Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Melissa and Marcus met the way many great stories begin — through mutual friends. When Melissa first gave Marcus her phone number, she saved her contact in his phone as “Melissa – Love of Your Life.” What started as a playful joke quickly turned into something much more meaningful.Not long after meeting, they realized how similar their life paths had been. Both had experienced difficult chapters with previous relationships and understood the challenges that come with rebuilding life after heartbreak. Instead of facing those struggles alone, they found comfort, strength, and refuge in each other.Beyond their shared understanding, they also discovered they loved many of the same things: the ocean, boating, fishing, diving, traveling, exploring new places, eating great food, and most importantly — laughing together. Life with Melissa and Marcus has always been an adventure, and they’ve learned that even when things don’t go as planned, the best thing to do is laugh and make the most of it.One perfect example happened during a night fishing trip when their boat broke down, leaving them stranded on the water all night long. Instead of letting it ruin the night, they laughed, kept fishing, and turned it into one of their favorite memories.Together they have traveled to Dominica, spending days diving in the Caribbean, hunted in the mountains of Pennsylvania, and taken every opportunity possible to get out on the water fishing. Through court battles, life’s challenges, and the ups and downs that come with blending families and building a future, they have stood beside one another with unwavering support.At the heart of their story is simple truth: they are each other’s safe place, adventure partner, and biggest supporter.And Melissa was right from the very beginning — she really was the love of his life, but she never expected that he would turn out to be the love of her life as well.

Our Story...

How He Proposed...

Marcus knew the proposal had to reflect the life they love together. Instead of presenting a ring right away, Marcus handed Melissa a small ring box. When she opened it, inside was a fishing lure. With a smile, he asked her if she would be his fishing buddy for the rest of his life. Of course, Melissa said yes. That’s when Marcus revealed the real surprise — a breathtaking four-carat diamond ring, which he slipped onto her finger. For two people whose happiest moments are spent on the water together, it was the perfect way to begin their next chapter.

Our Story

M&M 

She is my mother’s sister, but she has always been so much more than that in my life. While she hasn’t been a constant presence in every season, every time we reconnect, it feels as though no time has passed. Since I was a teenager, she has been someone I could turn to, someone who has seen my spiritual journey, my shortfalls, my failures, and my triumphs, and who has always met me with love and grace.

Aunt Bren Bren is a woman of great faith who has dedicated her life to leading others toward God and salvation. Her strength and wisdom have been a lasting inspiration to me.

Having her stand with us on this day is not only meaningful, it is a true blessing.

Brenda 

My mom is a fiery woman with a big heart and an even bigger love for her family. She is kind, loyal, loving, and incredibly generous, always putting the people she cares about first. She has a passion for life, for her family, and for the things she believes in, and that passion has shaped so much of who I am today. From her, I learned what true love really means—showing up, standing by the people you love, and giving your whole heart without hesitation. Having her beside me is one of the greatest blessings of this day.

Frances

Gabby is my daughter, but she is also one of the greatest blessings and proudest joys of my life. From the moment she came into this world, there has always been something quietly strong about her—a steady resilience, a thoughtful heart, and a kindness that runs deep. Watching her grow into the young woman she is today has been one of the greatest honors of my life.



She has a way of moving through life with authenticity and heart. She cares deeply, thinks deeply, and continues forward even when things are difficult. There is a quiet courage in her that inspires me more than she probably realizes. I see the strength in her, the resilience in her spirit, and the goodness in her heart every single day.



Having Gabby escort me down the aisle is one of the most meaningful parts of this day for me. She has been part of every chapter of my life that truly matters, and walking beside her as I begin this new one feels perfectly right. More than anything, I want her to always know that she is deeply loved, endlessly believed in, and forever one of the greatest gifts my life has ever known.

Gabrielle

Hannah is one of the brightest and most unique lights in my life. She has a spirit that is completely her own—creative, funny, thoughtful, and full of personality. She sees the world in a way that is beautifully different, and that perspective brings so much color, laughter, and imagination into our lives. Whether she’s creating something, sharing one of her wonderfully honest observations, or making us all laugh with her humor, she has a way of making every day more joyful.



Our relationship is something I treasure deeply. Hannah and I share a special bond where we can talk, laugh, and be completely ourselves with each other. She reminds me to slow down, to see the little things, and to appreciate the beauty in being exactly who you are. Her creativity, sensitivity, and big heart make her such a special person, and I feel incredibly lucky to be her mom.



What I admire most about Hannah is how deeply she feels and how fiercely she loves the people around her. She brings warmth, humor, and so much life into our family. Watching her grow, discover her strengths, and continue becoming the amazing person she already is fills me with pride and gratitude. Hannah is not just my daughter—she is a beautiful soul who has made my life richer, brighter, and more full of love every single day.



Hannah

Caterina is not just my Maid of Honor—she is my soul sister. She understands me in a way that goes beyond words, the kind of understanding that makes you feel completely seen and accepted. With her, I never have to pretend or explain myself. I can be fully, unapologetically me, and she meets me there with honesty, warmth, and zero judgment. Our friendship is the kind where we can talk about anything, say the truth without fear, and still laugh until our stomachs hurt—often thanks to her amazing accent that never fails to make me smile.



