Michigan Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

A Glam Greenhouse Soiree

Sarah + Matt met about three years ago at Detroit’s St. Andrews Hall during a show Matt was playing in. Sarah was on a date with another guy and when Matt set eyes on her, he did everything he could to get her attention. Their relationship was long distance for much of their time dating and August 2016 Matt proposed in a hot air balloon ride. Their winter wedding was on another level!

From Erin Schmidt Photography… Her vision was described as wild romance, candlelit and tons of flowers and greens and it was exactly that and so much more. Sarah had thought of every single detail down to having hankies in every chair for the ceremony for guests to cry in!

Her dress was honestly the most stunning gown I’ve ever seen – horse hair skirt with a sheer long sleeved low back top by Hayley Paige. The girls started the day poppin’ bottles of champagne in their hotel room and ended the night under the stars of Planterra’s greenhouse. It was just perfection.

The King Proteas on every table wer breathtaking, hand-lettered place cards in every seat, and a seating chart with roman numerals made by the groom’s brother. Their ceremony began just after sunset with personal vows that had the room weeping. Followed by a swanky cocktail hour with their yummy signature cocktail. Lots of laughs, hugs and tons of people “cutting a rug” as the bride says. Just so many intimate details and so much love and design in their day.

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Hayley Paige

Spring 2014

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Blush by Hayley Paige

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This Wedding Brings Southern California Style to Traverse City

From the artful floral crowns crafted by Darling Botanical to the macrame backdrop at the reception, this Traverse City wedding is full of Southern California’s signature style. We love the effortless, boho vibe, but what we love even more is the playful nature of this adorable couple and their joyful smiles captured by Anna Lord Studio – they can’t take their eyes off each other!

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Summer Weddings

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Barn

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Bohemian

From Anna Lord Studio… Chaise and Michael’s wedding day was unbelievably intimate and filled with tears, laughter, and quality time with their closest family and friends. Their semi-destination wedding in Traverse City, Michigan, brought out some of their oldest and dearest friends from California, which made for an even more meaningful celebration. They both have such great taste, and it definitely reflected their modern, bohemian, and romantic style in their wedding details.

One of my favorite moments was when we were doing their portraits, they had decided to do the famous “dirty-dancing” move in the midst of this beautiful field with horses and rolling hills! Even beyond how fun that was, their love for each other is one of the sweetest and most caring that I’ve ever seen. They concluded their time at the venue by dancing on the deck of the barn under the beautiful night sky. It was a beautiful day!

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Although Cold Outside, This Winter Wedding Warmed Hearts Everywhere

This winter-loving couple braved the Michigan cold on their January wedding day with the talented Blaine Siesser Photographer in tow to snap a few photos, and let me tell you, it paid off! The beautiful Bride looked radiant in her Bill Levkoff gown against the snowy, white backdrop. Bonus: the cold gives you all the more reason to snuggle with your Groom! So if you’re dreaming of a winter wedding, head to the Vault for inspiration that will absolutely warm your heart.

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Winter Weddings

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Hotels + Resorts Weddings

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Classic Weddings

From the Blaine Siesser Photographer… Leading up to Krista’s wedding, I was excited! I knew her wedding was going to be full of love and so beautiful! With Alicia Caldecott from A Day in May leading the way with creative ideas and production expertise, this event was bound to be amazing.

Krista and Jed’s touching grace for each other and their warm hearts were the x factor that really made this one of my favorite events, too. They are a couple that truly values people, and they threw this party for their friends and family. They placed them as their top priority.

About six months before their wedding, Krista and Jed made the trip down to Detroit, and we had a blast taking photos all over the city at their engagement session. They are true adventurers, and exploring Detroit together was a great lead-in to their January wedding. A winter wedding is (always) an adventure too – you just don’t know what Michigan will have for you on any given Saturday in January. That day in Detroit was when Krista first told me she loved the winter! I could hardly believe her, but after seeing her wedding day, it is completely true. Considering that fact, she must have had her perfect wedding. It was 15 degrees with a wind chill and light flurries. Fleece shawls and Ugg boots adorned the bridesmaids while Krista kept warm with only her veil, bouquet, a tailored Bill Levkoff, and Jed’s hugs. He also lent her his jacket in between photos. After a first look at a family friend’s historic farm property, Krista and Jed stopped by the downtown district of Traverse City to take a few photos in front of the kissing wall (now since demolished making that photo even more special) and the theatre.

At the reception, Krista and her guests were greeted with the warm glow of endless candelabras on long tables. It was a perfect winter evening spent staying cozy warm at the Grand Traverse Resort with toasts, dances, and his and her custom cocktails. I was blessed to be there and to know this wonderful couple. If you ever see a couple walking the streets of any snowy winter city without a hat and gloves, you might have found this wonderful duo – say hello! Here’s to more wonderful winter weddings! Stay warm out there!

Floral Crowns + Boho Chic Ceremony Sites = Wedding Wonderland

From the ceremony teepee to the lush floral crowns, every single detail of this romantic, boho bash makes my heart sing. Just when you think it can’t get any better… it does. Savan Photography outdid themselves with these images and this gorgeous gallery right here is one for the Pinterest pages if I do say so myself. Dive into these details and dream away!

