Michigan Weddings

It’s a classic beauty kind of morning at SMP with this pretty little number from Jeffrey Lewis Bennett held at the W.L. Kellogg Manor House & Gardens. The bride’s traditional lace Lazaro gown is offset with woodsy and rustic floral touches by Park Place Design.  I’m loving how the couple incorporated their adorable pups into their portraits, and lucky for you, there’s a gallery full of lovely right here!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Jeffrey Lewis Bennett… Lauren and Donald had a gorgeous outdoor wedding at the Kellogg Manor House in Hickory Corners on the west side of Michigan. Lauren and Donald reside in Chicago, Illinois.

Wedding Photography: Jeffrey Lewis Bennett / Wedding Venue: W. K. Kellogg Manor House & Gardens in Hickory Corners, Michigan / Floral Design: Park Place Design / Event Design: The Bride / Wedding Cake: Bert’s Bakery / Lanterns: Amazon / Wedding Dress: Lazaro / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bride’s Jewelry: Nadri / Men’s Suits: A Tailor in Korea / Men’s Ties: Nordstrom

I want the inside of my home to look like this wedding. There – I’ve said it! The romantic designs mixed with rustic furniture (like the slanted birchwood ladders holding pillar candles) are simply amazing. If I could pluck everything out of the refurbished barn where this lovely wedding took place and put it all in my home, I would! The bride is glowing with happiness too, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in this fairytale of a wedding. See for yourself, thanks to Lindsey Shea Photography — Check out the full gallery of photos here!

Blair and Lindsey grew up in Michigan and both moved to Chicago in 2006. They met playing ultimate frisbee in Lincoln Park three years ago and began dating shortly after. In August 2010, Blair planned a romantic evening out that ended with a proposal on the park bench where they first met.

Because Michigan and Chicago are near and dear to both their hearts, the couple decided to feature both locations during the wedding celebration. The weekend started with a festive rehearsal dinner in downtown Chicago. The following day, the wedding party spent the morning getting ready and then held a photo shoot with Lindsey Shea Photography at various Chicago hot spots. Once the photo shoot wrapped up, the wedding party enjoyed Catch Phrase and a laughter-filled limo ride to the southwest Michigan ceremony and reception venue. Tucked away on a back country road, guests stumbled upon a quaint, refurbished barn, complete with beautiful gardens. The ceremony commenced as the sun dipped below the trees, and the reception followed immediately after.

Thanks to Kehoe Designs of Chicago, where Lindsey is an event producer, guests made merry around romantic designs of dusty purple Nierenberg succulents, champagne, vintage purple roses and burgundy sunflowers set in birch containers and iron candlesticks. Vintage barn windows were suspended overhead to display a collection of hurricane vessels and pillar candles that offered an intimate glow. After dinner, guests were invited to the adjoining space for a night of dancing. The space was complete with birch tress and vintage French country-inspired lounge furniture backed by glowing candle walls.

Wedding Photography: Lindsey Shea Photography / Event Decor: Kehoe Designs / Catering: Events Without Boundaries / Rentals: Tablescapes Chicago Party Rental / Linens: BBJ Linen / DJ: Guy Voss of Wiser Productions / Transportation: Exquisite Limousine / Rehearsal Dinner: ZED451 / Wedding Dress: Kittychen Couture / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Hair: Salon Buzz

This wedding is possibly a little moodier that the weddings we feature regularly on SMP, but it is every bit as fabulous – and even maybe a little extra romantic. It looks like it was a phenomenal party put on by TwoFoot Creative and thanks to Jeffrey Lewis Bennett and his camera, we definitely feel as though we’ve gotten to know the couple a little bit – and we LOVE them. As soon as you pop into the gallery, you’ll fall head over heels as well!

True love happens when you least expect it, at least for Sarah and Nils it did. Their meeting wasn’t just by chance, and as they now reflect on how they met, they know it was meant to be. Nils had just returned from Germany, where he was serving in the US Army, to begin a dental specialty residency in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sarah was also embarking on her professional career, also beginning a dental residency at the Hospital. Mutual friends introduced the couple and their story is continuing to be written. Nils often comments that it was “the best birthday gift a man could ever ask for, and that was to meet the woman of his dreams”. The two became inseparable almost instantly, and they knew there were destined to be bride and groom. However, with demanding schedules, the proposal was 2 years in the making. After long days of work, Nils and Sarah often drove by their favorite home, where they would often dream about their own home, life, and future together. It was on October 19th, 2010 that one such drive took place, and the romantic proposal in the front yard of that home, took Sarah completely by surprise.

