Our Story

Welcome to our wedding website! We’re thrilled to share our journey with you as we prepare to celebrate our big day.

How We Met

It all started at a college bar called Balls Bookstore (“Balls”). A dear friend, Alex Kuhn, knew Melissa from class and invited her and her friends to join our group for drinks at Balls. After meeting Melissa for the first time that night, Spencer thought to himself, “Man, that girl can talk!” Fast forward a few weeks to a quiet fall evening: Spencer was working security at the back entrance of Balls, unaware that this would be the night that changed his life forever.

The night was slow, with only a few patrons at the bar, when a group of friends arrived. Suddenly, Melissa was there, talking up a storm with anyone who would listen. As Sean McCauley stopped by to chat with Spencer at the back entrance, he asked what Spencer thought of Melissa. Spencer quietly replied, “She’s cute, but she has no ass.” Unfortunately for Spencer, he didn’t realize that Melissa had exceptionally good hearing and overheard the comment from 20 feet away, in a bar playing music! Immediately, a 5'7" cute blonde marched toward Spencer with a fiery finger wagging in the air. All Spencer could hear was, “My boyfriend loves my ass, and you don’t even have a six-pack!” Ever cool, calm, and collected, Spencer joked, “Ma’am, I could kick you out.” Of course, Spencer didn’t kick her out, and months later, they went on their first date.

The First Date

Their first official date was the romantic comedy Frozen—yes, the Disney movie with Olaf. Spencer was already out with friends when he casually started texting Melissa and invited her to join. Surprisingly, Melissa wasn’t in the mood to meet up for drinks that night. After getting turned down for drinks, Spencer pivoted and asked if she wanted to see a movie. She quickly and emphatically replied, "YES! I want to see Frozen!" Melissa came to pick Spencer up, and later that night, she fell in love…with Olaf!

The Proposal

Spencer asked Melissa’s dad, Chris, for her hand in marriage on Chris’ birthday, January 1, 2023. Spencer and Chris worked with the Sante family jeweler over the next few months to find the perfect diamond for Melissa. Spencer bought the ring on September 9, 2023, and began formulating a plan with Chris to pull off the surprise engagement.

Spencer proposed on September 15, 2023. It was a beautiful summer night on a boat in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, just off Miami, Florida. Melissa, her mom Pam, our dear friend Hanna Koch, and others had planned a 40th birthday cruise for Spencer and Hanna’s husband, Nils. It wasn’t just a birthday celebration for Spencer and Nils; Pam’s birthday is on September 15th and Spencer’s brother, Preston, and sister-in-law, Brandy, were celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary on September 17th. However, no one except Chris knew that this night would change Melissa and Spencer’s lives forever.

Spencer was determined to take a group photo on the first night of the cruise. While the boat was boarding passengers, Chris Graham volunteered to find the perfect spot on the boat for the photo, unaware it would also serve as the location for the engagement. After some scouting (and a close call with a golf ball near the putt-putt course), they found the perfect spot at the back of the boat. A text was sent to the group: “Group pictures at 7:00. Deck 12, back of the boat by the Flow Rider.” The attire was Hawaiian.

By 6:45 p.m., minutes before the big moment, Spencer realized he had no idea what he was going to say. He only knew the plan he and Chris had discussed, so he decided to wing it.

Now 7:00 p.m., everyone gathered for the group photos on the 12th deck. Group photos were taken, and couples, friends, and family posed. The sunset with Miami as the backdrop set the perfect scene. After the photos, Chris announced that he had a special gift for Spencer that he would need for the rest of his life. Playing along, Spencer opened the gift, revealing a box labeled "Viagra" filled with blue jellybeans. Melissa, who was in on the joke with her dad and had actually bought the jellybeans, laughed, excited by the prank. Thinking the prank was over, many of the guys grabbed the jellybeans, joking they may need them for later. However, Chris advised Spencer to keep digging. As Spencer dug further, a black box appeared. Chris G., standing nearby, exclaimed, “Wait, is this happening!?” Spencer pulled out the black box and told Melissa, “I need you.”

Caught off guard, with a beer in each hand, Melissa quickly handed them to Jesse and Marci Clark. Spencer told the story of how he asked Chris for his daughter’s hand in marriage and the journey that led to this moment. Spencer ended with, “I can’t imagine turning 40 without knowing that I’m going to spend the rest of my life with you.” He then knelt on one knee and asked, “Melissa Lee Sante, will you marry me?” Before even seeing the ring, Melissa emphatically said, “YES!” After the two kissed to celebrate their engagement, Melissa finally looked at the ring and exclaimed, “Holy Crap!” It was a ring as stunning and beautiful as Melissa.

Our Journey Together

After 10 years, our journey is just beginning. Over the years, we’ve built a life full of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. From moving to Tampa, Florida early in our relationship to buying a home in the Florida Keys to attending 25 weddings together, every moment has been a testament to our deep bond and shared dreams. We've supported each other through thick and thin, always finding joy in the little things and strength in each other's presence.

The Next Chapter

We are so excited to start this new chapter as husband and wife. Our wedding day is not just a celebration of our love but also a reflection of the incredible journey that has brought us here. We can’t wait to share this special day with all of you, our beloved friends and family, who have been with us every step of the way.

Thank you for being a part of our story. We look forward to creating many more beautiful memories together!

With love,

Melissa & Spencer

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. Thank you for all the support, encouragement, love and laughter you have contributed to our lives. We look forward to celebrating our wedding day with you! ❤️ Melissa & Spencer 03.15.2025

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. Thank you for all the support, encouragement, love and laughter you have contributed to our lives. We look forward to celebrating our wedding day with you!

❤️

Melissa & Spencer
03.15.2025