Real Stella York Bride Holly and Michael’s love story began during a visit to his family’s cabin, where a shared connection quickly turned into something more. Years later, their proposal—filled with personal meaning and sweet memories—marked the next chapter of a relationship built on love and intention.
After searching near and far for her dream dress, Holly knew she had found THE one the moment she tried on Stella York Style 7817. The dramatic ballgown silhouette delivered the “poofy” moment she had always imagined, while subtle glitter throughout the gown added a soft, luminous shimmer. With its fitted corset bodice, delicate pearl beading and beautifully tapered waist flowing into a voluminous skirt, the look felt timeless, comfortable and completely her.
HOLLY, TELL US ABOUT YOUR PARTNER. HOW DID YOU MEET?
I met Michael when I went to his family’s cabin in 2013. I had originally gone there to visit his cousins, whom I had grown up with, and ended up meeting him!
WHAT WAS YOUR PROPOSAL LIKE?
Our proposal story is a little different. It involves a time capsule we buried early on in our relationship. We weren’t able to find it, but he still proposed, and my ring was beautiful!
DESCRIBE YOUR BRIDAL STYLE.
For my wedding dress, I wanted the poofiest ballgown I could find. My sister pointed out to me that a girl can wear a tight, slinky dress anytime, but you only get one chance to wear a big, poofy gown. After that, I was set on the ballgown silhouette. I had tried on so many dresses and traveled to many stores, in-state and out-of-state, but couldn’t find one I loved.
That all changed when I tried on Stella York Style 7817—I just smiled. My best friend knew immediately when I tried on this dress that it was going to be a top contender. The dress is covered in glitter, and it’s so subtle that it makes it gorgeous. When it catches the light, it shimmers beautifully.
HOW DID YOU FEEL IN YOUR GOWN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?
On my wedding day, I was most excited to marry the love of my life, but a close second was getting to wear my dress! It was so comfortable, and I was able to wear it the entire time with no issues. I loved how it gave me a tapered waist before the voluminous skirt. I also loved the form-fitting corset bodice with the fine pearl beading on the straps and waist. It’s a timeless dress that will never go out of style.
HOW DID MICHAEL REACT WHEN HE SAW YOU IN YOUR WEDDING DRESS?
When the doors opened, and I started walking down the aisle at our wedding, I looked at Michael, and he was there at the end of it, smiling at me calmly. His calmness helped my nerves so much!
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING.
Our wedding was incredibly personal to us because it took place on my family’s farm, where we spend a lot of time. It also happens to have a small country church bordering it. It’s all within sight of where we met, and multiple family weddings have taken place on various parts of it. Neither of us is very formal, and the area is extremely rural, so we had a tent on the hill behind the church and got lucky with perfect weather. The sunset that evening couldn’t have been more vibrant. To end the night, we had a grand fireworks show put on by Michael’s cousins. It was amazing.
WHAT WAS THE MOST SPECIAL MEMORY FROM THE DAY?
My most special memory from our wedding day was getting home late that night after everything was over. I just felt so tired. But my feet were filthy from being outside all day in sandals, so I hopped in the shower. Next thing I know, Michael appears from around the curtain, asking me if I want some of our wedding cake. I don’t think either of us had a chance to eat any of it besides when we did the cake cutting and got a small bite each. It tasted so good! Right then, while being fed cake in the shower, I knew that I had married the right one.
Vendor Acknowledgements
Bridal Shop: House of Fashions
Photography: KAP Photography
Venue: Bride’s Family Farm
Florist: Hazel Run Flower Farm
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