The ten-month engagement was filled with fun and excitement. The detail-oriented couple enjoyed planning the affair from the beginning, deciding to focus on creating a modern event that reflected their personal style, and that family and friends would enjoy and leave knowing the couple more personally. Planning was easy because the couple had the same dream. Every appointment and little detail they planned together, which made it so much more special to the two of them.

The bride and groom could hardly sleep the night before the big day, which would take place at the historic Michigan Theater in downtown Ann Arbor, the town where the couple met. The Theater, built in 1920, had ornate elements with gilded textured walls, adding to the elegant feel. Emotional vows were exchanged on the main stage in front of their guests who were treated to champagne and popcorn in movie theater fashion. The couple was entranced to one another at first site and, during the service conducted by a patient and friend of the couple, never took their eyes off the other.

The reception was held in the Rogel Ballroom at the Michigan Union, also downtown. Amidst campus football game-day fever guest were transported by Pedicabs, while getting a tour of campus on a beautiful September day. Together, along with the help of their wedding coordinator and event designer, the reception was designed to feel like an elegant upscale nightclub with a great vibe. Dinner and all night dancing to a local band, the Killer Flamingos, kept guest both young and old rockin’. A photo booth was a popular sidebar element and a guest favorite was the caricature artist who drew couples as they are truly seen by others.

Following a next day brunch hosted by the Brides family the couple embarked on a two week California adventure of the coast between San Diego and San Francisco. It was on their first adventure as Husband and Wife that the next life adventure was conceived; a baby girl!

Photography: Jeffrey Lewis Bennett / Ceremony Site: Michigan Theater / Reception Site: Michigan Union / Wedding Coordinator: TwoFoot Creative / Floral and Event Designs: Bill Hamilton Designs LLC / Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier “Sunday Rose” from Roma Sposa / Crystal Belt: Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Shoes: Enzo Angiolini / Bride’s Ceremony Veil: Erin Cole from Roma Sposa / Bride’s Reception Veil: Custom made / Bride’s Jewelry: Swarovski Jewelry Collection / Groom’s Suit: Armani Collezioni from Saks Fifth Avenue / Groom’s Belt & Shoes: Ferragamo / Groomsmen Tuxedos: President Tuxedo / Bridesmaids: Dessy Collection from B. Ella Bridal / Custom Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands: Metals in Time / Groom’s Watch: Bell & Ross Timepiece from Metals in Time / Live Band: Killer Flamingos / Linens: Chair Covers & Linens / Makeup: Jamie Clemons / Paper Design: JDesigns

This is the kind of wedding that you just feel love pouring out of every detail – most of which were created by the lovely bride herself. The flowers somehow feel a little sweeter, the laughter is definitely a little louder, and the adoration is so beautiful, it fills Jeffrey Lewis Bennett‘s images fully. And the gallery is one of the most romantic we’ve seen in a while!

Matthew and I couldn’t have asked for a better day to celebrate the start of our new lives together. Our vision for the day was a laid-back celebration, with tons of personal touches, where we could laugh and play with all of the people we loved. It was so amazing to see our friends and family come together to pull it all off (especially because most everything was homemade). It’s in times like this that you really see how blessed you are and we will cherish those memories always. The whole day was full of sweet love, laughter and friendship… it couldn’t have been more perfect (even when the heat started melting our cake during dinner)! We put so much work into the event: from me hand designing and letter-pressing the invitations and sewing banners, to Matthew engineering cute bubble dispensers for our ceremony exit (I know, I’m a lucky girl, right?). But friends and family did so much too! I’m extremely lucky to have many talented and generous friends who took their time and energy to help (craft my veil, hairpiece and many decorations) and a mom and sisters who made the succulent and herb centerpieces and many of the other projects Matt and I couldn’t drive back from Boston. My sister, Lindsey, a talented cosmetologist and make-up artist, even did all of our hair and my makeup before the wedding as well as her own!

Our day was particularly special for us because we don’t get to see many of our friends and family often enough. We landed in Boston after graduating from the University of Cincinnati where we spent our first 3 years (of 5, so far) together. Most of our family and friends are in the Midwest, so we wanted to have our wedding in a place that was close to home. We chose Ann Arbor because of its location and friendly, eco-conscious atmosphere. Misty Farms was the perfect venue for our vision: a casual wedding with vintage touches. We actually gathered most of the wedding decorations we didn’t make from antique shops along New England and at various flea markets and thrift stores. It’s amazing what you can find, including many things we will repurpose in our new home together! The beer featured at our wedding were from breweries in Michigan and New England to symbolize our love for both locations and we tried to make environmentally friendly decisions like using compostable bamboo plates and re-purposing green bottles we used over the year as centerpieces.

I think my favorite wedding touches were the Polaroid pictures taken for our guest book, and the envelopes we have filled with letters of encouragement and advice for each of our first 15 years of marriage (one at each of our 15 tables). I can hardly wait to celebrate each anniversary and re-live our memories through the words of our loved ones!

Photography: Jeffrey Lewis Bennett / Flowers: Thrifty Florist, Ann Arbor / Event Planning & Design: The Bride / Ceremony & Reception Location: Misty Farms / Invitations: The Bride / Shoes: Circa Joan & David Luxe  / Dress: Pronovias, Rebecca / Veil: Alyssa Work / Hair pins: Justine Miller / Cake: The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe / Groomsmen Suits: Target / Groom: Indochino / Guys Shoes: Urban Outfitters / Guys Ties: J.Crew

When two talented wedding photographers tie the knot and enlist abby rose photo to capture every special moment, there is no doubt it will end up being an SMP fave. And you are about to see that very scenario play out through all the pretty pictures below. With perfectly edited deets by VLD and florals by Passionflower so pretty I could cry, this gallery is one that cannot be missed!

From the Bride… We were perfect targets for a pre-mediated match on behalf of our best friends. We were both passionate about the art of photography and eventually became partners in work too — we are now a husband and wife team of photographers. We have been a part of so many couples’ weddings but being at our own was totally surreal. We feel so lucky to have had friends and amazing photographers document our day. Our wedding was small — 50 guests. We wanted our day to feel intimate. The entire event was in Kerrytown, which is a lively marketplace and a unique setting for a wedding. We just loved the feel of Zingerman’s Events on 4th. We wanted our dinner reception to be cozy and warm and the rustic brick was a nice touch. The courtyard being so close was perfect — we definitely wanted an outdoor ceremony. Steve’s mom had the idea to put ribbons in the tree we got married in front of, and Sue from Passionflower brought her idea to life! It was the perfect setting, complete with a breeze to blow the ribbons and my veil with the sun falling behind us. Steve’s dad (William) was physically unable to attend the wedding, so in his honor, we chose to give sweet william plants as gifts to our guests. My dad passed away three years ago, but we were lucky to have a beautiful acoustic (guitar) piece of music he wrote and recorded, which we played when I walked to my groom.

I gave the color palette, along with the cafe light idea, to Sue (Passionflower) and Alison (VLD) and let them do their thing. We had 100% faith in their creative judgement and were totally happy with the outcome. I also hired Bonnie Daws to make a custom dress based a few of my ideas. She did a beautiful job my dress featured a chantilly lace bodice and a charmeuse skirt with a georgette overskirt, all in ivory. Our favorite part of the day was our first look. It was so nice to see each other privately before the ceremony .. it was a such special moment. We wanted to make sure we had plenty of time for photos and be able to relax after the ceremony. Abby and Tommy knew the perfect secluded spot in the woods, and the pictures from that part of the day were beautiful. Our day was perfect — it was the happiest day of our lives!

Wedding Photography: abby rose photo / Wedding Venue: Zingerman’s Events on 4th in Ann Arbor, Michigan / Event Design: VLD / Floral Design: Passionflower / Wedding Dress: Custom by Bonnie Daws / Bride’s Shoes: Vince Camuto / Bridesmaid’s Dress: Adrianna Papell / Bride’s Head Piece + Bridesmaid’s Necklace: Copper Clover Glass Works / Groom’s Suit: Rubin / Groom’s Shirt: Hugo Boss / Groom’s Tie: Hart Schaffner Marx

I’m a Detroit girl at heart. Raised just minutes from this beautiful, old city, I love everything Detroit has to offer. Unfortunately, the image that Detroit demands in the minds of those who have never visited are not always positive. But today, we are going to change that. We’ve got a Downtown Detroit wedding from VLD that is be-YOND fabulous – and exactly portrays the city the way it should be seen – stunning and extra glamorous. The Gown Shop dressed this gorg bride from her dreamy veil, to her amazing gown, to the pretty peep toe pumps, and Amy Carroll Photography has helped us fall in love with her, her handsome groom, their amazing wedding, and the city they adore. Promise me you’ll give Detroit a chance with the gallery!

Click here to see the video + here to see the gallery!

After college, “life” took Tony and me to Detroit, MI where we accepted jobs with KPMG. Thanks to long hours and out of town clients, we were forced to spend a lot of time together. After working together for only a few months, we decided we should go on a date. I took Tony out on our first date. We went to Notre Dame for the ND vs. MSU football game. Did I have game or what?! Tony repaid the kindness by treating me to breakfast at McDonald’s on the drive down and dinner at Hot ‘n Now on the drive back. I had Tony wrapped around my finger after our first date as (1) this is Tony’s idea of the perfect date and (2) MSU won. From that date on, the rest is history.

We decided to get married in Detroit, MI as we are both from Michigan and both our families live in the surrounding suburbs. We thought a downtown Detroit wedding would provide a fun experience for our guests. I have always loved Old St. Mary’s church. Old St. Mary’s is a beautiful church with a lot of history. We visited several locations for the reception, but as soon as we stepped into the Colony Club ballroom, we instantly knew that this was the place we would have our wedding reception. The Colony Club is a classic Louis the XVI ballroom, which features historic chandeliers, gorgeous hardwood ballroom floor, floor-to-ceiling two-story windows, and a charming mezzanine.

I am a numbers person…not a creative person. I did a ton of research, which resulted in a binder with hundreds of magazine clippings and online printouts. With much help from our wedding coordinator, Alison Laesser-Keck of VLD, and our florist, Irish Rose, we were able to mold my scattered ideas into a clear vision. Also, the allure of the Colony Club ballroom helped with the decision making. The ballroom is breath-taking in and of itself. I wanted to build on the ‘awe’ that the ballroom already provided upon arrival. We ended with what I thought was a very simple and elegant wedding. Black and white is classic and timeless. Purple has been my favorite color since I was a little girl, so we incorporated purple into the bridesmaid bouquets and groomsmen boutonnieres. The ornate features of the Colony Club inspired the table overlays with gold accents and the centerpieces. The texture and the color of the antiqued hydrangea paired with the height of the curly willow added to the glamour of the ballroom.

Photography: Amy Carroll Photography / Shoes & Purse: Benjamin Adams via The Gown Shop / Dress: Modern Trousseau via The Gown Shop / Veil: Sara Gabriel via The Gown Shop / Jewelry: Haute Bride via The Gown Shop / Flowers: Irish Rose  / Ceremony: Old St. Mary’s Church / Reception: Colony Club  / Invitations: Minted / Hair + Makeup: Priss / Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Tuxedos: President Tuxedo / Cupcakes: Just Baked / Favors: Vosges / Band: Higher Ground  / Cocktail Hour Musician: Phil DeMarco / Ice Sculpture: Michigan Ice Carvers / Videographer: Shutter Speed Productions / Guest Book: Carrie Havranek Designs / Flower Girl Dresses: Flower Girl Dress Shop  / Event Planning + Design: VLD

Every detail counts…And that’s obvious in this wedding by T&S Hughes Photography. My favorite weddings are all about the delicate, personal touches that embody the story of the bride and groom. With prohibition style mason jars, vintage fabrics from the bride’s great grandparent’s collection, splashes of lace and so many more … my heart could literally burst! Thankfully, there are even more details to swoon over in the gallery.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… I loved the bouquets! My mom made them herself out of old fabrics from the Great Depression era that my great grandparents had given her, fabric from my baby room and fabrics from a flower girl dress I wore in a wedding when I was younger. There was also lace from my mother’s wedding dress, as well as the finishing touch — my “something borrowed,” which was a brooch my grandmother wore to my mom’s wedding.

I was so pleased with both venues, as I felt they really worked for our day and created the relaxed and vintage tone we were hoping for. The church is a little local church in Pittsford, New York, called St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran church. It was old clapboard with white picket fences and big red doors — very typical American for our English visitors to enjoy!  The church also hosted our “English Cream Tea” reception.  Our evening reception was in Harro East Ballroom in the city of Rochester, New York.  It was a lovely old theater auditorium from the 1920-30s with big tall ceilings and huge windows! The reception hostess there is lovely to work with as well, and everyone has commented on how delicious the buffet was! Alex and I would highly recommend them both.

