Battle Creek Wedding Ideas and Inspiration

A Romantic English Garden, With Whimsical Touches Inspired by Alice in Wonderland

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Wedding Colors: The wedding was a dreamy palette of pinks, with shades ranging from delicate blush to bold hot pink, accented by pops of baby blue and creamy whites. Lush greenery and touches of gold and brass added timeless elegance, creating a storybook setting that was irresistibly feminine, romantic, and effortlessly enchanting.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Lauren and Alex dreamed of a multi-day celebration that felt like stepping into a romantic English garden, with whimsical touches inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Their wedding took place at Greencrest Manor, a 1930s French-style chateau tucked away in the woods of Michigan. Originally built in 1935 on a couple’s favorite picnic spot, Greencrest’s rich history and storybook setting added a layer of romance to the weekend. The design drew inspiration from Princess Beatrice’s royal wedding and Lauren’s love of all things feminine, pink, and fairytale-esque. Every detail, from the lush florals to the bespoke stationery and vintage-inspired decor, tied together seamlessly to create a dreamlike atmosphere. Ruffles, bows, and delicate accents evoked girly charm, while timeless elements like vintage china, brass candlesticks, and classic music brought an air of elegance. Personal touches were at the heart of the celebration. The couple’s custom crest, featuring their beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Percy and Gigi, was a recurring motif, adorning everything from pillows to cocktail stir sticks. Alex brought his cowboy flair to the day, donning a black cowboy hat—a perfect reflection of his personality. To balance this playful touch, the reception featured a sophisticated bourbon bar and cigar lounge for guests to enjoy. Every element worked together to bring Lauren and Alex’s vision to life. The ceremony and reception overflowed with lush florals, vintage china, and timeless design elements, creating an atmosphere that was irresistibly feminine yet elegant. A 16-piece orchestra set the tone for the evening, filling the air with classics from the Great American Songbook and transporting guests to a golden age of romance and celebration.

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Proposal: In December 2022, Alex proposed to Lauren at Polihale State Park, a breathtaking spot on Kauai that holds deep spiritual significance in Hawaiian culture. According to legend, Polihale is the gateway to the afterlife, making it a profound and meaningful place to start their next chapter together. With the sun setting over the island’s dramatic landscapes, Alex got down on one knee and presented Lauren with a stunning ring featuring hidden pink sapphire accents—a nod to her love of all things pink.

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Wedding Wardrobe: Lauren’s wedding wardrobe was the perfect embodiment of her lifelong love for fashion, fairytales, and whimsy. Her first job was working for Betsey Johnson, a designer who greatly inspired her with playful, feminine details like tulle skirts, sparkling embellishments, and bows. This influence shaped Lauren’s dream of a wardrobe that felt like a modern Cinderella moment. For the welcome dinner, Lauren wore a Rebecca Tembo mini dress with a dramatic oversized bow and a bell-shaped skirt. The dress was a bold yet playful nod to her love for statement-making fashion and set the tone for a whimsical and elegant weekend. When it came to her wedding gown, Lauren found herself drawn to Galia Lahav, whose romantic and imaginative aesthetic felt perfectly aligned with her vision. Learning that Galia Lahav shared Lauren’s love for Alice in Wonderland made the connection even more special. At Roma Sposa in Birmingham, Michigan, Lauren discovered her dream gown—Flash by Galia Lahav. The gown featured a glittering tulle skirt, corseted bodice, and dramatic ballgown silhouette. The most enchanting detail was the crystal bow belt, which added a whimsical, fairytale-inspired touch. The dress shimmered in the light, making Lauren feel like she had stepped straight out of a dream. She paired the gown with crystal-embellished Betsey Johnson heels—a nod to her love for Betsey Johnson. Later in the evening, Lauren changed into a beaded and feathered mini fit-and-flare dress by Bronx and Banco, paired with sparkling Betsey Johnson tennis shoes for a playful yet glamorous second look.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Bridesmaids:
Lauren’s Maids of Honor wore stunning gowns from Mac Duggal, For Love & Lemons, and Petal & Pup, each adorned with details like pearls, ruffles, and bows.
The flower girl was perfectly in tune with the aesthetic, wearing two show-stopping looks for the day. For the ceremony, she wore a pink ruffled gown, and for the reception, she changed into a floral Dolce & Gabbana play dress.
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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Groomsmen Attire Alex and his groomsmen wore classic black peak-lapel tuxedos paired with black bowties and polished black shoes. Alex added a personal touch to his attire by wearing a black cowboy hat, reflecting the couple’s shared love for Western style.

