Carissa + Mike | Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation Wedding

A Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation Wedding – Waltham, Massachusetts

Carissa and Michael were married on November 3rd, 2018 at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham, Massachusetts.

It is literally giving me the BIGGEST smile today to be sharing Carrisa and Michael’s wedding on the blog with you guys! You see, Carissa has actually been following my work since my sister-in-law, Cianne, was married back in 2013. Which is honestly right around the time I started falling in love with photographing weddings. Carissa was a bridesmaid, and kept up with me that entire time! How amazing?!

Moving forward, around the time Carissa and Michael got engaged, I was one of the FIRST contacts on Carissa’s list. She told me she couldn’t have imagined someone else doing the photos because she felt connected with my work ever since Cianne’s wedding. Of course, I was a ball of happiness because that is SUCH a big deal and I got to go to BOSTON?! Like HOW COOL!!!!

As the day unfolded, I was so excited for Michael to see his sweet bride as she came down the aisle. There was so much anticipation and so much love surrounding these two, that it was a moment to truly be cherished for a lifetime. Michael, being one of the kindest (and best dancer) souls I have ever met, locked eyes with Carissa as she made her way towards him. Before we knew it, the two were married and they were on the dance floor celebrating all night long!

Their Love Story

When and where did you both meet?

We met in June of 2016 at a wedding in Chattanooga, Tennessee. My friend from college married his friend from the Marines.

When did you know he was the one and vice versa?

Carissa: I knew Michael was the one when he came back from the Middle East to visit me for Thanksgiving. It was our first time being in person together since we became an official couple. We spent time with just each other and also with both of our families. We had a great time being together and it felt like all the puzzle pieces had fallen into place!

Michael: I knew Carissa was the one after our first big date together. We went to a winery and then drove to a small creek in Virginia afterwards. There was moon light, stars, and crickets chirping and I told her I didn’t know where life would take me and I didn’t want to bring her along for wherever we may end up if she wasn’t ready for it. She said she was ready for whatever path God had for us and we then held hands for the first time.

What is the one thing you both love each other the most for?

Carissa: I love Michael the most for his Godly leadership, his joyful adventurous spirit, and his passion for learning new things.

Michael: I love Carissa the most for her fun and infectious personality, kind heart, level headed wisdom, and unconditional love.

How did he propose?

On April 13th, 2017, we were visiting Collelongo, the town in Italy from which Michael’s family came. He still has distant relatives living there. One of those relatives, Rocco, led us on a great tour in the morning, but left us on our own for the afternoon. Michael and I explored the town together and eventually made our way up into the mountains above the town. He stopped the car at one of the particularly beautiful overlooks. We got out and took in the view. We could see Collelongo below and other mountains surrounding us. There was no one else around so it was serene and peaceful. Michael asked me what I was thinking about… and I have no idea what I said. But when I asked him the same question, he told me he was thinking about spending the rest of our lives together. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes!