Third Times the Charm

Michelle Lee Riggleman & David Patrick Kitzmiller
Mount Storm | 6.15.2024

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Jessica Fike Photography

Michelle and David, both from Mount Storm, met in 2019 and dated for four years before the groom began proposing—succeeding only on his third attempt. “It was very sweet, nothing fancy,” the bride says. “He just asked me to spend the rest of my life with him.”

The groom, whose Kitzmiller Construction builds houses and custom designed cabinets, also asked her to be his partner in building a pergola in their backyard, at which they would be married. An intimate group of friends and family gathered on a sunny day in June to watch the happy couple join their lives together.

In a beautiful burgundy red sweetheart ball gown, carrying a waterfall bouquet of calla lilies and roses, the bride was escorted down the aisle by her best friend’s father. “Keeper of the Stars” by Tracy Byrd played as she made her way to the pergola, where the couple exchanged traditional vows.

They had decorated the nearby reception space in burgundy and white, with ceiling drapery that came together in a romantic floral chandelier. Place settings included elegant fans for guests to keep cool, sweet favors, and keys with small cards that read “Thank you for being a key part to our past, present, and future.”

Guitarist Corey Beavers provided music as everyone enjoyed food from the concession trailer made by the bride and groom. The three-tiered cake was decorated with calla lilies and roses. Making many of the preparations themselves was a labor of true love for the couple—David also built the festive sweets cart and card holder for the reception—and they considered being with those who meant the most to them the greatest gift.

A romantic honeymoon in Virginia Beach followed their special day, and the couple has plans to go to Blennerhassett Island in the future.