On May 2, 2026, Alex Dias and Michelle Nguyen tied the knot in a heartfelt ceremony that embraced their shared love for Salt and Straw, a well-known ice cream brand based in Portland. Celebrating their romance, the couple exchanged vows at the very premises where many of their cherished memories had unfolded, indulging their guests with personalised ice cream treats and a uniquely designed wedding cake.
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The couple’s journey began with a casual third date at Salt and Straw, where Alex, who runs a digital marketing agency, surprised Michelle—a sports medicine physician and Portland native—with a pint of the brand’s famed Arbequina Olive Oil ice cream. This thoughtful gesture sparked a sweet connection, marking the start of a series of delightful shared experiences at the ice cream shop. Over the years, the venue became a backdrop for numerous significant moments, from post-engagement nightcaps to flavour-testing dates.
Michelle, who fondly recalls visiting Salt and Straw throughout her youth, noted that the ice cream shop factored significantly into her decision to return to Portland after completing her medical residency in Indiana during the pandemic. “Growing up, I frequented this specific shop, and it played a role in my plans to move back,” she remarked, tying her personal journey to the special day.
Their wedding’s planning unfolded in an unexpected and magical manner. In November 2025, Michelle stumbled upon a post from Salt and Straw seeking couples for a distinctive wedding experience. Seizing the opportunity, she filled out the form, sharing their love story and emphasising their long-term relationship with the ice creamery. To their delight, they were chosen, and Salt and Straw took the reins on planning nearly every aspect of their wedding.
The day was characterised by vibrant, ice cream-themed elements, including a custom Strawberry Tres Leches cake, crafted with care by the brand’s research and development team. Alex and Michelle were pleasantly surprised by the level of dedication and creativity the team exhibited, from designing invitations inspired by the shop’s iconic pint packaging to ensuring even ordinary wedding details like flowers and drinks were flawlessly executed.
In a humorous twist, the idea of a waffle cone bouquet came from Alex himself who pitched the concept to Tyler Malek, one of the co-founders of Salt and Straw, who also officiated the ceremony. The execution was swift and playful as Malek, suited up for the occasion, crafted the bouquet the very morning of the wedding, adding a light-hearted touch to the festivities.
Their wedding day began with joyful photo sessions around their neighbourhood, where Michelle prepared with her closest friends and family members in a break room that once served as the creative space for developing ice cream flavours. As she walked down the aisle, accompanied by her father, a string duo set the tone with a rendition of an Elvis classic, enhancing the day’s emotional resonance.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed champagne alongside the delightful tres leches ice cream cake while the couple took turns behind the counter, enthusiastically scooping ice cream and serving their loved ones. “They were tough customers,” Michelle quipped light-heartedly, reflecting on the joy of sharing such delicious treats with those closest to them.
The wedding was filled with personal touches that transcended the idea of a gimmicky event. Accommodations were made for a nephew with food allergies, and the atmosphere radiated warmth and inclusivity, allowing friends and family to genuinely participate in the celebration.
For Alex and Michelle, the day was nothing short of a dream come true. “It was everything I could have imagined—and more,” Alex concluded, highlighting the personal significance of their chosen venue and the joyful celebration of their union.
As they continue to plan a destination wedding in Portugal, where part of Alex’s family is from, the memory of their Ice Cream Store wedding will remain a sweet testament to their unique love story and the delightful journey they have embarked upon together.