Bride: Michelle Marie Robinson, 37
Groom: Michael John Stearne, 37
Occupations: Robinson, magazine advertising sales director; Stearne, information architect
Homebase: New York
Wedding Date: October 10, 2010
Wedding Location: ceremony: Queen of All Saints Church; reception: Brooklyn Academy of Music, both in Brooklyn, New York

The Friendly Skies Many claim to have found a love match made in heaven but newlyweds Michelle and Michael actually do have a romance created in the clouds. “We met on a Florida-bound flight; we sat next to each other,” explains Michael. He adds, “As soon as she walked onto the plane, I hoped her seat was near mine. She reminded me of Angela Bassett who I think is so beautiful.” Those butterflies were mutual as Michelle shares, “I thought he was cute and we initially bonded over music.” Once the duo returned to the Big Apple from their respective trips they kept in touch and the rest is Tie the Knot Tuesday history!

Our Love on the Big Stage “We were inseparable from our first date,” reveals Michelle. “I mentioned to Michael that I liked musicals and wanted to see Aida. Neither of us knew what the play was about,” she recalls. “So for our first date he got two tickets (far forward/center — great seats) and we learned as the play unfolded that it was a love story between an African princess and a European prince. So funny!  We still laugh about that to this day,” she shares. Michael weighs in saying, “I wanted to be around Michelle and make her happy from our first meeting. She is my biggest cheerleader and believes in me so much.”

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[All images by Julie Skarratt Photograghy.]

We Belong Together These lovebirds enjoyed dating and getting to know each other however like all relationships, theirs was tested. “Being an interracial couple can be challenging. But if you love and respect each other unconditionally, there is nothing you cannot overcome,” reveals Michelle. “I was consistent and persistent in a good way,” Michael says of his courtship with Michelle. Determined as he was, Michael’s grandiose proposal didn’t quite work out as planned when he decided to ask for his beloved’s hand in marriage. “I originally wanted to rent a helicopter on Christmas Eve and fly her to the Statue of Liberty where I would propose, but that didn’t work out,” he admits. “So…I proposed to her under the tree on Christmas Day 2009. I thought that would be simple, sweet and true,” he says. Well plan B hit the jackpot because Michelle happily agreed to become Mrs. Stearne. “Michael keeps me grounded and helps me to be a better person,” she says.

Our Brooklyn, Our Way “We planned the entire affair ourselves!” brags Michelle of her and Michael’s chic New York City wedding. Like many couples who tied the knot last fall, they took advantage of the 10-10-10 date. The day’s details were seemingly high brow — Vera Wang gown, hairstylist from the celebrity fave salon Ted Gibson, chiavari chairs at reception — yet the pair was sure to insert their unique personalities, too (as Michael did with his unconventional reception headgear). Both their ceremony and reception took place in Brooklyn. “We had just moved there a few months before the wedding so it represented the beginning of our new life together,” Michelle explains who also shares that her favorite part of their reception was the Soul Train line. The playful pair even extended their personal touch when choosing a honeymoon destination. “We went to Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas because it’s the first place we visited when we began dating in 2001,” reflects Michelle. “Being on a secluded beach was a highlight. We had so much fun being the only ones there,” adds Michael.

Michelle’s Money Saving Tips for Future Brides

A Picture is Worth… “Don’t assume vendors will understand what you are looking for; bring them visuals of what you want,” warns Michelle.