Danielle Matich and Michael Molitch-Hou met on a fine spring night – May 13, 2011 to be exact. After courting for what seemed like centuries, the pair decided to move in together, finding a cute, cramped cottage in San Pedro, CA, Danielle’s hometown.  There, they lived with their bearded dragon, Shanté, in peace and tranquility and Mike spent the proceeding months planning and working up the courage to pop the question – the question being: “will you spend the rest of your life with me as my lawful, wedded wife?”

The proposal was inspired by a story Danielle had told Mike, about her days spent as a child playing in a local park – Point Fermin Park, if you’re familiar with the area.  Day in and day out, Danielle would dance and prance and prance and dance in the park.  The park really was quite beautiful.  Located at its center was a stage, only used annually for performances of Shakespeare by the Sea.  So, as a little girl, Danielle would play upon that stage and she’d struggle to get the stage doors open.  Obsessed with The Secret Garden, she imagined that, if she could just push passed those stage doors, there’d be a secret, English garden there waiting for her – a hidden world of shrubs, ivy, and tea sets.  Unfortunately, she never could get those doors open.

Point Fermin Amphitheater

During the summer of 2012, Mike planned what he would do to ask Danielle to marry him.  He made all of the arrangements, including the rental of the stage, the purchase of the plants and flowers, the acquisition of a tea set from her favorite boutique; he even sought out a theatrical backdrop of an English garden.  On September 13, 2012, he decorated the green room behind the stage doors so that, when Danielle opened them, she’d be whisked away to that world she’d imagined as a child.  After opening the door, Mike pulled out a Faberge egg that contained the ring, a family heirloom dating back to the Civil War.

The secret garden.

As you’ve probably guessed, Danielle said, “Yes.” Now, we’re asking you to celebrate, with us, a ceremony representing our eternal commitment to one another.  So, take a look around the site where you can find all of the answers to your wedding related inquiries. We’re so excited and we’re looking forward to seeing you on the big day!