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Food & Drink The festivities began with a stunning candlelit welcome dinner in the gardens of Greencrest Manor. Guests enjoyed charcuterie presented under a striped pink-and-white umbrella. For dinner, Millennium Catering served filet mignon, paprika-smoked salmon, or ginger-glazed airline chicken breast, accompanied by garlic-roasted baby potatoes and a summer grilled vegetable selection. Dessert was a decadent duo plate of cheesecake and chocolate pecan torte. Guests were welcomed to the weekend with custom gable boxes displayed on baroque gold shelves at the entrance to the dinner. Tied with candy-colored satin ribbons and adorned with the couple’s custom crest, the boxes were filled with personal touches: Blake’s hard cider, custom watercolor cookies, Garrett’s popcorn, Hawaiian kettle chips, and a hangover kit. On the wedding day, the culinary experience was just as thoughtful. A jazz quartet from the Rhythm Society Orchestra set the tone during cocktail hour, where guests enjoyed charcuterie, lavender lemonade adorned with “drink me” signs and waffle-battered chicken fritters drizzled with maple glaze. Dinner, catered by Millennium Catering, began with a classic Caesar salad followed by a duo entrée of slow-roasted strip loin and Parmesan-crusted chicken breast, served with French garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The highlight of the evening was the wedding cake by Vanessa of Sweet Details. Vanessa also created petite desserts, including hazelnut tarts, gold leafed fruit tarts, and glittering cupcakes, that were displayed alongside macarons stamped with the couple’s monogram on charming floral market carts. The night concluded with a fun and nostalgic late-night snack: Detroit-style coney dogs, a nod to Lauren and Alex’s roots.

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Florals & Design The design, florals, and planning of Lauren and Alex’s wedding were thoughtfully executed by Modern Day Collective, bringing their vision of a romantic, whimsical, and garden-inspired celebration to life. A particularly special detail was that many of the blooms used throughout the weekend were grown right at Greencrest Manor. Their gardens, lovingly curated and maintained, are truly fit for royalty, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the celebration. Knowing that the flowers came from Greencrest’s gardens made the designs even more personal and meaningful, tying the beauty of the venue into every floral arrangement. Welcome Dinner Design Guests entered through a lush hedged arbor and arrived at a long table perfectly aligned with the gardens. The table was adorned with delicate white tablecloths, crystal candlesticks tied with pink satin ribbons, vintage pink china, and lush floral arrangements featuring soft blush and pink hues accented by greenery. Thoughtful details like silky pink napkins tied into roses, custom menus, and a cozy settee for Lauren and Alex to share dinner made the evening intimate and inviting. The night concluded with croquet, cigars, and a bonfire under the stars, setting the perfect tone for the weekend ahead. Ceremony Florals The ceremony florals were the true showstopper. A lush floral arch overflowing with shades of pink—from delicate blush to bold hot pink—was accented with touches of baby blue and creamy white. The aisle was flanked by three floral runners on each side, featuring vivid dahlias, roses, delphiniums, and greenery, creating a magical garden-like atmosphere. Lauren’s bouquet incorporated lisianthus, peonies, ranunculus, and roses in soft candy-pink tones, accented with cascading velvet ribbons. Adding a deeply personal touch, the bouquet included a gilded antique charm with a photo of Lauren’s father. Reception Design . At the reception, the floral focus shifted to an incredible ceiling installation inside the Celebration House. Cascading greenery and dreamy pink blooms intertwined with vintage crystal chandeliers, creating an ethereal canopy above the black-and-white checkered dance floor. Twinkle lights were woven throughout the ceiling, casting a magical glow, while soft white fabric draped elegantly across the structure, adding a romantic and airy touch. At the center of the Celebration House, the orchestra stood as a striking focal point. Surrounded by lush floral arrangements, their crisp white tuxedos and vintage-style sheet music stands seamlessly tied into the overall design. The florals framing the orchestra mirrored the elegance of the ceiling installation, creating a cohesive and dramatic effect that delighted guests throughout the evening. The sweetheart table was surrounded by lush floral arrangements that echoed the colors and textures of the ceremony florals, creating an intimate and garden-like atmosphere for Lauren and Alex. The couple’s custom crest, featuring their beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, was seamlessly incorporated throughout the reception. It adorned the stationery, seating chart, table numbers, and bar design, adding a cohesive and personal touch to the space. The tabletops reflected the elegance of the ceiling installation. Long tables were adorned with crystal cloches filled with florals, concrete busts with ivy spilling out, and lush pink floral runners. Round tables featured brass vessels filled with airy arrangements of blush blooms, accented with flickering brass candlesticks with pink tapers. Each place setting included a silky pink napkin tied into a bow and custom watercolor menus.

