Ideas

This Military Couple Just Had the Sweetest Send-Off EVER

Collect, manage, and organize your wedding guest information for each event and track their preferences.
We love a good love story! And we're guessing you do, too... That's why every Wednesday, we bring you real life "I dos" that are sure to inspire (and give you a peek into couples' planning experiences). Want to share your happily ever after? Submit your wedding here! #realweddingwednesday
Today, we join the rest of the United States in honoring those who have served in our armed forces. We have so much respect for brides and grooms in uniform, and they epitomize bravery in so many ways. That's why when Ariel and Michael Pardillo shared their stunning big day photos with us, we knew we had to take a moment to honor his service, and those men and women who serve our country every day. Thank you for your service. RealWeddingPardillo-992 Ariel and Michael Pardillo first crossed paths in college through mutual friends, but were merely acquaintances. In the summer between freshman and sophomore year, they were both living in South Florida and working at different summer camps in different towns. But one summer day, both camps fatefully trekked out to the same field trip at a nearby ice skating rink. The two spotted each other and spent the entire day talking...and you can say, the rest is history! RealWeddingPardillo-488 RealWeddingPardillo-231 After graduating college, Mike joined the Navy as a pilot, forcing them to do long distance for a while. After two long years of living apart, Ariel moved to Texas where Mike was currently stationed. They lived together for about 6 months (having dated 6 years in total), before taking a trip to Austin for the Fourth of July and dining at a beautiful restaurant overlooking Lake Travis. RealWeddingPardillo-189 RealWeddingPardillo-198 After eating, they went to a lookout spot that was in front of a gorgeous view of the lake. As Ariel prepared for their picture, Mike handed the camera to a random person and whispered that he was about to propose (nudging them to record the moment, if they could!). The lady with the camera said "1..2..3.." and before Ariel knew it, Mike was on one knee asking her to marry him! Everyone in the restaurant was cheering, and the entire thing was recorded! RealWeddingPardillo-28 RealWeddingPardillo-26 Scroll on for a peek at their stunning big day photos: RealWeddingPardillo-308 RealWeddingPardillo-310 That moment a father sees his beautiful daughter as a bride for the first time is oh-so-special. RealWeddingPardillo-363 Are these not the coolest pilot socks ever? RealWeddingPardillo-477 RealWeddingPardillo-520 Swoon! RealWeddingPardillo-541 RealWeddingPardillo-589 The ceremony and reception were both held at the Cocoplum Women's Club in Coral Gables, Florida where her bridesmaids wore different shades of blush and his groomsmen wore light grey suits. RealWeddingPardillo-65 RealWeddingPardillo-755 The bride's stunning gown was designed by Martina Liana, and transformed her into the most amazing mermaid princess! RealWeddingPardillo-338 RealWeddingPardillo-705 Here comes the bride! Pardillo-839 RealWeddingPardillo-919 "My favorite part of the day (besides getting married) was the military sword arch we had as we exited the ceremony!" RealWeddingPardillo-949 RealWeddingPardillo-955 RealWeddingPardillo-963 First dance snaps that are giving us all the feels. RealWeddingPardillo-1106 RealWeddingPardillo-1133 Ariel and Michael aimed for an overall romantic feel for their wedding, filled with lots of candles and bistro lighting. They came up with the theme of "organized romance," and truly everything, from the ceremony to the cocktail party to the reception flowed flawlessly! RealWeddingPardillo-1187 RealWeddingPardillo-98 Congrats to the newlyweds! Pardillo-57 RealWeddingPardillo-1346 VENDORS Venue & vendors: Cocoplum Womens Club Photography: Jessi Caparella Get more wedding inspiration on Loverly: A Tribute to Our Troops in Honor of Veteran’s Day These High School Sweethearts Who Met in Math Class Got Hitched and It’s SO Good 10 Bridesmaids Gifts Your Girls Can Actually Wear on the Wedding Day Got a tough wedding question? Download the Loverly app to chat FREE with one of our virtual wedding planners and choose from affordable planning packages.
More like this
Plan your wedding like a pro.
Follow
Join our newsletter: