Melissa Suzanne Klein and Matthew Loren Landau were married on March 23, 2014 at Reflections at the Buttes in Tucson, with Rabbi Thomas Louchheim of Congregation Or Chadash officiating.
Melissa is the daughter of Cindy Klein of Grass Lake, Mich., and Steve Klein of Tucson. She received a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from the University of Arizona. She teaches third grade in a self-contained gifted class at Lineweaver Elementary School.
Matthew is the son of Brenda and Steve Landau of Tucson. He received a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary international studies from the University of Arizona and works as a refugee employment specialist at Refugee Focus.
Ages:
We are both 25.
How they met:
We met in kindergarten at Canyon View Elementary School. We remained friends in high school and throughout college at the University of Arizona. We began dating in early 2011.
The proposal:
Matt proposed to me on Thanksgiving. I had been hinting to him that I wanted to go to Mt. Lemmon before spending time with friends and family. Matt planned a morning hike. On the way up I had no idea what I was in for. About three uphill miles later, Matt set up a surprise picnic on a secluded cliff overlooking the city. I still had no idea what was about to happen. Matt told me he had one more surprise and then I was blindfolded! A few minutes later Matt was down on one knee asking for my hand in marriage and he’d even made an outfit change into a suit! During the ride down the mountain back into the city, we called family and a few close friends to share the good news. That evening, after Thanksgiving dinner, our closest friends and family joined us for dessert and our engagement was announced.
Wedding planning challenge:
The most challenging part of our wedding was having so many bridesmaids and groomsmen who were living outside of Tucson and around the world. This also ended up being one of the most rewarding parts of our wedding as we had friends from Africa, Australia and Israel standing by our side.
Special memory of the day:
Our favorite memory was getting to celebrate with our friends and family. We loved being able to share the Jewish traditions we incorporated with our guests. We were also inspired to make a donation to Heifer International in honor of our guests, rather than having traditional favors.
Wedding attire
Hers: White lace and beaded sweetheart neckline dress by Sottero and Midgley
His: Black and white Vera Wang tuxedo
Wedding planner:
We planned the wedding on our own! Both moms, Brenda Landau and Cindy Klein, helped tremendously.
Florist:
Focus on Flowers —Petru Wunn
Photographer:
Jacob Chinn Photography
Caterer:
River’s Edge Catering Co.
Wedding cake:
Village Bakehouse
Music:
Tesoro — ceremony and cocktail hour; CE Entertainment, Mark Summersett — reception