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Wedding Cake The wedding cake was a decadent chocolate creation with layers of chocolate ganache and buttercream frosting. Designed with vintage elegance, the three-tiered masterpiece featured intricate piping, delicate bows, and a custom retro topper that perfectly matched Lauren’s distinct golden locks. Vanessa from Sweet Details in Grand Rapids, Michigan, paid close attention to Lauren’s wedding stationery and overall vision, ensuring that the cake and petite desserts matched her design perfectly. As a heartfelt surprise, Vanessa added fondant versions of the couple’s beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Gigi and Percy, nestled at the back of the cake. This detail was so sweet, so personal, and such an amazing surprise

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Readings, Ceremony Music, and Reception Songs. The ceremony featured a string quartet by Clifford Music Group playing pop arrangements. Family and the bridal party processed to Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams, while Lauren walked down the aisle to Coldplay’s Yellow. A particularly memorable moment came when Alex’s mom gave a reading from Star Wars, blending Alex’s love for the series with her heartfelt message to the couple. The reception was brought to life by the Rhythm Society Orchestra, a 16-piece ensemble that transported guests to the golden age of music. Performing classics from the Great American Songbook, including Glenn Miller, Count Basie, and Frank Sinatra, the orchestra created an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Lauren and Alex shared their first dance to Frank Sinatra’s The Way You Look Tonight, a perfect moment of romance and nostalgia. Alex’s dad gave a heartfelt welcome speech, and Alex’s mom offered a touching blessing, adding meaningful family moments to the evening. Special Details:

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]1. The Custom Wedding Clutch
Lauren carried a one-of-a-kind clutch that perfectly reflected her personality and wedding vision. The clutch featured her wedding embroidered on one side, while the other side showcased Gossip Girl-inspired fabric, a nod to her favorite show and its timeless style. This bespoke accessory was both sentimental and fashionable.
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2. Gossip Girl-Inspired Touches Lauren’s love for Gossip Girl was thoughtfully woven throughout her wedding. The invitations featured a watercolor illustration of garden black-tie attire, including a dress inspired by Blair Waldorf’s iconic red gown in Paris, reimagined in pink. Macarons from Ladurée, a Blair Waldorf favorite, were included at Lauren’s tea party on the wedding day. Pink peonies, both Blair and Lauren’s favorite flower, were prominently featured in the floral arrangements.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]3. The Watercolor Artwork
One of Lauren’s favorite parts of the wedding planning process was collaborating with Martina Visnjic of Lana Dreams Design to create custom watercolor artwork for the wedding. Working with Martina was a dream, as she beautifully brought Lauren’s visual dreams to life. From the whimsical custom crest featuring Gigi and Percy to the gatefold invitations that resembled a fairytale storybook, Martina’s art set the stage for the entire wedding weekend.
The watercolor designs extended far beyond the invitations, becoming a defining element of the wedding’s aesthetic. The art was used to decorate pillows, the bar, matchbooks, stir sticks, stickers for the welcome boxes, programs, and even the menus and table numbers. [/field]
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Wedding Inspiration That Celebrates Going Deeper With Color

