Bridget & Mark

Real Weddings

Bridget & Mark

July 11, 2009 at the Overture Center for the Arts

By:

Corrin Koepp

photography by:

Bridget Schmelzer and Mark Abraham have been flying high since meeting on a Northwest Airlines flight to Hartford, Conn., more than five years ago. The two were seated next to each other as the plane was delayed on the runway for three hours before takeoff, and they immediately hit it off. Years later, as they sat on another jet, bound for a ski vacation, Mark popped the question and Bridget said yes before the engines roared. In July, the couple said their “I dos” at the historic Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Madison. It was a day of music, as Bridget walked down the aisle in a white strapless gown to 17th-century composer Henry Purcell’s “Trumpet Tune.” Later, guests wiped away tears as the couple presented a bouquet of flowers to the Virgin Mary while a vocalist sang “Ave Maria” to organ accompaniment. The musical theme continued at the elegant reception at the Overture Center for the Arts. Guests enjoyed jazz combo Swing Time Music during cocktails and dinner, and the 12-piece Swing Nouveau band for dancing. Mark and Bridget’s three favorite songs—“La Vie en Rose,” “As Time Goes By” and “Cheek to Cheek”—were performed throughout the evening to the delight of the couple and their guests.