I knew I had to make her mine on the drive home from our fourth date,” Phil remembers. “I love every moment I spend with her. She supports me in ways I never knew possible. I couldn’t imagine a moment without her in my life and by my side.
Who: Monica Huett, web developer for Operation Smile, and Philip Malmgren, work leader marine electrician at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. When: Dec. 13, 2014. Where: Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, Norfolk. Guest List: Approximately 150 guests attended the celebration, mostly traveling from East Coast states, some from Michigan and a few from England. Where They Met: The two were set up on a blind date by mutual friends. The Engagement: An avid Christmas lover, Monica started a tradition with Phil to gather their families each year to attend Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. “With a group of 20, everyone wanted to do different things,” Monica recalls. But her sister, Kaitlyn (the only person in the group aware of Phil’s plans), insisted that everyone have their pictures taken in front of the big Christmas tree first. Once it was Monica and Phil’s turn to have their photo taken, Phil took her hands and told her how much he loved her and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Then he got down on one knee, revealed the most stunning ring and asked “the four words every woman dies to hear,” Monica says. She excitedly said yes. “In those moments I forgot we were surrounded by a crowd until the shouts and applause began,” she says. Wedding Wishes: Monica says the main factor in setting the theme for their wedding was the date: 12-13-14. And since the date was in December, it seemed natural to plan a winter wonderland. “I had visions of white and snow and sparkle and sophistication,” Monica says. What’s Next: Monica and Phil are excited to welcome a little baby boy—Gunnar Lucas Malmgren— into their family this fall.
Décor: Distinct Event Rentals provided the silver tablecloths on guests’ tables and clear chairs for the ceremony and reception. Fluttering Flowers, Chesapeake designed the centerpieces—half with tall branches and drizzling crystals and half with smaller poufs of white flowers. Each table was adorned with glitter-covered votives and faux snow. Snowflakes: Each guest took home a white porcelain snowflake as their favor. “They were the perfect blend of our theme and my love for Christmas, as they’re also ornaments,” Monica says.
With Rings on Her Fingers and Shimmer on Her Toes: For Monica’s engagement ring, Phil chose a 2-carat cushion center diamond, with 1 carat of smaller diamonds between a split shank and halo from Jared, The Galleria of Jewelry. “I knew it was the perfect ring to say, ‘I love you and I want to spend my life with you,’” Phil says. Monica found her Swarovski crystal-covered sparkly ballet flats on Etsy and asked her bridesmaids to also pick a pair in whichever color they wanted. “It was a unique way to allow each of my girls’ personalities to shine,” she says.
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