iDO couple profile: Anthony & Michelle (Thornbrough) Sandusky

__How they fell in love:__ Tony and Michelle met in seventh grade after his family moved back to Southeast Missouri. Tony remembers "being sat next to the prettiest girl in class." The two were friends through high school until their senior year, when they were show choir dance partners and started dating. The proposal came after attending their first Marine Corps ball in Jacksonville, Florida. Afterward, Tony took Michelle sightseeing in downtown Jacksonville. They stopped at a waterfront fountain that overlooked the city. The fountain was coordinated with music, so Tony asked Michelle to dance. Tony began a speech that brought Michelle to tears; he dropped to one knee and proposed.

__Wedding and reception:__ Riverfront Park at Southeast Missouri State University River Campus in Cape Girardeau

__Colors:__ Light pink, gold and navy

__What they wore:__ The bride wore a Hayley Paige ballgown with a crystal bolero (also from Hayley Paige), topped with a Swarovski-studded cathedral veil by Jim Hjelm and a blush pair of Badgley Mischka heels. The bridesmaids wore floor-length rose gold sequined dresses by Donna Morgan. The groom and groomsmen's suits were purchased from Men's Wearhouse -- navy suits with white shirts, brown leather shoes and striped navy ties. The bridal gown was purchased from the Gown Gallery in Kansas City and altered at Magnolias Bridal Boutique in Cape Girardeau.

__Decor and more:__ This secret garden affair exuded whimsical vibes, with invitations featuring a poem, gold skeleton keys, and details on shimmer paper accented with gold foil and pink watercolor peonies. The ceremony featured five large crystal chandeliers hanging overhead in a 300-year-old tree. The reception had more chandeliers in the trees, bistro lights and the bridge lit up at night. Fresh flowers included large, lush arrangements with light pink peonies, white anemones, hydrangeas and garden roses, with accents of curly willow, astilbe and gold greenery. Tablescapes consisted of navy striped tablecloths, gold chargers and light pink linens, all lit with candlelight. The cake table was covered with a gold sequin tablecloth and featured a flower wall backdrop.

Esprit Jolie Photography

__The food:__ Ruby Tuesday provided steak and chicken entrees with fresh side options, including grilled chicken topped with tomatoes, lemon-butter sauce and balsamic vinaigrette. Also on the menu was a dish of chicken, broccoli and pasta in Parmesan cream sauce.

__The cake:__ The cake was provided by Emily Blattel of The Cake Mom & Co. The five-tier cake was accented with pink watercolor, gold flakes and fresh flowers. There was a different flavor for each tier, including white velvet, cappuccino, strawberry and double chocolate.

Esprit Jolie Photography

__Music:__ Ceremony music by Doug Johnson and reception music by Peak Audio of Cape Girardeau

__First dance:__ "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran

__Photographers:__ Sheena Faught and Kate Arnzen of Esprit Jolie Photography in Jackson

Esprit Jolie Photography

__Other details:__ Setup by Brandon Smiley of Rust & Martin; installation by Darren Burnett of Wingspan Renovations in Dexter, Missouri; rental items from Rental Land Special Events in Cape Girardeau; hair by Kristina LeGrand and makeup by Bethany Adams of The Hair Loft Salon & Spa in Cape Girardeau; helicopter by Dean Houseman of Cape Copters in Cape Girardeau.

__Michelle's advice to brides:__ Take a moment to be still and take it all in! This is your day; enjoy every second of it.