My main hope was to go with a feel for our day that truly represented Alex and I as a couple. Alex and I wanted a relaxed and unique wedding day. We both really like eclectic and vintage style things and really enjoy going to antique shops! The typewriter, birdcage and old picture frame with our photos pinned in were all ideas that I found on Pinterest. The suitcases were pieces that I had used in my room growing up and are something that very much represents Alex and I, as we like to travel and are living abroad in England. The heart-shaped map cutouts were a tiny detail that I really loved, as I spent time picking out maps of places we’d both been to. The centerpieces were a work in progress and developed over time out of old wine bottles, jars and swirly, feather pieces. I felt that I really wanted to display details of Alex and me in our wedding decor, which we used with the American and English themes running throughout the day as well. We enjoyed putting it all together, and it was never work — it was fun and so many people helped us out along the way!

Wedding Photography: T & S Hughes Photography / Ceremony: St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pittsford, New York / Reception: Harro East Ballroom in Rochester, New York / Fabric Rose Bouquets: DIY by the Mother of the Bride / Wedding Dress: Tusneem Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Various of Their Own Choosing / Men’s Suits: T.M. Lewin / Rings + Necklace: Tiffany & Co.

Today, I was a very bad employee. As soon as I opened up this GORGEOUS wedding from Jess + Nate Studios, emails were forgotten, phone calls suddenly seemed irrelevant, and all I could do is sit here, trying to keep my chin off the floor, and take in all the gorgeous.  I have taken just enough time out of my busy schedule of hopelessly oogling to share it with my favorite people. So go ahead and spend some time in the gallery – I won’t tell your boss.

Click here to see the whole amazing affair in the gallery!

The first thing out-of-staters typically think of when they hear about Detroit is a repressed economy and abandoned buildings.  But what they don’t realize is that Detroit’s buildings are architectural masterpieces, designed with art deco details that are absolutely to die for – a prime setting for a special event.  After all, it was once called “The Paris of the Midwest” – and if Lisa and Danny’s wedding at the Fox Theatre (the very first wedding open to the general public in its almost 100 year history) isn’t a perfect example of how beautiful Detroit really can be, I’m just not sure what else to say.  

On to the details: The day started out with hair/makeup at Fiaz of Bloomfield Hills, followed by the bride and groom getting ready in separate buildings at the historic Inn on Ferry Street in the Midtown neighborhood of Detroit.  About an hour before the ceremony, Rochester Limo was on hand to transport the bride, her parents and her bridesmaids to the Fox, where champagne awaited them in the getting ready suites.  Group transportation, supplied by the Royal Bus company, picked up guests at 3 different hotels and dropped them off 15 minutes before the ceremony began.  

The Fox didn’t need much in the way of decor – it was definitely a fine line between accentuating what was already there and turning it into an over-the-top affair that was clearly not the bride’s style.  What she wanted us to do was let the decor be minimal, almost invisible.  By hollowing out real candles, placing them on the steps with faux candles in them, so that you could only see the flicker of the “flame”, we created an intimate (and safe!) energy to the ceremony space.   

The ceremony itself was interfaith, conducted by a Rabbi and a Catholic Priest.  The bride walked down the aisle to Carla Bruni’s “Le Ciel Dans Une Chambre”, a nod to their ten year history together.  They were married on the stairs in the Grand Lobby; and when they were pronounced husband and wife, DJ Graffiti (voted Real Detroit Best of) played “In Love with a Girl” by The White Stripes while they proceeded back down the aisle. It was the perfect way to switch the mood from romantic to energetic – and truthfully, it does not get any more Detroit than playing The White Stripes.  

During cocktail hour, guests traveled up to the third floor, while vendors flipped the ceremony space into the reception space below. 1920’s phonograph recordings played while hors’ d’oeuvres were passed and a full bar was available.  The guests were asked to be seated for dinner, and Lisa and Danny had their grand entrance, joining their immediate families in the middle table at the top of the Grand Lobby stairs.  Guest tables were decorated very simply with baby’s breath arrangements and pedestal candles; linens were white cotton and place settings were clear, white and very formal.  

