WINTER WEDDING – Sara Hitt and Matthew DeVito
Photos by SWAK PhotographySara and Matthew first met in high school. Both graduated from Florida State University. Sara is a Speech- Language Pathologist for Bay District Schools, and Matt is a Geotechnical and Environmental Engineer for NOVA Engineering and Environmental.
The two began dating on September 15, 2006. Sara about how they met: “We met while he was on the drum line and I was on the dance line. I had heard from his fellow drummers that he liked me and I remember going home all giggly telling my mom about the cute Italian guy that had a crush on me. To this day, Matt and I joke about the silly things we did when we were first dating, like waiting outside my locker to watch Matt as he walked by. Matt would constantly get in trouble for being late to his classes because he would walk me to all of mine.”
After nearly 6 years, Matt proposed to Sara by surprising her with a song he wrote and performed for her at The Saltwater Grill in Panama City Beach.
Sara states: “I love surprises and I love surprising people so I will surprise Matt with sweet cards and cooking him his favorite meals. Matt knows how much I love surprises and he continues to get me little gifts.”
Matt planned his proposal meticulously. Sara recalls: “Matt told me we would be going to dinner to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Looking back, there were some signs about what was going to happen like my mom telling me I should have a manicure or one of my best friends calling me to tell me that we were dressing up for dinner so I should wear a dress. I still had no idea what was going on. After we arrived at the restaurant and ordered our food, Matt stated that work was calling and he excused himself from the table. The next thing I know I hear a guitar strumming and Matt announcing to the entire restaurant that he was there with a special person – he proceeded to sing me a song he wrote himself. The song he titled “One Day” told the story of our relationship starting with us meeting in high school and ending with him singing about getting down on one knee. When he began singing, I guess I was shocked because I hadn’t fully registered what was happening until I turned and saw our entire family come in. When I saw my mom that was when I started crying. It was perfect. We were surrounded by the most important people in our lives as we took the next step in our relationship.”
“We both are silly and outgoing. We love to make each other laugh and have fun. Our biggest strength is that we respect each other and keep God as the center of our relationship.”
The wonderful couple chose to have their wedding in the winter time for a reason: “We had originally wanted a fall wedding in October but realized that it would then be the middle of football season. Plans were changed and the date was moved to December 7, 2013. Ironically, that was the date of the SEC and ACC championship games. There was no escaping football. We embraced it and had the games on in the clubhouse during the reception. It turned out to be fun because Florida State won and all the guys celebrated by dancing the night away”.
Sara about their relationship: “They say opposites attract and that definitely applies to us. Matt and I are completely opposite in some sense. I have a type A personality and want to plan everything out whereas Matt is more relaxed and go with the flow. Sometimes that can cause disagreements between us, but also we balance each other out. Our strengths would be our similarities. We both are silly and outgoing. We love to make each other laugh and have fun. Our biggest strength is that we respect each other and keep God as the center of our relationship.”
A beautiful future together will not be a surprise: “We talk about the future and we definitely want to have kids one day. Right now we are just enjoying being married and saving up for our first house. After we get settled in a house, we’ll plan about having children. “
A thank you goes out to all valued vendors: Belissimo Hair Studio, Panama Country Club, Coin&Bullion Reserves, Swak Photography, Hunts Oyster Bar, Stephanie Carnley (Sugar Boogers) and Cindy’s Dream Gowns.
A special thank you to Mrs. Diane and Mr. Rick Johnson for all their help to make this day special and also a very special thanks to Mrs. Rhonda Williams, florist and decorator who dedicated an entire year to planning and went above and beyond to make this wedding special. [/box] [box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” ]If you would like to have your wedding featured, please send an email to wedding@panamacityliving.com.[/box]