Heartwarming Island Wedding in St. Thomas

Upon the arrival of a new property manager, Fritz’s heart skipped a beat to find that Melanie, his new “boss,” was as beautiful as she is confident.

A competitive business relationship formed between them, eventually giving way to a strong friendship that soon blossomed into love. In Fritz’s words, Melanie “challenges me to be great and encourages me to not only be the best man for her but to be the best father to my son, Brayden.”

Their love was made eternal on October 10th during a beautiful beach ceremony in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, featuring planning by MunaLuchi Coterie member Mode by Brandon Casey.

Bride & Groom: Melanie & Fritz
Wedding Date: 10.10.2018
Wedding Location: Magens Bay Beach, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

Tell us how you met? Fritz had been working at his job in the Baltimore area for about 10 years and one day a beautiful and very confident woman walked in the door! Melanie introduced herself as the property manager, and while Fritz had these feelings that he couldn’t quite explain, he realized not too long thereafter that this beautiful and self-confident woman, who was now his new “boss”, was going to be a challenge – to say the least. It only took several days before conflict ensued because of course, she thought that she knew everything!
After a while, conflict and precariousness became their norm and Fritz realized that what could’ve been a disaster for most, was the start of something special for him and Melanie. Once Fritz tried to surrender the need to be right and win every “battle” with this beautiful, confident woman, they were able to begin building a friendship. Fritz would volunteer to repair items that Melanie needed to be done at her home, we would go for drinks after work, engage in “working” lunches with one another…anything that kept him close to her…

Their friendship continued to grow and not only did they enjoy spending time with one another but they also confided in each other concerning all subjects in their personal lives. One of those moments was the birth of Fritz’ son, Brayden!
As Brayden grew older so did Fritz’s feelings for Melanie. Observing the relationship that was building between Melanie and Brayden and some not so subtle nudging from her friends, Fritz carefully took a leap of faith and made the first romantic move. Although Brayden, who was now 4 years old, tested Melanie in ways that only a 4-year-old, rambunctious little boy could, Melanie proved to pass every test with flying colors. Fritz knew at that moment SHE WAS THE ONE!

“I feel so privileged to be marrying my best friend, the one who challenges me to be great and who encourages me to not only be the best man for her but to be the best father to my son, Brayden. Melanie has brought immense joy to me and Brayden’s life and I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together.” – Fritz

Tell us about the proposal. On July 29, 2017, surrounded by about sixty family and friends for my parents 40-year anniversary and my 40th birthday (40/40 celebration), Fritz, who is usually a man of few words (in large groups), rallied everyone to our kitchen/ family room area and called for me. In the presence of our loved ones, he went down on one knee. I could not hold myself together, overcome with the joy and love of the moment I cried in his arms while everyone around us expressed great excitement. Brayden came over and embraced us both as I responded, YES! I was so shocked by the entire moment later I could not recall his exact words until I heard them on a video someone shared with us. This moment was priceless and to hear that Fritz went to my dad the day before to ask for my hand in marriage added to the joyous moment.

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? Our wedding style could be called Beach Formal. Dress shopping was amazing. While I walked into the shop knowing exactly what dress and style I saw myself in, I was under-wowed by the dresses I thought I’d love. The sales representative advised me and I LOVED the first dress she selected for me. We were even lucky enough to select bridesmaids dresses the same day at the same location that each of my bridesmaids loved. Talk about a one-stop-shop!
Shopping for the groom was great! Thanks to our Wedding Planner Brandon of MODE, events by Brandon Casey. Fritz is not one to wear, be comfortable or look comfortable in anything remotely formal so this process may have never happened or been successful without Brandon’s complete involvement. Fritz and I trusted his vision every step of the way. Fritz looked amazing on our special day.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We both love the beach. This location was significant to us both because on our first vacation together. We spent time at Meghan’s Bay during our trip and Fritz said, “when we get married we should do it here.” That was four years earlier.

Quick facts from Bride:
Wedding Party Gifts: Bridesmaids – Gift box with satin robs, journals, cosmetics pouch, beach flip flops. Groomsman – Personalized “dog-tag” necklace for Brayden (Groom’s son), inscribed with the words – “Today I tell your dad I do and I promise you forever too!”
Gifts for Each Other: Bride’s Gift – 1ct stud earring from the groom, and a Tiffany white & rose gold joined double-band. Groom’s Gift – Yves Saint Lauren; Y we call it “my husband cologne”, a personalized memory gift box with personalized cuff links.

What is your best memory from your wedding? Fritz, my mister simplicity, would like to add that the best moment of our wedding was getting married. But seriously speaking, we honestly can not say there is one single moment from our special day that could be solely best. Having the people that mean the most to us share in the entire experience elevated things even more. The entire day and experience will forever be one of the most astonishing and remarkable for us both.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Well, Fritz said… let you pick everything! That’s an expected response and usual personality, however, he actually became quite opinionated on anything that was a definite no and then toward the end of planning wanted every enhancement or change to be a surprise. I’m mentioning this to say communication and patience are very important. I would have never thought he would have some of the opinions he did and was even more shocked and excited that he wanted to be surprised with certain details as we moved closer to the day.