Wedding Bells

About the Couple
Bride: Misty Chaime David Illes
Groom: Matthew James Illes
Occupations: They work together. Matt is a dentist and Misty is the dental office manager.
How they met: In the spring of 2001, Misty attended the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Convention in Boston with her dental office team from Lafayette, Louisiana. Matt was also an attendee, and they met at a conference social event. Their paths crossed several times while in Boston, and they were able to develop a friendship. After a two-year period of being apart (Misty was super busy with grad school during that time), Misty wrote him an email. Misty was hoping Matt’s email address hadn’t changed, that he remembered her and that he was hopefully not attached! Thankfully it all worked out. Matt immediately wrote back and it ended up being perfect timing for both of them.
Fave date: A surprise weekend date to New York.
What attracted her to him: Aside from being easy on the eyes, Matt has a gentle yet confident nature (he repeatedly carried Misty’s purse for her, in public, the first night she met him) and an ability to keep her laughing, which made her never forget him.
What attracted him to her: Her beauty caught Matt’s attention and compelled him to approach her. However, Misty’s sweet, soft, radiant and charming personality attracted him to her. 
Engagement story: Matt had planned to propose in New Orleans on Mardi Gras weekend unbeknownst to Misty (well, sort of, he was spending an unusual amount of time reminiscing, so Misty admits that the thought crossed her mind). Misty later learned that Matt’s plan was to pop the question following dinner on the night of their arrival. He had made reservations at a restaurant, which he knew Misty was eager to check out. Unfortunately, they never made it there that evening. After checking into their hotel, they went to a local bistro to have lunch as well as a few afternoon cocktails. A short time later Matt was sound asleep in their hotel room and did not awake until the next morning! He claimed that it was a result of being overly stressed from working seven-day workweeks combined with a lack of sleep, although Misty knew that it was a result of too many martinis! Suffice it to say, they missed dinner that night and Matt missed his opportunity to propose. However, the next morning Matt awoke with a smile on his face and a beautiful ring in his hand.