Meet Melody & Dereje, a couple who defied conventional norms by planning an enchanting wedding in just two months. Their big day took place on the bride’s family farm in Pennsylvania, where they had first met and fallen in love in Ethiopia. The union of this coolly named couple was celebrated with a picturesque barn wedding, beautifully captured through film by Mackey Photo and photographs by Kasey Ivan Photography.
The highlight of their special day was a fantastical forest setting, meticulously crafted by the couple, their friends, family, and planner A Cottage Gardener. This whimsical atmosphere was achieved with an abundance of candles, fairy lights, branches, and florals, which added to the magic of the celebration despite being a labor of love that required creativity and plenty of candlelight.
At the heart of their romantic tale lies Melody & Dereje’s special love story, which is sure to leave you moved when you watch their film.
Wedding Day Snapshot
Meet Melody & Dereje, a couple who defied conventional norms by planning an enchanting wedding in just two months. Their big day took place on the bride’s family farm in Pennsylvania, where they had first met and fallen in love in Ethiopia. The union of this coolly named couple was celebrated with a picturesque barn wedding, beautifully captured through film by Mackey Photo and photographs by Kasey Ivan Photography.
The highlight of their special day was a fantastical forest setting, meticulously crafted by the couple, their friends, family, and planner A Cottage Gardener. This whimsical atmosphere was achieved with an abundance of candles, fairy lights, branches, and florals, which added to the magic of the celebration despite being a labor of love that required creativity and plenty of candlelight.
At the heart of their romantic tale lies Melody & Dereje’s special love story, which is sure to leave you moved when you watch their film.
Our Love Story
Our paths crossed in Ethiopia, where I was working with a non-profit organization. It’s a serendipitous tale of how we met and fell in love, defying the odds of mere coincidence. Our initial connection was facilitated by a mutual friend from Norway, who introduced us. For several years, Dereje and I maintained an acquaintanceship before gradually developing romantic feelings for each other as our bond grew stronger; we realized that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.
In a remarkable display of devotion, Dereje seized the opportunity to ask for my father’s blessing while I was visiting the States. His proposal at the airport upon my return was the perfect culmination of his efforts.
Our Wedding
Our wedding was a collaborative endeavor that required coordination and teamwork. We began planning in earnest during the summer of 2015, with no fixed date or season in sight. Initially, we hoped to tie the knot during the fall or winter months, but our uncertainty surrounding Dereje’s visa application meant we had to be flexible. As a result, we set our sights on December 12th, the day after we received the necessary clearance. The subsequent rush to prepare was exhilarating.
We were so caught up in the excitement of getting married that we didn’t worry too much about the finer details, opting instead to focus on creating a truly magical atmosphere. Thankfully, Kim from Cottage Gardener, a creative genius, took our rough ideas and transformed them into breathtaking wedding decor that left us both awestruck. Friends also rallied around us, offering their skills to help with decoration, baking, playlist creation, and even sheet music preparation for the ceremony.
It was truly remarkable.
The Bridesmaids
Assembling a squad of bridesmaids can be a challenge, especially when they’re spread across the globe. In my case, I had ladies from not one, not two, but three different countries joining me on my big day. To simplify things and ensure everyone felt included, I gave them a straightforward brief: find something sparkly (sequinned was more specific, but you get the idea), and bring their favorite bubbly to share with the group.
The result: Three stunning women who looked absolutely radiant in their own unique way.
The Refreshments
At Kirkridge, we were treated to a sumptuous buffet spread that showcased the best local flavors. To complement our meal, we enjoyed a curated selection of wines and beers, including a specialty chocolate stout crafted by our friend especially for the occasion. The culinary delights continued with Shannon Almanzar’s impressive baking skills, resulting in an exquisite wedding cake, beautifully adorned by Kim with fresh flowers.
To satisfy our sweet tooth, we also had a delightful assortment of homemade cookies brought by friends who kindly obliged our request, adding to the indulgent dessert spread.
Favourite Details
The presence of all our friends, especially those who traveled from far-off places like Norway, Denmark, Ethiopia, and various parts of America, added to the joyous atmosphere. Many had gone to great lengths to be there for the special occasion. It was wonderful sharing Ethiopian dance moves with my loved ones, many of whom were meeting Dereje for the first time at our wedding. This reunion was a beautiful fusion of our two worlds, and we felt grateful to have shared it with everyone.
The Honeymoon
Our brief getaway to New York City left an indelible mark, thanks to our stay at the iconic Millennium Hotel situated in the heart of Wall Street. The breathtaking views from our room were a constant reminder of the city’s unwavering energy as we explored the concrete jungle; it was clear that this metropolis has a special charm that captivates visitors time and again.
While we were there, we couldn’t help but fall under its spell once more, solidifying New York as a destination we would enthusiastically recommend to anyone seeking an unforgettable experience.
Watch Melody & Dereje’s Romantic Wedding Film
There’s something undeniably captivating about the tale of two souls from different corners of the globe coming together in a beautiful dance. It’s as if they’ve defied all probability, and their love story has a certain fairy-tale quality to it. The rustic charm of a barn wedding, with its rolling hills and lush greenery, provides the perfect backdrop for such a romantic tale.
We’re grateful to Mackey Photo, Kasey Ivan Photography, and Melody & Dereje for entrusting us with their enchanting celebration. Their love story serves as a reminder that true romance can be found in the most unexpected places, and it’s a joy to share their special day with our readers.