Melanie & Tara like to say that “friendship and baseball” brought them together. The couple met in 2008 through social networking site MySpace and eventually, through friends, when Tara had a college softball trip to Stetson, Florida. Both women were from the north but attended college down south on softball scholarships. Says Melanie, “We instantly had a strong connection.”
After 6 years together Tara proposed to Melanie on April 12th 2015 during a hike at South Mountain State Park in Hickory, NC. They’d hiked up to the top of a waterfall with two friends and their dogs. Says Melanie, “Of course the answer was ‘Yes!’”
Tara and Melanie were married at Asbury Park Grove in Charlotte, North Carolina. The brides say they chose their venue because it showcased the natural beauty of North Carolina in the summer.
Both brides walked down the aisle, Tara with her father Jim and later Melanie and her father Dave.
Melanie’s Favorite Moment: When I saw Tara’s face during our first look.
Tara’s Favorite Moment: When a train went by right at the start of our ceremony.
The brides chose their wedding song, “So Contagious” by Acceptance because it was playing on Melanie’s MySpace profile when they first met.
Their wedding was the first time that Melanie & Tara’s families met each other, but it was all love on the dance floor, where their DJ surprised the brides with touches like multicolored light sticks which made for great photos.
Though both brides had the best day ever, they do wish they’d hired a videographer for the occasion. Says Melanie, “There were a lot of little moments the photographer wasn’t able to catch.” Still, the newlyweds are basking in happiness.
Tara gets some help with the finishing touches.
Melanie gets zipped up then she’s on her way.
Tara checks out her bride during their emotional first look.
Melanie and her two little helpers are ready for the ceremony.
Tara and her father head down the aisle first.
Melanie and her father follow.
The brides join hands as their ceremony begins.
Tara and Melanie are officially Mrs. & Mrs.
Posing with their dapper bridal party.
The joyous newlyweds!
Tara is pumped as the brides take the floor for their first dance.
The brides show off their moves.
Their cake looks almost too pretty to eat!
A kiss in the dark.
Time to cut that gorgeous cake.
Tara kisses some frosting off of her wife’s nose.
The crowd loves the dance floor accessories.
Tara & Melanie dance the night away.