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Summer Weddings

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Outdoor Weddings

From Savan Photography… Savannah and Gavin are the most amazing, sweet and intelligent couple. They held a gorgeous wedding at Savannah’s parents’ summer home in Holly Michigan, where Savannah ran around in the woods and spent endless warm days in the lake throughout her childhood. Savannah looked stunning in a gorgeous gown that was simple, yet had a very playful flare. Their ceremony was held on the beach part of the lake and her father built the wooden tee-pee, surrounded on all sides by friends and family. Their vows were emotional and beautifully-written. The romantic, a touch of boho chic, and that comfort of home theme of their wedding was accented with blush bridesmaids gowns and blush, greens and whites with accents of local blackberries in florals by The Weed lady and gorgeous farm tables displayed in the beautiful “Field House” that her father built for this special event. It was a magical day that had a wonderful heart, Midwest charm, love and an overwhelming sense of family.

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Elizabeth Fillmore

Fall 2013

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The All-Inclusive Venue You HAVE to Meet

If you’re worried that choosing an all-inclusive venue will send you down the path to a cookie cutter wedding: don’t be. Trust us – you can have that glam celebration you’ve always wanted with all of the convenience an all-in-one location has to offer. Need proof? Check out The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center – they can handle it all.

Choosing an all-inclusive venue doesn’t have to mean giving up higher-end options like high-quality invitations, gorgeous linens and stunning table settings. With Hallmark Weddings at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, you’ll be working with a team of talented wedding pros that know how to handle everything, right down to setting up room blocks for all of your loved ones. We’re super impressed with their unique wedding packages – which start with a luxe venue of your choosing and touch on everything from customized menus to makeup + salon time to invites from the Halls Department Store.

Wedding planning shouldn’t be stressful. So if you find yourself struggling with finding the right florist or musician, need help with choosing the perfect pre-wedding event outfits or just want to make sure your guests are completely taken care of, contact The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center to talk all things Hallmark Weddings. You’ll even earn perks on every guest room booked.

Floral-Filled Spring Wedding at this Gorgeous Conservatory

Destination weddings don’t always mean you’re traveling around the world to some tropical or foreign location to say “I do.” Sometimes the destination is in your home country of the US of A but miles and miles away. Such was the case for this darling duo, who traveled from their home in Colorado to where family and friends were in beautiful Michigan to become Mr. and Mrs. And so, their dreamy destination wedding was planned from across the country, but no detail was forgotten, from the fantastic florals at Planterra Conservatory to a pretty perfect cake by Sweet Heather Anne. Kelly Sweet, with assistance by Jen Lynne, captured it all so you brides-to-be planning parties from afar – take note, this is how you do it.

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Spring Weddings

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Garden Weddings

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Romantic

From the Bride… When Nick and I began looking for a venue for our wedding, we both knew that we wanted to find something unique and special. We didn’t know exactly what we were looking for, but had a feeling that once we found the perfect location, we would know. Although we live in Colorado and would have loved to get married in one of the quaint mountain towns, we knew that getting married closer to where we grew-up would be more suitable for our family and friends. The majority of Nick’s family and friends live in Michigan, so we decided that Michigan would be the place. Upon making this decision, I quickly began researching popular venues throughout the entire state. It wasn’t long before I came across Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield.

I knew immediately after seeing Planterra’s website and skimming through photos from past Planterra weddings, that Planterra Conservatory was it. Nick was equally captivated by the photos and testimonials written by past brides and grooms. Without even visiting the venue in person, Nick and I contacted the wonderful staff at Planterra, picked a date, and put down a deposit to reserve our date. Although we were a little nervous about making such an important decision so quickly, Planterra was that unique and special place we had been looking for.

It wasn’t long before Nick and I planned a trip to West Bloomfield to visit the venue and meet with David DiVincenzo, the event director at Planterra. Our initial meeting with David helped to elevate any worries that Nick and I had previously. He was extremely professional, friendly, and helpful. He provided us with a list of recommended vendors for us to choose from. This list was extremely helpful being that we were planning a destination wedding.

Having been a part of multiple weddings over the years, I knew that finding a talented photographer to capture our day was extremely important. David provided me with a list of about ten different photographers, all of which seemed talented. However, I knew that after seeing photos taken by Kelly Sweet, she was the photographer for us. It was apparent after looking through her gallery and blog that she has the ability to capture a moment in a very intimate and magical way. Kelly took the time to meet with Nick and I a couple of months before the wedding, allowing us to get to know each other. It was during this meeting that we established a friendly and comfortable relationship with Kelly. It was because of this relationship that I believe Kelly was able to capture our personalities, our love for each other, and the fun we, as well as our guests, had at our wedding.

In addition to photography, Nick and I also spent a good deal of time researching the other vendors that Planterra recommended. It was extremely easy when selecting someone to design and make our wedding cake. We chose Sweet Heather Anne from Ann Arbor, MI. Heather is a very talented cake designer and baker, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision to have Heather and her team bake our cake. During our cake tasting, Nick and I provided Heather with an inspiration board. Heather used our inspirations to design the wedding cake of our dreams. In addition to our wedding cake, she also made macarons that paired very nicely with the cake flavors we selected. The final product – our wedding cake with the combination of macaroons was perfect.

