GENERAL
Couple's Name: Megan Carney and Brent Zirbel
Wedding Date: Oct. 23, 2010
Wedding Location: St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, New Munster, WI

ABOUT THE COUPLE
How they met: The couple met in high school math class and have been together ever since the bride's cousin, who was the groom's best friend, set them up to go to a winter formal dance together.
How he proposed: On March 7, 2009, Brent took Megan for a walk down by Lake Michigan just off of the Carthage College campus where she'd been going to school. They stopped to look out over the lake and Megan's hands were cold, so she turned around to put them into Brent's jacket pockets. There, she accidentally found the ring and “ruined” the proposal plans. Brent didn't miss a beat, however, and told her that he loved her and asked her to marry him. She said yes, but asked for a “redo proposal” so that she could see his plan. She put the ring back in his pocket and turned back around. Brent told her he saw a satellite among the stars, a favorite pastime of his. Megan asked where and Brent pointed, with the ring on the end of his finger, right there.
Bride's occupation: Teacher
Groom's occupation: Zirbel Concrete

THE CEREMONY
The ceremony: The ceremony was at 2 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, officiated by the Rev. Roger Savage. Godparents of the couple, Dale Boucha, Becky Anderson, and Don Zirbel did readings and said prayers. Brianna Voss, friend of the bride, sang at the ceremony.
The gown: The gown was purchased from Bravo Bridal in Racine.
The bouquet: The bride's bouquet was fashioned of white calla lilies. The bridesmaids bouquets were orange callas to accent the hunter green dresses.
The theme: Hunter green and silver colors

THE WEDDING PARTY
Maid of honor: Colleen Carney, the bride’s sister
Bridesmaids: Laura Williamson, Corie Bies, Brittany Johnson, Allie Stiglich and Karen Crase
Flower Girl: Brooke Koppang, the bride’s cousin
Personal Attendants: Betsy Winiecki and Lauren Sundermeier
Best man: Brandon Zirbel, the groom’s brother
Groomsmen: Joe Carney, the bride’s brother, Mike Sainski, Ben Shymanski, Marc Paulsen and Travis VanTine
Ring Bearer: Christian Koppang, the bride’s cousin
Ushers: Josh Monson and Kory Goodwin

THE RECEPTION
Number of guests: 450-plus
The reception: The Parkway Chateau
The cake: A round, three-tier cake with white frosting and scrolled designs, with a hunter green ribbon on the bottom of each layer to provide a color accent. Atop the cake was a Precious Moments bride and groom figurine.
First song: “I Love Your Love the Most” by Eric Church, a song that captured the sentiments of the groom.
The menu: Guests were served chicken, prime rib, mostaccioli, salad, fresh fruit, green bean almondine, potatoes and rolls for dinner at 6 p.m.
What made the day unique: Dancing the “Alligator” to “Squeezebox” by the Who and when Megan's shoes were auctioned off by her cousins in place of the dollar dance.
Most touching moment of the day: When the couple spotted Megan's cousin in the pew at the church. They didn't think he would be able to make it, as he was serving in Bahrain for the U.S. Air Force. He returned to the U.S. just five days prior to the wedding.
Honeymoon destination: Megan and Brent took a “minimoon” to Door County and plan to honeymoon in Ireland at a future date.