebecca. “Mike had planned every detail with Sam to ensure I’d be completely surprised, and he absolutely pulled it off. And yes, we still made it to our dinner reservation! He truly outdid himself.”

[RELATED: Looking for a photographer? Start your search here!]

Details of the Day

“Our wedding day was a reflection of everything we cherish most in life — the warmth of family and friends, the beauty of fall, and the joy of celebrating together in a cozy, vibrant atmosphere,” says Rebecca.

The couples lives active, outdoorsy lifestyles, and they wanted the day to feel both intimate and alive, infused with the colors of burnt orange, rich greenery, and touches of black for a contemporary feel.

The bridesmaids wore a warm, burnt orange, perfectly complementing the autumn backdrop.

“With family and friends at the heart of our lives, we included as many loved ones as possible in the celebration,” says Rebecca. “Our two dogs, of course, had a special role, walking down the aisle, and our two friends brought some laughter and charm as ‘beer boys,’ passing out beers and tossing rose petals in a playful moment before my friend sang a breathtaking rendition of ‘Speechless’ by Dan + Shay as my father escorted me down the aisle.”

The reception was a dream come true. The couple made their grand entrance with a mesmerizing belly dancer and drummer, setting the stage for a night filled with dance and celebration.

For guests who preferred something different, they offered a range of options: a photo booth, a 360-camera experience, and an outdoor cigar lounge for a touch of sophistication.

Their buffet-style dinner gave everyone the flexibility to eat, dance, and mingle at their own pace, creating an atmosphere of freedom and festivity that felt just right.

“It was truly the perfect day, one that felt as warm, dynamic, and full of love as we had dreamed,” says Rebecca.

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Choosing the Venue

“Perona Farms at the Refinery has the perfect balance of rustic farm feel with a contemporary flair and of course the food was the best food we ever had from any venue,” says Rebecca.

Favorite Moment 

Rebecca’s favorite moment was slow dancing with her husband and all their loved ones to “One Less Lonely Girl” by Justin Bieber. “Yes, forever a Belieber at heart,” she says.

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without

“One detail I couldn’t live without was making sure we had a memorial table by the ceremony room which highlighted our grandparents and my husband’s late brother, who had the best seats in the house, in heaven,” says Rebecca.

Advice For Other Couples 

“Don’t forget to enjoy the moment with your partner,” says the bride. “Check in on each other, and close your eyes and take mental screenshots of random moments. It’s huge that you try your best to stay in the present moment as much as possible because the day flies by!”

[RELATED: Planning your honeymoon? Check out our travel guides here.]

Honeymoon

They did a small mini-moon to Sedona, Arizona and are saving up for a huge trip to Europe in 2025.

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