Nick and I are very thankful for all of the vendors we worked with. We thoroughly enjoyed working with our officiant, Stephen Hulbert. He made our ceremony extremely special by including details about how Nick and I met. He also provided Nick and I with a good deal of time to read our own vows. Although Nick and I were hesitant about writing our own vows and reading them during the ceremony, we were very happy with this decision. Our DJ, Pro DJ Services, did a wonderful job playing music for our ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. The music played helped create that romantic and fun atmosphere that we were hoping for.

Nick and I decided to splurge when renting a vintage car to transport us to the venue. The 1949 Packard “Hugo” rented through Motor City Vintage Rentals added that extra special touch that we were looking for. The photos with the “Hugo” came out fantastic and our ride in the car was very memorable.

It was because of the amazing staff at Planterra and our wonderful vendors that planning a destination wedding wasn’t at all challenging. Planterra provided Nick and I with all of the necessary tools, timelines, and overall design ideas. Planterra’s beauty helped Nick and I identify what we envisioned for our wedding. We were hoping for a whimsical and romantic garden party, which is exactly what Planterra provided. The plants and flowers already present at the venue helped us select our color palate – different shades of green and pink tied in beautifully with the setting. The staff at Planterra successfully translated our vision through the flowers, table settings, and overall ambience. Nick and I added our own special touches through the many custom signs, table numbers, frames, and favors that were scattered throughout the reception area.

Nick and I, as well as all our guests, were blown away by the entire day. Planterra Conservatory is beautiful and our wedding was an absolute dream. It was unique and special, exactly what we were hoping for.

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Your Key To the Perfect Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party Weekend

Sure, wedding planning is time-consuming, but don’t let all of those other all-too-important events fall to the wayside. Your bridal shower, bachelorette party and honeymoon are meant to be awesome, and that means throwing on your best heels and finding a space that will totally accommodate you and the ones you love. Get inspired (and find the perfect locale) below.

Finding the ultimate spot to host all of those “other” events may seem a little daunting, but The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center makes it sooo easy with oversized rooms that are totally luxurious AND undergoing a fab renovation that will be completed in 2018. Yep, your fave hotel in Crown Center will be even better, with plenty of space for hosting that bridal shower or bachelorette party. We’re obsessed with their convenient locale for any last-minute shopping and their easy access to airport travel. Not to mention their Bridal Suites are perfect for morning-of festivities, so you can relax with your besties before you walk down the aisle. (Champagne optional.)

When it comes to making it simple for you and your guests, The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center most definitely delivers. Host your entire wedding weekend at the hotel, or set aside room blocks for your off-site celebration. Trust us, you’ll love the beautiful rooms (we mentioned they were renovated, right?) and easy access to dining, shopping and nightlife. Oh, and don’t forget your honeymoon and check out the romantic suites with stunning views.

Contact The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center today to guarantee that every last part of your celebration is in place.

A Engagement in the Lavender Fields of Northern Michigan

On first glance, I thought this engagement session took place in the lavender fields of Provence. But as I looked a bit closer, I found this stunning landscape is actually set right in Midwest – Charlevoix, Michigan to be specific. Jaclyn and Josh took advantage of this Northern Michigan gem and Emily Jane along to capture their dreamy engagement session from beginning to end. More pretty right this way!

From the photographer… Jaclyn and Josh’s engagement session could not have been planned for a more beautiful day in Northern Michigan. We started off at the beach with their pup then headed to a nearby lavender field for golden hour.

Photography: Emily Jane Photography

9 Wedding Locations You Havent Heard About Yet

We know that finding the perfect wedding venue isn’t always easy, especially if you’re looking for something that totally speaks to you and yours. So today we’re running through a list of nine (yes, NINE) fab venues we absolutely love, so you can find that dream locale. Scroll for some hidden gems you haven’t even heard of.

THE ST. REGIS WASHINGTON, D.C.

Why we love it: Just steps from the White House, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is the perfect mix of luxe accommodations and upscale wedding offerings – all with a dash of historical charm. You can opt for a cocktail hour in the Italianate revival lobby, or celebrate your “I do’s” in the Astor Ballroom with its hand-stenciled ceiling (an original 1926 decorative feature) and Palladian windows overlooking The Astor Terrace. This place is beautiful, you guys – and it’s no wonder it continues to be named the “Best Hotel for Small Weddings” by Washington Magazine. It’s just that good.

What you can’t miss: The Astor Terrace. Perfect for ceremonies OR receptions, this gem of an outdoor space features a dreamy fountain. Need we say more?

W SCOTTSDALE

Why we love it: Located smack-dab in the middle of Scottsdale’s Entertainment District, W Scottsdale is every modern lovin’ bride’s dream. Think totally chic contemporary spaces (both indoor and outdoor) perfect for celebrating your Big Day, plus amazing accommodations that will make your entire wedding weekend.

What you can’t miss: Their fab W Insider service. It’s concierge plus some with everything you’ll ever need just a push of a button away. Whatever you want, whenever you want it.