The bride is a chef, so the meal was very important to her.  Five courses were served family style, consisting of dishes such as butternut squash ravioli and braised short ribs with a red wine reduction. The meal concluded with a selection of Lebanese pastries from Shatila Bakery in Dearborn; and a nutella cake, with a design inspired by the bride’s gown, from Decadent Delight in Ann Arbor.   

The guests danced to Motown until midnight. Afterward, group transportation was on hand to take guests to an afterparty at the Inn on Ferry Street, where a bar was set up for them, coney dogs were delivered, and DJ Graffiti and Dj C4 played until 3am.

Photography: Jess + Nate Studios / Venue + Catering: The Fox Theatre, Olympia Entertainment / Planning, Design + Day-of Coordination: VLD / Cinematography: Two Penny Productions / Officiants: Rabbi Tamara Kolton + Father Baldwin / Cake: Decadent Delight / Floral + Linens: Parsonage Events / Entertainment: DJ Graffiti + Snapfuze / Rentals + Lighting: Special Events Rentals / Chiavari Chair Rentals: Chiavari Chair Wedding / Bride’s Gown: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Ralph Lauren / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Kara Janx

I just can’t help it. I love this couple. The bride is SO beautiful with a smile that never stops and which shows us all just what it feels like to be in love. And her adoring groom? Well, adorable for sure. It’s the perfect highlight film for this lovely Spring Saturday. Epic Motion, it’s fantastic.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/35324107 601 338]

This video is a “highlight reel” from our July 15, 2011 wedding in Ann Arbor, MI. The video was produced by the fabulous Epic Motion out of Royal Oak, MI, and this highlight clip really captures the essence of a very special wedding. You will notice that the first part of the video begins with Charlie (the groom) reading a letter that Amanda (the bride) wrote to him. What’s really special is that Epic Motion captured shots of Amanda that fit with the words of her letter that Charlie is reading.

Photography: Special Moments Photography / Cinematography: Epic Motion / Flowers: Enchanted / Event Planning: Kathy Bishop, Fantastic Functions / Ceremony Location: St. Thomas the Apostle Church / Reception Location: Barton Hills Country Club / Stationery: Adele Brinkman, The Write Touch / Shoes: Cinnamon Wedding Shoes, Pink by Paradox London / Dress: Pronovias, The Wedding Bell / Hair: Utopia Salon & Spa / Make-Up: Posh Studio

Each and every week seems to fly by us in a flutter of pretty bouquets, stunning gowns, and delish-looking cakes. But before we let you skip off to whatever wonders you have planned this weekend, we have decided to start a new little tradition around here. Prettiest of Pretty Fridays. All week long, I’ve been scouring our LBB photographers‘ blogs, waiting with bated breath for that image that stops me in my tracks and gives me instant goosebumps, ponytail to pedicure. This week, my eyes just about popped out of my head when I saw this gorgeous image of a very stylish bride (that veil!) walking down a very grand staircase in this Detroit Wedding from Jess + Nate Studios. Enjoy this last morsel of gorgeous and have a wonderful weekend lovelies! xoxo

The sweet soirees of this week are all right here:

an Italian holiday in the form of this highlight film
a glam, glam, glam pretty in pink soiree in San Diego
a sweet as honey Charleston affair with a fantastic amount of chic
a big congratulations to our LBB photographers who took home WPPI awards
a Santa Monica bride who spent her engaged days on SMP
a beautiful couple who belong on SMP in this Colorado fête
a new favorite love story a la this Tennessee soiree
a modern, contemporary, and gorgeous Ohio wedding
a Connecticut shoreline affair with nautical charm all over the place
a Northern Michigan soiree of one of our beloved LBB floral designers
a “pretty, rustic” southern sweetheart of a wedding in North Carolina
a beautiful Oregon soiree that has us falling in love

Raindrops on roses and a few of our other favorite things:

a DIY confetti tablecloth we’d love to see in metallic, multicolor, or white via Oh Happy Day
a gorgeous and whimsical Smog Shoppe wedding via Green Wedding Shoes
a gathering of fantastic bows we can’t get enough of via The Ritzy Bee Blog

