REAL BRIDE: Michelle

Michelle + Clay

10.16.20

Michelle and Clay live on the land Clay proposed on, Michelle moved halfway across the country to be with Clay and their wedding day was a perfect blend of both of their styles. Everything about these two is intentional so when Covid-19 swept through the Nation and spoiled their original plans, Michelle and Clay grabbed life by the horns and opted for a smaller, more intimate wedding day a few months later.

During Michelle’s bridal appointment with us, she explained that the theme for their wedding day would be “southern with dark oak accents” and I’m confident she delivered just that. An intentional day full of love and meaning and all the style in the world.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn!

What made you decide to get married on October 16th?

“We were actually supposed to get married on May 2nd, 2020, but COVID-19 didn't allow for that so we opted for a much smaller and intimate wedding on October 16th, 2020. It was a beautiful fall day.”

What advice would you give to other brides in regards to dress shopping?

“Be easy on yourself. Just like dating, not everyone will be the right fit. Once you find the right one, you will know. It just hits you and everything seems to make sense.”

How did the two of you meet?

“We met in college our Junior year at University of Missouri. We started dated Senior year, but I was young and career driven, so I moved to San Francisco where we proceeded to do on and off for seven years. There was a reason we always kept coming back to each other - we knew this was the real deal. I finally decided to move back to Missouri to be with Clay in Rocheport, Missouri, where he runs and operates his cattle company.”

Tell us about the proposal!

“Clay proposed on a piece of land that we loved (the view is amazing!) and we have since moved on that property (talk about ironic and meant to be!). He then surprised me at Hotel Fredrick in Booneville where our family was waiting for us to celebrate the big day.”

What was one of your favorite moments from your wedding day?

“The fact that we were forced to have a smaller wedding was a blessing in disguise, because we got to spend the most special day with our favorite people in the whole world under one roof. That is worth everything to us.”

How did you know your gown was the one?

“The vision that I had always imagined all of a sudden came to life when I put on my dress. It felt right.”

Did you have a specific theme in mind while planning?

“I love fall colors, but didn't want to do the traditional one color look which is why I chose to have the bridesmaids in different colors that have a complimentary blend. “