LE MÉRIDIEN DELFINA SANTA MONICA

Why we love it: Situated just three blocks from the ocean with great access and breathtaking views, plus offering up some awesome amenities for guests (hey there, Bicycle Programme), Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica seamlessly combines a glam spot to say “I do” with all of that laid-back Southern Cali charm we love so much. We’re obsessed with their Pool Terrace receptions, not to mention their chef-inspired catering menus and views of the Pacific Ocean.

What you can’t miss: Their venues. From the Delfina Ballroom to the Terrazza Garden, Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica has you covered when it comes to celebrating in style.

HOTEL COLONNADE CORAL GABLES, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL

Why we love it: Ideal for those travel lovers who want to say “I do” in complete luxury, the Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables has elegant weddings (and accommodations) down to an absolute science. From their 23,000 square feet of event space to their gorgeous venue options (hello, marble-tiled rotunda) to their talented staff that knows everything there is to know about throwing the perfect wedding, you’ll most definitely be making a statement.

What you can’t miss: Their Make a Green Choice Program. Guests receive a $5 food credit or 500 SPG points just for making the choice to conserve natural resources in their room. We love that.

THE WESTIN CHICAGO NORTHWEST

Why we love it: It’s hard not to fall in love with a setting as pretty as Hamilton Lake and when you add in a climate-controlled tent and fully-renovated guest rooms, you have yourselves one of the prettiest wedding locales in all of Chicago. Plus, the Westin Chicago Northwest also offers up a plethora of indoor + outdoor venue options, customizable menus AND your very own wedding specialist.

What you can’t miss: Their 24-hour room service. (Enough said.)

SHERATON SAN DIEGO HOTEL & MARINA

Why we love it: You honestly can’t go wrong with a San Diego wedding, and the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is the epitome of a perfect SoCal soiree with a gorgeous seaside location and deluxe amenities. Now add in a stunning garden ceremony spot (with marina views) and indoor venue options that are just as cool and you have the perfect place to say “I do.”

What you can’t miss: The Culinary team. They’ve been named “Best Caterer” by San Diego Magazine for 15 years running. Yum.

THE EQUINOX, A LUXURY COLLECTION GOLF RESORT & SPA, VERMONT

Why we love it: You know we can never get enough of Vermont weddings and if you’re looking for the perfect destination spot: this is it. From their three unique venues (Pond Pavilion, Colonnade Ballroom and Meadow House) to the amazing views of the Equinox Mountain and the Taconic Mountain Ridge, The Equinox Resort has everything you’ll ever need for that dream wedding… AND can accommodate anywhere from 80 to 250 guests.

What you can’t miss: The activities. This four-season resort offers up a world of fun-filled adventures, from golfing to skiing to fishing to snowshoeing – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

THE ST. ANTHONY, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, SAN ANTONIO

Why we love it: Four words: Open-air rooftop ballroom. Yep, you can literally dance the night away under the stars. Plus, the St. Anthony has been hosting weddings for over a century, so you know you’re in good hands with their talented staff of event professionals. From their gorgeous rooms to their convenient downtown locale, you won’t be missing a thing.

What you can’t miss: The details. From crystal chandeliers to a winding staircase to theatrical lighting and a 19th Century French tapestry, get ready for some non-stop oohing and ahhing.

THE WESTIN GALLERIA & OAKS HOUSTON

Why we love it: If you’re having a celebration with a lot of out-of-town guests, you can’t pick a locale better than the Westin Galleria & Oaks Houston. Its Uptown location paired with its amazing guest amenities and reception space for up to 1,000 makes it the ideal location for those looking to explore the Galleria neighborhood of Houston. Think shopping, dining and spa-ing the days away. It’s perfect.

What you can’t miss: The Monarch Ballroom. With floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the city, this 24th floor gem is a reception dreamland.

Visit SPG Weddings to find out even more about these hidden gems AND all of the amazing perks of having an SPG Wedding. You can thank us later, friends.

Looking for a unique space to tie the knot? We found it.

Let’s be honest, no one wants a cookie cutter wedding. But if finding a venue that is the perfect mix of luxe accommodations and totally unique wedding space has left you a little frustrated, we’re here to help. Because today we’re hosting a little meet and greet with The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, a hotel that has everything you’re searching for. Find your dream space below.

Situated in the center of downtown Kansas City, The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center is the type of venue that just makes sense. Surrounded by Hallmark’s Crown Center and more than 85 acres of fabulous shopping, yummy restaurants and entertaining theaters, it’s the perfect spot to spend a weekend with your nearest and dearest, celebrating your big moment. But what really stands out about The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center is the amazing venue options. From sophisticated ballrooms, to the gorgeous panoramic views from The American, to the elegant rooftop locale known as the Games Deck, each venue will truly stun your guests. Which means saying goodbye to a generic, cookie-cutter wedding and hello to an awe-inspiring soiree for the ages. Just like you want.

Ready to host the wedding of the century at a hotel that knows everything there is to know about glamorous nuptials that are as unique as you and your love? Contact The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center today to start planning your dream day. With a talented team of wedding specialists, an amazing downtown location and accommodations that are the definition of luxurious, you honestly can’t go wrong. Oh, and don’t forget to ask about their Hallmark Wedding Packages, because, well… they’re awesome. Happy planning, loves!

