Story by Shelbi LeMeilleur
Michael and Marilyn Schobel both believe they were born in the wrong era and wanted a wedding to reflect a bygone age. That’s why the couple decided to have a 1920s-themed wedding — flapper dresses, suspenders, Model A car, and all.
Marilyn was living with a friend in Industry when she met Michael, who happened to be her friend’s cousin! While the couple met online, they knew quickly they would eventually get married. There was no big proposal; instead, they went to a jewelry store together to pick out a ring.
Initially, planning a wedding seemed straightforward. However, Michael and Marilyn soon discovered a venue that would change their plans.
“We had already picked a place; we were going to get married and have our reception at Welcome Lutheran Church because that’s the church where he grew up in,” Marilyn says. “That’s where his mother was married, his sister was married, his grandparents were married, so that’s what we were going to do.”
While touring Giddings Stone Mansion for a bridal photo shoot, Marilyn fell in love with the venue and knew it would lend perfectly to the 1920s theme. The invitations were already printed, but Michael and Marilyn knew it would be worth it to make the change, even with the added stress.
In the end, the couple decided to have their wedding ceremony at Welcome Lutheran Church, where Michael’s family members had been married, and the reception at Giddings Stone Mansion.
“I just think it was better to have it at that place,” Michael says. “That fit better. The church would’ve been fine, but this fit in way better.”
The wedding had more than just a vintage feel to it. The bridesmaids wore flapper dresses, the groomsmen wore suspenders and bowties, and the newlyweds rode to and from Giddings Stone Mansion in Michael’s Model A car.
“We wanted it to be different,” says Marilyn. “We didn’t want it to be plain Jane, tuxedo.”
Michael agrees. “I wanted something different, and that fit with us.”
At the end of the day, both Michael and Marilyn couldn’t have imagined a more perfect wedding. Marilyn reminds other brides that it’s not the details that make your wedding day perfect.
“During your wedding, if nothing goes to plan, just keep in mind what it’s all about,” Marilyn says. “It’s just about the fact that you are marrying the love of your life. That’s what I had to keep reminding myself. That it doesn’t have to be perfect because looking back on it, it’s going to be perfect because you’re married.”
Schobel Vendors Meal: Herbert’s Schovajsa Catering, Bleiblerville Cake: Patty Cakes by Kris Harden, Bleiblerville Dress: Fiancee Bridal Boutique, Spring Flowers: The Flower Market, Brenham DIY Décor: Ling’s Moment Photographer: Ashley Arnold
