Meeting a significant other online today is all too common. Some skeptics try online dating realizing it may just be a waste of time.  However, when Melanie Holzband and DW Mann met for their first date after connecting on OkCupid, they realized they had so much in common and the hours flew. After that first date, the two were struck by Cupid’s arrow. Dating, the two enjoyed going to the symphony together as well as take their two dogs, Max and Maisy, to the dog park. Trying new restaurants and local breweries was another favorite pastime.

During the Fall of 2015, Melanie had an idea that a proposal was coming. That weekend, Melanie suggested that they go to Hermann Park to see the new garden on its grand opening weekend, and DW agreed. Once the couple got to the park, they then discovered that the new gardens were not opening that weekend. DW suggested they look at the Japanese gardens instead as to not waste the evening.  Walking around the garden, Melanie thought this was going to be it; this would be the romantic spot where DW would propose. Sadly, Melanie was mistaken. The two walked around the pond, behind a cluster of trees when all of a sudden DW dropped down to one knee. After the proposal and Melanie had stopped sobbing, DW revealed that their friend Daniel was in the bushes taking pictures of the proposal. Once the mini photo shoot was over, the newly engaged couple headed to Melanie’s parent’s house to tell them the good news. Upon walking in the door, Melanie was surprised to find all her family and a few friends there. DW had been planning with Melanie’s parents for a while. When the party had died down, DW suggested that they have a drink at the bar where they had their first date to celebrate. After getting their drinks at the bar and heading upstairs to sit down, Melanie was blindsided again to see all their friends there to celebrate the engagement.

A year and two weeks exactly after the proposal, Melanie and DW’s wedding day had arrived. Having a wedding on Halloween, Melanie wanted the day to be whimsical with a color palette of black and white stripes with touches of gold and blush. For a dark romantic scene, the couple decided on the drama of moody florals and pops of darker color for the Fall holiday.  The two were married at the Lake View outdoor ceremony site with 150 of their friends and family to witness the love they shared. After the service had finished the new Mr. and Mrs. Mann celebrated with their guests all night long to their happily ever after.