All that Glitters is Pink with this Michigan Wedding

From the palest blush to the brightest fuchsia, this Michigan wedding is layered in every shade of pink. Now top that rosy color palette off with a healthy dose of sparkle and a ballroom dressed to the nines by All Grand Events along with imagery by Studio 41 Photography and you get one insanely glamorous celebration. See even more right here.

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Summer Weddings

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Ballroom Weddings

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Glamorous

From the Bride… Scott and I were engaged for a year and half before we tied the knot. Living in Michigan, I had always known I wanted a summer wedding. It took us only one week to fall in love with our venue. We visited the Grosse Pointe War Memorial once before signing on the dotted line. It was everything we had dreamed of in a venue. It was unique, over looked the water, and had a beautiful landscape unlike any venue we had ever seen before. When it came to my vision, I had always dreamed of a princess fairytale wedding. I lack any and all creative genes and therefore knew the perfect person to hire; that is Emily Dawson with All Grand Events. I told her the colors I envisioned and she took care of the rest. Between the absolutely stunning centerpieces, the rose gold sequin table clothes, and the gorgeous floral bouquets, the décor was my dream come true.

The details left every guest stunned in amazement. Emily made it so easy, I never worried about a thing. Scott and I were left free to focus on what really mattered, our love for each other. The day was so magical I could not have asked for anything better. We had our marriage ceremony around 1PM with our family and friends. We took our bridal army (19 groomsmen and bridesmaids to be exact) and spent the afternoon taking photos at some of our favorites spots around Detroit before ending up at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. One of my favorite moments of the day was taking photos with our amazing photographers/videographers from Studio 41 Photography. Majority of our photos were just of Scott and I and in the chaos of the day it was some alone time we had with each other to just take in the day and the moments.

My secondary favorite moment of the day was when the DJ finished playing his last song and our friends and family took it upon themselves to sing “Hey Jude” to Scott and I in synchronized fashion to keep the celebration going. It was such a magical day that I will never forget.

My advice for future brides is to take a deep breath and take in the excitement of the day. The day goes by so fast and things are likely to go wrong but at the end of the day none of the little things matter. I had always dreamed of doing a flying lantern release (like in the movie Tangled) at my wedding. I had everything ready to go, 50 lanterns in total. There happened to be a slight wind on the evening of the wedding and very few lanterns made it up in flight, and the ones that did caught trees on fire! At first I was disappointed things did not go as expected but it provided for some serious entertainment for the guests. I had 100+ guests chasing down these lanterns that were more so dangerous fireballs flying into trees and bushes. (For the record, no one was injured and all fires were quickly put out.) Most guests were laughing so hard they were in tears. It wasn’t the magical release I envisioned but it sure gave us all a laugh and still continues to this day. I wouldn’t have wanted any other way.

Meet Your One-Stop Shop for the Wedding of a Lifetime (Hint: It’s Amazing)

We all know Hallmark as THE place to go for greeting cards + gifts for every occasion. But take Hallmark’s knack for making every moment special and combine it with The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center and the results are pure magic. We’re talking beyond luxurious details, amazing accommodations and an all-inclusive wedding destination in Kansas City. This, loves, is how you say “I do” in style. Scroll to learn so much more about Hallmark Weddings.

When it comes to planning your Big Day, narrowing down the perfect venue isn’t always easy. Until now. That’s because with Hallmark Weddings at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, you can host your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony AND reception all in the same locale. Which means saying “goodbye” to a year of stressful planning and “hello” to an easy, streamlined experience with Hallmark’s Wedding Specialists. Think totally unique celebration packages with everything from customized menus, makeup + salon services, spa time and wedding registry + invitations provided by Halls Department Store. They can even help you with your engagement + wedding rings, bridal party gifts, suits, tailoring AND accessories for the Big Day. It’s literally a one-stop shop for everything you’ll ever need, all wrapped up in pretty, pretty packaging. Oh, and did I mention you and your guests will be staying at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center? Amazing.

Contact Hallmark Weddings today to begin working with the talented team of wedding pros that will take your day to the next level… and then some. You’ll receive a complimentary consultation with a sales manager, your very own online portal and complimentary gift packaging + delivery in Kansas City. You’ll even receive a 15% off registry completion discount, a $100 gift card and your very own registry from Halls Department Store. And, obviously you’ll want to check out Hallmark for all things paper goods, like your Save the Dates, wedding invites and day-of stationery. They can even help you with gifts for your guests and bridal party. Contact a Hallmark Wedding Specialist for all of the info at (816) 391-4410 or email hallmarkweddings@starwoodhotels. This is so awesome, you guys.

Select The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center as your wedding destination and you’ll receive special rewards and bonus Starpoints® which can be used immediately towards honeymoon nights including:

Up to 100,000 bonus Starpoints®*.
Overnight guestroom or suite accommodations for bridal couple on wedding night.
Sparkling toast during the wedding reception.

*Valid on weddings reserved this year and hosted by December 31, 2018. If you have 10 guests or more visiting from out of town, their stays will also earn you both additional Starpoints, redeemable for your honeymoon.