She is married to my cousin Travis, who I love dearly, and together they are such a beautiful part of my family. But what makes Caterina truly extraordinary is the depth of who she is. She is breathtakingly beautiful, incredibly smart, and genuinely kind—but beneath that is a fierce strength. She is a devoted and protective mother, a loving and loyal wife, and someone who is incredibly street-smart about life, love, and relationships. She sees the world clearly and navigates it with strength, honesty, and heart.



Caterina is the kind of friend people hope to find once in a lifetime—loyal, honest, protective, and deeply loving. I am endlessly grateful for her friendship and her presence in my life. I truly cannot imagine my world without her in it. Having her standing beside me on this day means more to me than words could ever fully express.

Caterina

Maria is one of those rare people whose kindness feels effortless and genuine. From the moment she became part of our family, she fit right in with warmth, sincerity, and a heart that truly cares for everyone around her. She has a natural beauty that matches her spirit, and her sense of humor always brings lightness and joy to any room. What I admire most is the grace and elegance with which she navigates life—especially when handling my cousin’s cheeky personality—with patience, class, and a smile. Having Maria stand beside me as a bridesmaid means so much, because she embodies the kind of love, loyalty, and warmth that makes life and family so special.

Maria

Sam Aven has been my lifetime best friend — through all the good times, all the bad, the moments we probably should’ve been arrested, and the times we literally saved lives together. We’ve been race-team partners deep into Baja, spent endless hours on bikes and motorcycles, and chased more sunrises than I can count. Competitive as hell, Sam was always in my corner for every wrestling match and MMA fight — unwavering in his support, steady, honest, and always believing in me. Fiercely loyal, endlessly funny, and rock-solid when it matters, there’s no one I’d rather have standing beside me today.

Sarah Hayes has been my steady compass — sister, confidante, and fiercest champion. From playing G.I. Joe and Barbie as kids to being roommates as adults, she’s brought wisdom, warmth, and relentless honesty, never letting me get away with anything and always holding me to higher standards. A moral compass who didn’t hesitate to call me out for bad choices, Sarah has also shown genuine care and judgment about the people in my life — and she’s been full‑heartedly supportive of my choice in Melissa. Our dogs were best friends, and so are we — I’m honored to have her as groomswoman today.

Sarah

Melissa’s favorite cousin and one of my groomsmen. Our friendship runs on razor‑sharp sarcasm and nonstop banter, but when it counts Zack is all business: honest, dependable, and fiercely loyal. I’m especially grateful he took the time to get to know me, even after Melissa said he didn’t need to. He’ll roast you one minute and have your back the next — I’m proud to have him standing with us today.

Zack

Melissa’s second‑favorite cousin and one of my groomsmen. Easygoing and dependable, Travis has been a huge supporter of our relationship, offering strong encouragement and steadied support every step of the way. He keeps things light but shows up fully when it matters — I’m grateful to have him standing with us today. 

Travis

Wedding Party

Surrounded by towering palms, sandy beaches, and breathtaking views of the sun setting into Florida Bay. The resort is gated and private to our group only.&nbsp;Each villa is equipped with a fully stocked chef’s kitchen, full size washer and dryer, flat screen tv’s in every bedroom and living areas. Every bedroom has a private bathroom&nbsp;stocked with all essential toiletries. For added guest privacy and&nbsp;convivence all&nbsp;ground floor rooms&nbsp;have&nbsp;a private entrance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Along with the&nbsp;elegant coastal inspired villas, you also will have&nbsp;two swimming pools and&nbsp;your own private marina that can hold up to&nbsp;five&nbsp;boats, with&nbsp;a private launch ramp, right on the property.&nbsp;Often the marina&nbsp;is a stopping place for local manatees!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Resort Amenities:•&nbsp;Private Sunning Beach•&nbsp;Beach Chairs•&nbsp;Beach Towels•&nbsp;Freshwater Pool&nbsp;(2)•&nbsp;2 Open-Air Tiki Umbrellas•&nbsp;Propane Grills•&nbsp;Corn Hole•&nbsp;Beach Pickleball•&nbsp;Bicycles•&nbsp;Kayaks•&nbsp;Paddleboards•&nbsp;Snorkel Gear•&nbsp;Daily Housekeeping•&nbsp;In-room Coffee•&nbsp;Wi-Fi•&nbsp;Self-Parking•&nbsp;On-site Boat Trailer Parking•&nbsp;Complimentary Dolphin Spectating at Dolphins Plus•&nbsp;20% Discount on All Dolphin Encounters at Dolphins Plus

Dolphin Point Villas

Upscale resort attire suitable for outdoor festivities in warm weather. Examples: light-colored linen shirts and trousers, lightweight summer dresses, dressy sandals or shoes suitable for sand, and sunglasses. Please avoid heavy fabrics, dark suits, formal black-tie attire, and Hawaiian shirts.

Melissa & Marcus

Melissa & Marcus

M&M

Wedding Day