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The words that kept floating around as we dreamed up this design were: a refined, modern, European experience. With those words at the forefront of our minds, the design for this began with the front door of the beautiful property, Greencrest Manor. This chateau-inspired manor has a gentle tan exterior that is covered with deep green vines, but one element that stands out amongst these exterior details is the front door as it is a dark, rich brown tone. Since the change of guard at Greencrest, it has turned into a perfect mixture of old and new. We wanted to incorporate Jenn’s transformation of the Manor and her respect to the original beauty through the details that were chosen. PR Rentals had the perfect rentals to compliment our design direction that Maddie Laidig Designs was able to come alongside of. As you look through, you will see the pattern of the plates through the velvet framed menus and hummingbird place cards, the slatted wood bases of the tables with the welcome sign. Each detail was woven through each element of the editorial – the ceremony, reception, bar, stationery, and the bride and groom. We hope this editorial provides inspiration to engage deeper into color palettes, textures. – Stephanie Abbitt

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]This color palette was an exciting adventure to work with. We chose black, brown, yellow, peach, pink, tan and cream. The base colors were inspired by the manor and the additional colors were inspired by romantic, spring tones. – Stephanie Abbitt[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]Greencrest Manor is a hidden gem, tucked away in Battlecreek, Michigan by tall trees that also line the driveway to the property. The story of its origin is one of endearing love – a couple who dreamed of bringing a little bit of France to this beautiful land. Every corner of this property is filled with beauty: gardens bursting with color and fragrant florals, a distinguished she-shed to hide away in, winding paths hugged by blooming hydrangeas. We chose each vignette carefully to display the versatile aspects of this venue. – Stephanie Abbitt[/field]
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The Manor and the design was filled with floral inspiration and patterns, our Berta gown showcased the same. The bride adorned a second gown from Marie Gabriel Couture, a soft and romantic style in juxtaposition to the ornately detailed Berta gown. – Stephanie Abbitt

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Pairing spring florals that were both soft and delicate with textures and blooms that pulled in the mature brown tones of the manor was crucial to create a cohesive look to the editorial. LB Floristry used over 35+ different varieties of flowers, blooming branches, and vines to bring the vision to life. In addition to many of the flowers being sourced locally, all the designs were created without the use of floral foam, to reflect the natural garden setting and promote sustainability whenever possible. [/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Quiet Luxury Design Done Right at Greencrest Manor

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[field title=”The Inspiration”]This was a collaborative workshop for florists, planners and photographers. The teams worked together to create a beautiful collection.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]whites, green, black[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]Greencrest Manor, located in Battlecreek, Michigan is a French styled chateau with lush gardens and estate views.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a stunning Monique Lhuiller gown with the perfect amount of flair. Styled perfectly by Gabrielle Hurwitz this seamlessly blended with the look of the flowers and estate. [/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The elegant white flowers worked to enhance the lush ivy walls played off the gardens with ferns and roses. [/field]
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Petit Bouquet

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A Charming Michigan Venue That Resembles the English Countryside

Once upon a time … Rachel & Bryan transported their guests to the whimsically romantic world of Greencrest Manor! Modern Day Collective planned a day of pure magic for the happy couple within the English-style gardens of the vine-enveloped venue with the most delightful of details. Think floral arrangements & bouquets that resemble freshly picked wildflowers and charming blue toile de jouy-inspired linens! And, you can’t miss the “happily ever after” cake moment under a gazebo that’s straight from a fairytale! Enchant yourself with all the magic that Clary Pfeiffer captured in the full gallery!

From Clary Pfeiffer Photography… After 6 years of dating, planning a wedding was something we became so excited for. We are old souls at heart, we love history and have an affection for antique and vintage things. We knew that we wanted our wedding to be a reflection of who we are. The very original plan was to elope in Ireland…but 2020 had other plans. We thought of just eloping on our own so many times, but we knew we wanted an intimate celebration with our family and closest friends.

Multiple venues and multiple planned dates later, we found Greencrest Manor. Upon seeing Greencrest, we knew it was the perfect venue for us. Greencrest has the ability to transport you to another world, a world that definitely resembles Europe. The manor house itself is so stunning and the gardens are a dream. And I will never be able to say enough kind words about the team. They are so wonderful. They truly understood me and how all the little details were important to us.

I have a love for handmade paper, so I knew I wanted our invitation suite printed on paper with deckled edges. I had the suite designed by Blossom and Ivory. She did a beautiful job with the illustration of Greencrest Manor. Once designed, I had Porridge Papers print everything for us. They make beautiful paper by hand which gives it a wonderful texture and feel. We used the same paper for our vow books.