Venue: Westin Kansas City At Crown Center

Making a Frozen Lake Michigan Look Downright Gorgeous

Get lost in this winter wonderland created by Forever and a Day and captured by Kelly Sweet Photography. Set alongside frozen Lake Michigan, this wedding inspiration session features a layered, flowing Hayley Paige gown and a soothing, icy blue palette, drawing from the beauty of its natural surroundings. Yes, it is as good as it sounds. See it all in the Vault.

From Melissa Mathis of Forever and a Day… I was inspired by a photo of a Finland sunrise over the lake. I was captivated by the stillness of the season and the soothing colors that came with it. I wanted this shoot to embody and resemble the calmness that comes with a sunrise. Traditionally, a bride on her wedding day is a reflection of someone who will become the stillness of a family, however large, who has complete control both in slow times and in chaotic times.

For this inspiration, I chose a light blush gown with a large layered skirt to mimic the flowing water. The bride’s hair was styled into a messy fishtail pulled to the side, and her makeup was subtle, made up of red-browns, peaches, and pale pinks. Lastly, I designed the bride’s bouquet to be full of texture with a flowing ribbon, not wanting to overpower her gown. I also wanted the the main focus on the bride, capturing her more as an individual, rather than a pair.

I added a simple tablescape comprised of gold chargers, china, and flatware. A touch of baby eucalyptus was added to each place setting to give it texture. The last added aspect was the hot cocoa bar with several toppings, which blended perfectly with the cold, snowy backdrop.

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Petit Bouquet

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Wedding Dresses

Hayley Paige

Spring 2014

Fall 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

Spring 2016

Blush by Hayley Paige

Hayley Paige Occasions

Fall 2016

Spring 2017

Blush by Haley Paige

Spring 2018

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A Classic Art Museum Wedding With the Chicest Sparkliest Dresses Ever

What happens when you combine an art museum in a fabulous college town, sparkly bridesmaids dresses and an adorable couple? You get this wedding right here, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Blaine Siesser captured all the pretty pieces, from these fantastic dresses to a stunner of a cake, courtesy of Sweet Heather Anne. See these and more in our Vault right this way!

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Summer Weddings

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Church Museum

Styles

Classic Weddings

From the Bride.. Sam and I fell in love in Ann Arbor and had many beautiful dates at the UMMA. We wanted to share our college town and the museum with our guests by creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that highlighted the special space. I was most excited to marry my best friend and to celebrate with all of our friends and family. We had worked very hard for several months on the planning and we couldn’t wait to share the day with our guests. The best part of the day though was seeing Sam at the end of the aisle. I could feel my heart bursting. My favorite photo is of Sam and I walking together out of the church. I find it to be such a lovely snapshot that captures our relationship so sweetly. He has his hand on my back in a beautiful, supportive way and you can see his ring so clearly. To me it symbolizes us walking into our new future together.

This Minimal, Detroit Wedding Is a Work of Art

I don’t know what I love most about this wedding – the black and white color palette, the minimal letterpress stationery, the magnificent Detroit Institute of Arts venue, or the phenomenal Vera Wang dress (take a look at its stunning back cut out!). Every moment captured by Blaine Siesser Photography is modern yet timeless, and oh-so-good. But my favorite part of all is the intimacy of the gathering. Wanting to show their appreciation for their friends and family, the bride and groom gave handwritten, personalized letters to each of their beloved guests.

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From the Bride…. We wanted the wedding to feel more like an intimate dinner party for our guests and for each one of our guests to know how much we appreciated them being there. Celebrating with family and friends was the cornerstone of our day as well as staying true to our individual styles, so it was very important to us that the guest list was small and that the venue was private. Knowing that most of our guests would be coming from out of town, we also wanted the celebration to feel very iconic of the city Detroit. As we searched for wedding venues, we couldn’t help but feel like they all started to look the same until we saw the DIA. The marble flooring and intricate murals created the most perfect foundation for our unique vision. In addition to having one of the most amazing art collections in the world, we loved that the museum exhibited all the French architecture that inspired the design of the city.

The venue dictated the style of the day – modern yet timeless. The dress, the invitations, the photographer, and the décor for the day all flowed from there. In many ways, it was a challenge to find simple, elegant, and modern elements that highlighted how timeless we wanted the day to feel. To put our own personal touch – and as a gesture of appreciation – we gave each guest a handwritten letter, individually describing how much we appreciated their friendship and support, and had the letters waiting at their table settings.

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Wedding Dresses

Vera Wang

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

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An Unexpected Color Palette Makes for the Most Stunning Summer Affair

One of my favorite details entwined in most fall weddings is the gorgeous, rich color palettes so often used. But who says you have to wait until the leaves change to embrace the jewel tones of autumn? This summer celebration is infused with the prettiest layers of burgundy and it makes for a wildly good looking day. With florals + planning by Kaitlin Parisho Designs and so many gorgeous images by Emily Jane Photography, get lost in a gem that blends the look and feel of two seasons into one undeniably stunning day.

