Real Weddings: Danielle & Mike, Part I

This week’s featured wedding was sent to Shore Bride by the bride, Danielle Ziulkowski. The French-themed wedding was inspired by the couple’s romantic engagement story.

Danielle and husband Mike met and became friends when Danielle was a freshman and Mike a sophomore at Portage High School. While away at college, Mike decided to call Danielle, and, after a few dates, the two began dating seriously. The couple studied at Indiana University and then moved back to their hometowns where they bought a home.

On a dream trip to Paris, Mike proposed one evening during a picnic of wine and chocolate in the Jardin des Tuileries, as the Eiffel Tower twinkled in the background.

In keeping with their French theme, Danielle and graphic designer friend Sheila Mikkelson designed unique table signs with French love phrases and Danielle and Mike chose candles made out of wine bottles found at a local store for centerpieces. Guests even enjoyed a sparkling fruit citrus drink, Organa, that the couple first tried in several French cafés as wedding favors.

The couple chose a family friend Laura Lute to craft their wedding flowers, a personal touch that the bride says made the day extra special, and these beautiful photos were taken by Bonny Hildebrand of Focus on Photography.

CREDITS

The Happy Couple: Danielle Gingerich and Mike Ziulkowski

Ceremony Location: Nativity of Our Savior Roman Catholic Church

2949 Willowcreek Rd, Portage, Ind.

219.762.4858; nativityofoursavior.org

Reception Location: Aberdeen Manor Ballroom

216 Ballantrae St, Valparaiso, Ind.

219.465.7130; aberdeenmanor.com

Photographer: Bonny Hildebrand of Focus on Photography

Valparaiso, Ind.

219.476.1855; bonnyhildebrand.com

Flowers: Laura Lute, family friend