Matthew and Bianca began dating in August of 2006 and they took their first trip together in February of 2007. They went to Naples, Florida and stayed at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. During their trip, Matthew took Bianca to one of his favorite places….the Marco Island Marriott for drinks at Quinn’s on the Beach. Bianca immediately LOVED the place and they had a fabulous time there. It was so wonderful, the couple decided to spend their next few New Year’s Eve trips at the Marco Island Marriott. Each year they would look forward to their next stay there. As usual, the couple returned to the Marriott in December of 2010. Months in advance, Matthew began planning the proposal of a lifetime. He arranged a romantic sailing excursion and planned to surprise Bianca by popping the question via a sand sculpture on the beach reading, “Bianca, will you marry me, Matthew”. The couple returned to the hotel after their sailing excursion and were driven onto the beach towards the sculpture. The couple walked out of the van and walked up to the sculpture of hands holding an open ring box with a ring inside. Bianca’s mouth dropped open as soon as she saw the message carved in the middle and saw Matthew down on one knee.
It was such a spectacular engagement the couple made the front page of the Marco Eagle newspaper!! The proposal set the romantic atmosphere for their wedding. The couple lives in Chicago and planned a beautiful destination wedding in Marco Island, Florida. They shared their special day with close family and friends exchanging vows at San Marco Catholic church. After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed a cocktail hour on the beach followed by a lavish dinner on the terrace under the stars. Then it was party time as the bride and groom danced the night away with their guests!
Wedding Planner: Carrie Darling (Carrie Darling Events)
Wedding Coordinator: Theresa Strong (Marco Island Marriott)
Wedding Dress: Marisa
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Make-up: Karen Brandt (friend)
Hair: Jessica (South Beach Hair)
Rings: Daniel Lam
Floral: Ava’s Flowers
Videographer: Irberseder Productions
Groomsmen Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Cake: Marco Marriott
Groom’s Cake: Kakes by Karen
DJ: Dominick Buonantuono (Mobile Sound Entertainment)
Steel Pan Drums: Mello Vibes Entertainment
Officiant: Father Gordon Zanetti