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Country Club

Styles

Classic Weddings

From the Photographer… Chris and Elise’s Wedding took place on a calm summer day. Elise wanted to shy away from the usual blush wedding and opt for a deeper hue as we were approaching fall. The contrast between the burgundy and grey was stunning on their sunny day, the two were nothing but smiles all day for each other. Kaitlin outdid herself with so man amazing florals throughout the day, even making a little crown for the cutest flower girl!

Cake: Sweet Heather Anne | Florals/Planning: Kaitlin Parisho | Hair Styling: Nici Forner | Makeup Styling: Megan Murphy | Wedding Photographers: Emily Jane Photography

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Petit Bouquet

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Capturing that Magic Golden Hour in a Stunning Engagement

Chasing that magic light is a skill that Emily Jane knows all too well. For this wildly gorgeous engagement, not only did she chase it, but she absolutely captured it. From glowing fields to a cozy afternoon at home, pore through all the pretty images of these soon to be Mr. and Mrs. right here in the vault.

On the day of Katie + Peter’s engagement session it was supposed to rain. Katie + Peter came from over an two hours to photograph their session so we made quick changes to shoot inside, but when the sun came out we rushed outside to capture the golden hour we were hoping for. This entire session is shot on film.

Wedding Photographers: Emily Jane Photography

The Perfect Summer Lake Wedding

Growing up, the bride spent her summers at the family cottage on the lake so it’s no surprise Izzy wanted to say “I do” in exactly that spot. She married her love, Tom surrounded by their favorite people, with Sincerely, Ginger Weddings & Events working her magic on the wedding day design. The photos by Rebecca Yale will leave you craving summer in a serious way and we can’t get enough.

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Lakeside

Styles

Casual Classic Weddings

Izzy and Tom were married on July 9, 2016 on Deer Lake at the Boyne Mountain Resort in MI. Izzy grew up spending her summer’s at her family’s cottage on the lake and knew that it would be the perfect spot to say her I Do’s. The bride and groom were married next to the lake facing the beach house all covered in ivy, which carried over into the flowers and design for the day. Izzy’s brother-in-law, Max, officiated the ceremony and the bride and groom were accompanied by Izzy’s sister and Tom’s brother as their Matron of Honor and Best Man. Instead of a traditional wedding party both the bride and groom invited their friends to get ready with them and take pictures with them all in shades of grey, cream and blue.

The custom letterpress invitation suite featured a custom watercolor crest and the Save The Date and welcome note featured watercolor illustrations of the dock on the lake and a map of the Traverse Bay area. The place cards were also watercolored in shades of blue and displayed on a hanging macrame piece at the entrance of the tent decorated in ivy. The bride wore a white grecian style Jenny Packham dress and accessorized it with blue Valentino pumps very similar to the shoes her sister wore the previous year to her wedding. The bride kept her family close to her on the day by wrapping her bouquet in her great grandmother’s handkerchief. The bride also paid tribute to her family by following in her mother and sister’s footsteps and smashing her own glass during the I Do’s.

The bride and groom had their first look by the lake followed by portraits in the forest before the ceremony while guests enjoyed a pre-ceremony refreshment. After the ceremony guests returned to the cocktail lounge area by the water and the Matron of Honor and officiant’s 6-month-old golden doodle puppy made a quick appearance. Guests were welcomed into the tent for dinner and dancing, which had been set in Tuscan blue linens with dark blue napkins and gold silverware for contrast with organic white and green centerpieces. The head table was a rectangular farm table with a leafy green runner dotted with white garden roses and peonies and a couch for the bride and groom to lounge on in between dances.

The bride surprised her groom with a dessert table full of donuts- his favorite treat- in addition to the cake. After cutting the cake the bride and groom took a quiet moment to themselves to walk to the end of the dock and watch sunset wrapped in one of the blankets thoughtfully provided for guests to snuggle up in as the nights get cold.

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Photography

Rebecca Yale Photography

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Bluewater Kings Band

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Jenny Packham

Bridal 2016 Catwalk

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Your Blueprint for a Modern Wintry City Wedding

Although this city wedding is layered with modern detailing, I can’t help but fall head over heels for the classic black and white captures that Blaine Siesser snapped up. And can we talk about this Alon Livne dress for a sec? Allll the heart eyes you guys. If you’re planning a city fete, might I suggest spending some time pinning this one in The Vault. Start to finish, it’s a gem darlings.

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Colors

Seasons

Winter Weddings

Settings

Hotels + Resorts Weddings

Styles

Modern

From the Bride… We met when we were twelve and thirteen at Camp Tamakwa and our relationship just lead from there. He finally proposed on the Saturday before the College for Creative Studies finals week because he wanted to really catch me off guard. We had planned to go out to dinner with both sets of parents. My mom had continuously asked me to get my nails done all week, but I was too distracted by my work to think twice about it. The night of dinner I did not bother to put on makeup or do my hair, threw on a pair of jeans, boots, and a sweater. My parents repeatedly asked me to dress more nicely for dinner which I kindly ignored. Josh asked me to come to his place before dinner for a drink which I was happy to do to get away from my parents nagging me about my outfit choice. I walked up to his door and found that he was in a suit holding flowers, and that the hall was decorated top to bottom with balloons, flowers, and framed pictures of us. He got down on one knee and I said yes. It was simple, intimate, and romantic, just like us.

