Ali & Derek
Our beautiful real bride Ali married her forever love, Derek, wearing our Wendall wedding dress for their romantic and deeply meaningful Utah ceremony.
Read further to see photos from their wedding day, and hear more of their Love Story!
Tell us your proposal story.
Ali and Derek’s romance began in college, beginning as just friends, though it wasn’t long before they couldn’t deny what was between the. They met at the beginning of their adult lives and grew together from that point forward. The type of romance every little girl dreams of finding, and the proposal was no less romantic.
“Derek and I met at the end of our freshman year of college when mutual friends set us up for my sorority formal. We became friends over the next several months through lunch dates on campus, nights out with friends, and texting a little more than strictly necessary for two people who were just friends. We eventually made things official during our sophomore year, in November 2016. After the years of college, grad school, and moving across the country together, Derek proposed in April 2023 while on vacation to Lake Como, Italy! I said yes on a little boat in the middle of the lake with Bellagio in the background — as a girl raised in Minnesota, proposing on one of the world’s most beautiful lake’s was a pretty spectacular moment for us.“
The perfect place, the perfect moment, the perfect person.
Which Madi Lane gown did you fall in love with, and why?
Ali found her dream dress at A&Bé Bridal Minneapolis, where she found our Wendall wedding dress waiting for her.
“I found Wendall at a&be bridal shop in Minneapolis. I absolutely LOVED the embroidery – it was such a beautiful detail that didn’t overpower the overall sleek and classic design of the gown. The shape is perfect, classic and incredibly flattering. And I loved the color – the brilliant, bright white was gorgeous and made me feel shiny and beautiful and so very bridal. I was with my Mom and my sister, and I was not planning on buying a wedding gown as I live in New York and was only visiting for a weekend. We thought we would get a sense for styles I liked and do our “real” shopping in New York. I tried Wendall on and just felt like I transformed into this beautiful and bridal version of myself. What really sold it though was my sister’s reaction; I’m the emotional sister, she’s much more level-headed and collected than I am, but when I walked out of the dressing room in Wendall she started crying! Nothing else we tried on that day compared. Wendall became a celebrity in my life. I talked about the dress as if it was a treasured guest at my wedding, I documented it’s journey from Minnesota to New York to Utah, and I don’t think there was a single guest didn’t know the name of the dress or how much I loved it!”
Where did you get married? Tell us about the location, and style of your wedding.
The couple chose a venue special to them, and in the heart of the country between their two families to spend their special day with as many of their loved ones as possible. Surrounded by the grandeur of Utah’s mountains and natural beauty.
“We got married at Snowbird Ski Resort, outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. While we live in New York, our families live all over the country and so we picked a place that was special for us — We both loves to ski, and Snowbird is our favorite ski resort. We got married at the lodge right at the base of the mountain, which was absolutely spectacular. The mountain rising up behind us in the background was gorgeous and the rain from the day cleared up right before the ceremony which made for such a crisp and bright evening. We really tried to draw on the natural beauty of our surroundings and kept our own design elements simple and classic, focusing on white and a hint of blue accents to compliment the deep green of the mountain and the trees that formed a beautiful and dramatic backdrop to the entire evening.”
What was your favourite moment from the big day?
“Dancing with my husband and all of our loved ones, especially in Wendall. Having a big full skirt to twirl around in was hands down the highlight of my evening and I very happily took advantage of being the bride and spinning around and around in the middle of the dance floor. We’re not necessarily big dance party people but we had an absolute blast during our first dance (choreographed, of course, as we are helpless otherwise!) and singing and dancing to our favourite songs with our favourite people all night long.”
What advice would you share with future Madi Lane Brides?
“Go into your fittings with an idea of the style you love or and a fit and shape that you feel confident and beautiful wearing, but be open to trying other options! I wanted a square neck, sleek, A-line dress with thick straps. Wendall checks a few of my boxes, but I definitely wouldn’t have tried it on if I was sticking exactly to what I wanted. I was being a little stubborn about not trying on styles outside of my idea of the perfect dress, and I am so thankful for my Mom, sister, and bridal stylist for pushing me to try other styles and ensuring I found Wendall!”
Thank you for having us as part of your special day, Ali!
Vendors
Dress: WENDALL
Photographer: Palms and Lace
Venue: Snowbird Ski Resort, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Retailer: A&Bé Bridal Shop, Minneapolis, USA