We both really cared about the details of our attire for our wedding and spent a lot of time thinking about each thing from head to toe. Finding a dress was a process for me, none of them seemed to be exactly what I wanted. Eventually I fell in love with the lace detail and layers of my Essence of Australia dress but knew I wanted to add an overskirt that I had custom made to go over. Between the two pieces, it was the perfect dream dress I wanted.

I reached out to Emmy London and we did a Facetime design session so I could get a bespoke pair of wedding shoes. She was so wonderful to work with. My shoes were so beautiful. And I love that I have the custom sketch of the shoes to keep forever.

Bryan had his tuxedo custom made for him by Tom James. They come to your house, take all of your measurements. You get to pick out fabrics and linings, it was a really wonderful process. The end result is amazing because he has a beautiful tuxedo that fits him perfectly. The company was also able to embroider our names on his cuff, along with our wedding date on his inside jacket pocket.

Family and history were a really big part of our special day. For my ‘something blue’, I wore my maternal great grandmother’s ring. On my fathers side of the family, we have a wedding tradition that has been passed down since the 1800s. We have a gold bracelet that all the girls wear on their wedding days. It was an honor to wear the same bracelet that many generations before me have as well. My God-daughter is my cousins daughter, she was our flower girl, and I got to share the bracelet story with her that day. Our wedding was also very special in that we chose the date to share the anniversary with my grandparents. They have been married for 60 plus years. My grandfather is also the one who officiated our ceremony.

We both share a love of flowers and gardening so flowers were also something we knew we wanted in abundance at our wedding. Lots of color, greenery and organic looking garden flowers. Jen who owns Greencrest is an amazing floral designer and she made the most beautiful bouquet for me. So much color and filled with lisianthus, dahlias and snapdragons. Greencrest set up such a beautiful and simple ceremony space right behind the manor house. We also knew we wanted to do a toss right after ‘I do’ as we headed down the aisle. I had velum programs made that doubled as envelopes filled with dried flower petals.

Right in the middle of Greencrest’s beautiful gardens, they have a conservatory. We knew we wanted to highlight it in some way. We considered having our ceremony in front of it, but then decided to bring our guests into the gardens after the ceremony for a champagne toast and cake cutting. We really enjoyed being able to thank everyone for coming right in this same moment. Our cake vendor, Bella Dolce, was the only vendor we kept throughout the process of our re-planning. I love cake and Erin makes the most delicious lemon rosemary cake with lemon curd and buttercream frosting. Our top tier didn’t get saved… I ate it within days of our wedding!

After cake cutting and toasts, our guests were able to enjoy the bar, infused water stations and head inside the manor for a wonderful food display. We knew we didn’t want the formality of a sit down dinner. With only about 45 guests, we wanted our guests to be able to stroll around the house and property, or have a seat on the patio. It was a wonderful atmosphere to just see our family and friends relaxing and having conversation. We did our dances right on the back patio of the manor. My good friend sang our first dance song which was also really special.

The cream on top of it all was having Clary photograph our wedding. Her and Travis are truly wonderful souls. And I stare at our wedding photos and can’t quite believe they are ours!

Our day was beautifully perfect in every way for us. Definitely worth the wait of so many cancellations and postponements!

Darling Details At This Greencrest Manor Retreat Wedding

An intimate respite from the busy world, Greencrest Manor is a European-style bed and breakfast that will take your breath away. From the cascading ivy to the sprawling gardens, every inch of this venue offers inspiration. Modern Day Collective dreamed up the most elegant of days in the fresh air, and we can’t help but fall in love with every last detail. From the romantic spring florals to the loveliest lace Claire Pettibone dress, beauty awaits you at every corner. The charm and style of the day is artfully captured in the imagery by Shanell Photography. Don’t miss the full gallery for a closer look.

From Shanell Photography… Hosting a unique and educational retreat had been a long-time goal, executing it successfully was amazing. With some of the best vendors in Michigan, we truly made the most beautiful retreat and shoot.

Greencrest Manor is a unique venue with a European feel. The grounds are filled with some of the most amazing floral and there is beauty around every corner. Offering a shoot for our attendees at such an amazing location was such a highlight.

The dreamy spring floral along with Claire Pettibone’s new dress design was our inspiration for the design of the shoot. From the floral to the couple, and even cake design everything was breathtaking.