On our wedding day I was most excited for Josh to see me in my wedding dress for the first time during our first look. I could not wait to see him all morning. Looking back, my favorite wedding memory is seeing Joshua for our first look. Seeing the expression on his face is something that I will never forget. My favorite wedding photo was taken during those first moments. DeeDee Hoffman our planner and Bruce our florist designed most of our day and planned it beautifully. Some styled elements I really enjoyed though were the bridesmaids who wore black slip dresses from the reformation, with black strappy heels, and I left jewelry up to them as long as it was minimal and gold or silver. We custom designed our rings. They were both rose gold, but mine had a diamond set in the ring. Mine is engraved on the inside with “I got my eyes on you” While his says “You are everything that I see” lyrics from our favorite Drake song.

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Petit Bouquet

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Lessons Learned When an Event Planner Ties the Knot

Make it personal, take care of your guests and don’t forget about the logistics … three incredible lessons from one incredible bride. Who also happens to be an event planner who knows her stuff. With photographs from Keen and Kind along with gorgeous florals + styling from, All Grand Events – a Little Black Book member that we ADORE – this is our own definition of wedding perfection. Click here for more!

From the Bride… Matt and I were engaged for almost two years before we walked down the aisle. We decided on a longer engagement so that we could book the vendors we wanted and we knew we needed extra time since we were planning a mini destination wedding. It was difficult for me specifically as a bride since I have been in the industry for six years as an Event Coordinator and Event Designer. I have played a role in hundreds of weddings and certainly felt the pressure to make sure all the notes I had from weddings of family, friends, and clients were taken into consideration.

Luckily, Matt and I were on the same page of what we envisioned for our wedding. We wanted to spend as much time with our family and friends as possible. As people get older and busier, it seems to be more difficult to gather and make memories. We took that as our vision for our wedding and decided to host our wedding in Traverse City in Northern Michigan.

Matt’s family had a home in Northern Michigan that we frequented throughout our relationship and my family spent every summer in Northern Michigan and it was such special place to both of us. We wanted our family and friends to spend the weekend with us up north. We met up with friends and family the night before on a patio along Lake Michigan with a live band, it was the perfect kickoff to the festivities ahead. We did a farewell brunch on Sunday at the hotel where everyone shared stories from the wedding and said their goodbyes after a great weekend together! The weekend allowed us to spend time and catch up with family and friends on numerous occasions. Since we had the whole weekend we didn’t feel rushed or feel that our wedding flew by, which is exactly what we hoped for when we decided to host a wedding weekend rather than just a wedding day!

We wanted our wedding to be timeless and classic, so we decided on a neutral color palette. I knew I wanted all the bridesmaids to feel comfortable in their dress so I opted to have the girls choose a floor length dress in any hue of champagne and the men wore black bow tie tuxedos. It worked out beautifully and the wedding party looked stunning!

From that point we chose to keep things as neutral and classic as possible with ivory, gold, and metallics. We knew that the beauty of Northern Michigan would help bring color to our wedding from the church among the green vineyards and the reception hall overlooking a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan. Our focal point for design was the reception hall. We wanted to transform it into a space that felt inviting and warm but also sophisticated and formal. All Grand Events did a beautiful job transforming our vision. We created a warm environment with ivory pipe and drape around the entire room and extra long tables where our guests dined in candlelight. The tables were perfection with gold candelabras, fresh florals, and beautiful place settings.

Our ultimate goal was for our guests to feel welcomed and taken care of the entire evening. We included personal elements to the cocktail hour with a fresh floral backdrop for guests to take pictures in front of, wedding pictures from generations past, and a “take home a taste of Michigan” favor table that included popular items that represented Michigan including Mackinac Island Fudge, dried cherries, salt water taffy, great lakes bumper stickers, and special Michigan State University cookies as a nod to East Lansing where Matt and I met.

We were thrilled with the vendors we chose from our photographer, Sarah Dunn, from Keen and Kind who took stunning photos and captured our wedding day beautifully to our band, The Bluewater Kings, who were the highlight of the wedding for all of our guests! We danced the entire night with all of our loved ones, it was perfect!

I think my favorite moment, though, was when Matt and I stood in front of all our guests at the wedding reception and thanked everyone for being there with us. It was an overwhelming feeling to look at all the people in one room that have shaped mine and Matt’s lives and they all graciously gathered together in honor of us. Our wedding would not have been the same without them! The next best thing was dancing the entire night to our amazing band, Matt and I never left the dance floor!

As for advice, my recommendation would be to think about logistics before anything else. Logistics are the most important aspect to a wedding and they are often overlooked. Weddings are a very complicated fete that people assume will come together on that day. It is important to think of weddings you have attended as a guest and what you remember to be a positive experience and negative experience and let that guide you to creating a positive and memorable event. This will lead you to choose the best vendors based on your budget and be able to prioritize what is important to you. Begin your wedding planning with your guest list and a budget and then talk over the logistics from the beginning of the day to the end of the evening. If you are able to navigate the logistics, the mindset of a guest’s point of view, and all the special details you want as a couple; you will be able to host a flawless wedding!

All your family and friends will have the best time but they won’t be able to quite put their finger on why it was so wonderful – that’s logistics!