Mr. and Mrs. DeGrave - 5.17.25

Wedding #1 of 2025 is officially in the books! This past weekend was not only the joining of Amanda and Danny, but their amazing kiddos as well. Despite the chilly mist and wind, these two managed to have a wonderful day!

Back in February 2023, Amanda and her bestie were down in the Dells enjoying some girl time. It was that night that they met Danny, and he and Amanda clicked immediately. And the rest… as they say… is history. Our groom even admits he knew that night that he’d spend the rest of his life with Amanda. When I asked him what his favorite thing about her is, he commented that he loves her sense of humor.

For Amanda, she knew Danny was “the one” after a heart-to-heart with Danny’s cousin- the things he said lined up exactly with what Danny had already told her, so she knew he was trustworthy. Her favorite physical feature of Danny is his eyes, but she really loves “his strength to become a better person for himself and those around him.”

One thing I really admire about these two is how well they have integrated their respective children (from previous relationships) into this new family unit. Sometimes blended families can feel very mismatched but these five are as close as if it has been this way forever. I just loved how much Ariya beamed up at her soon-to-be stepmom as they got ready for the ceremony.

I was very touched listening to stories of these two and how their pasts molded them into who they are today as well as how their life paths have merged, making them even stronger as a couple. If I had to pick one word to describe their love, it would be “fierce”. Their love only multiplied as they merged their family units.

One of my favorite things about the day was seeing how much of a sucker Danny is for his girls. As Amanda walked down the aisle, he was fighting back the tears. Then, as he had a special daddy-daughter dance at the reception, the waterworks started up again, which resulted in Ariya gently wiping the drops from his cheeks. Let’s just say MANY of us were also tearing up too.

The dance floor was packed the rest of the evening and everyone was having a blast! With supportive and fun-loving family and friends like that, I know these two will have a wonderful life together.