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Petit Bouquet

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Intimate And Endearing Affair At Greencrest Manor

Set in the sprawling gardens of Greencrest Manor, this intimate celebration is sure to steal your heart. The incredibly talented team at Modern Day Collective worked with Kaylee and Lane to create a heart-centered day overflowing with love. Each detail is more beautiful than the last, from the bride’s father officiating the ceremony to the family style meal that made dinner feel even more personal. Clary Pfeiffer Photography’s unparalleled imagery is equal parts tender and touching. Fall in love with all the pictures in the full gallery.

From the bride and groom… We knew going into it that we would need to have a smaller wedding due to COVID, and it ended up being perfect. Not only was it so much easier to pay attention to the details while planning, but it was also so much more enjoyable on the day of — we were able to connect with everyone who came in a way that was much more meaningful.

One of my favorite memories of the day was probably the ceremony itself. My dad officiated our wedding, so it was very special to both Lane and I, and personal in a way that everyone could understand. It is definitely a memory I’ll cherish forever.

Because we planned a smaller wedding, I knew that I wanted an intimate dinner to be the main feature of our reception. Modern Day Collective helped bring that idea to life, and set up two long tables that our guests shared, while our caterer The Everyday Chef and Wife prepared a family-style meal that made the dinner even more personal.

English Garden Style Wedding Set in Michigan

You know what I really, truly love about this wedding? These college sweethearts managed to bring an English garden vibe to the bride’s home state of Michigan. Think summertime romance set at an elegant manor, with ‘maids dressed in the prettiest pink gowns by twobirds Bridesmaid. Amy Carroll photographed and there’s much more this way.

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From the Bride…Jake and I have been together for eight years, since our freshman year in college. I knew he was the love of my life as soon as I met him and I could not wait to marry him. We got engaged in New York City, where we live, and always knew we would tie the knot back home in Michigan. While that definitely came with challenges, I absolutely loved planning our wedding. I found our venue, Greencrest Manor, on a photographer’s blog and instantly fell in love. It’s set in the middle of nowhere and out of 200 guests, only a couple had ever heard of it. It was perfect for the casual-yet-elegant garden wedding we envisioned.

The amazing and slightly difficult part about our venue was that we needed to bring everything in, from the tent and tables to the catering. We spent hours doing research online and speaking to different vendors to find exactly what we wanted. It was tedious and time consuming, but we ended up with a team of vendors that we adored. About three months before the wedding we realized we really needed a day of coordinator. Hiring Emily and Claire from Polished Events and Celebrations was one of the best wedding planning decisions we made.

Because we planned from a distance, we tried to keep the DIY projects to a minimum, but thankfully my family helped a lot. My mom is an angel and spray-painted all of our candelabras gold and spent hours at flea markets looking for vintage cake stands and pie plates for the dessert table. My dad made a rustic set of cornhole boards, my sister made banners and a bunch of other decor, my lovely husband attached 150 envelope liners for the invitations, and I spent the nights leading up to the wedding hand-assembling 200 program fans.

One of my favorite parts about planning a wedding was finding ways to incorporate personal details. Our officiant was our favorite professor from college—he got ordained just to perform our ceremony and it could not have been more perfect. Part of my bouquet ribbon came from my mom’s wedding dress, which my grandma handmade. She passed away a couple years ago and she always wanted me to marry Jake, so I loved having part of her with me. My headpiece and earrings were custom-designed by my favorite jeweler, Lulu Frost. She also designed earrings for my mom and sister, which we plan to pass down to our daughters. The donuts and bagels (which we served as a late night snack) came from a bakery Jake used to work at, the cake was made by a childhood friend—I could go on and on!

The smartest thing we did was a first look. We took all of our photos before the wedding, and then as the shuttle pulled up to the venue with our guests, every bride’s nightmare came true—it started pouring. I’ll be completely honest, I was really, really sad at first. But Jake took charge and decided we should start with cocktail hour and see if the rain let up. We had a “grand entrance” down the spiral staircase, ate a few hors d’oeuvres and, thankfully, it stopped raining so we could get married outside.

Even with the rain, it was the perfect day. Our guests had so much fun dancing to the Bluewater Kings Band, our dessert table was nearly empty by the end of the night and it was amazing to spend an evening with our closest friends and family. The dress and Manolos may have ended up covered in mud, but I wouldn’t have changed a single thing.

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