Who isn’t just a wee bit inspired by a gorgeous, glowing sunset? Well this couple took that inspiration with their talented hands and made it into the prettiest of sun-inspired fêtes. From the intricate invitations, designed by the Mr. & Mrs. to the all the decor – everything was touched by a pretty ray of sunshine allowing Justine Gunneson to fill the full gallery with SO much gorgeous for us all to soak in!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride… The prospect of rain threatened the Labor Day weekend events, but by the time the rain finally fell on the dancing guests around 10 p.m. that wedding night, it was the perfect end not just to the beautiful day but to the summer. Since our venue was located right on Lake Michigan’s beach, our inspiration for both our color scheme and design was the sunset. (The sunset also has sentimental value for us — my husband’s family has a cottage right on the lake, and it is a family tradition to watch summer sunsets.) The “sunset” motif informed our invitations (my husband and I are both architects — we designed, laser cut the paper as well as laser cut the stamps for the text, and glued together the invites), the lantern décor, flowers, and even the bridesmaid’s umbrellas. The overall “look” was retro, especially the wedding party attire, but I certainly mixed and matched different eras. Some highlights of the day were incorporating our 1 year old daughter’s baptism into the ceremony as well as a custom “sunset” piñata made for us by close friends that was enjoyed by guests during the cocktail hour (though my husband made the critical hit–oops!). All the lights, lanterns, flowers were DIY, so we had a busy day before guests arrived. The joyful result made the hard work all the more satisfying.

Wedding Photography: Justine Gunneson / Wedding Venue: Camp Blodgett on Lake Michigan in West Olive, Michigan / Flowers: Mother of the Bride / Wedding Cake: Justin Raha of Grand Finale Desserts & Pastries / Wedding Dress: Alix & Kelly (Now Closed) / Veil: BHLDN / Bride’s Necklace: J.Crew / Bride’s Earrings: Vintage / Bride’s Shoes: Alfani / Hair: Lindsey Norton of Salon Re: / Makeup: Rebecca Gohl / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: White House/Black Market / Flower Girl Dress: Baby Gap / Umbrellas: Bella Umbrella / Lanterns: Paper Lantern Store / Pinata: Friends of the Bride + Groom / Wedding Invitations: DIY by the Bride + Groom

We adore this couple (they are some of our beloved LBB Vendors, afterall), and after seeing their Michigan wedding, and hearing the fantastic story from them, we are head over heels in love now. You saw their beautiful engagement Friday, and this morning, thanks to another talented husband & wife team bobbi+mike, we’ve got front row seats to the big day. Click here to see the rest!

When we started planning our wedding, we knew we wanted something low-key and relaxed. I remember the first time I started planning for our wedding. It was one or two months after we had gotten engaged and we were kayaking in Northern Michigan with two of our friends. We had been on Lake Michigan for hours it seemed, kayaking 4-5 miles across a bay from the small island where we had set up camp the night before. My arms were sore from the trip out the previous day and our friend Kate was paddling next to me. We were talking about music festivals and I decided that was it – that was what our reception would be like. Laid back, outdoors, and filled with live music played by our talented friends and family. Kate, my lovely friend and kayak buddy, is one of the front-women in the local band The Crane Wives, so that started the wheels turning for the line-up for our wedding. By the time our wedding day arrived, we had also enlisted my younger brother, Garrett, and his friend to play, as well as my cousin Katie and her boyfriend. Once we had decided on the music-focus for the party, we started searching for locations. We lucked out and found an awesome lodge at one of our city parks, a little place tucked away in the woods with a wrap-around porch perfect for hanging out on a September’s afternoon.

Pulling together our wedding plans was a relatively simple process for us. Our ceremony was held at our church and we were so glad to be married in the beautiful tradition of the Orthodox Church. For the reception, we knew we wanted music and we knew we wanted it to feel like a big party. We also wanted it to be supportive of the great local food, beer and wine culture that we have in Michigan. We choose beer and wine from small local companies, as well as a few hard ciders to celebrate the autumn season. For food, we chose our favorite restaurant to cater an all-vegan meal for our 160 guests. The restaurant, Marie Catrib’s, has a great relationship with local farms and they designed a great autumn-themed menu for us. The meal is the number one thing that guests were head-over-heels with at our wedding and we’re still getting compliments on it. We had a local baker make an array of cupcakes, muffins, chocolates and truffles, all vegan, and my mom added to the sweets table with her famous apple pie and a tasty vegan pumpkin cheesecake. Another easy decision for us was choosing our photographers. Bobbi and Mike had taken our engagement photos (which is where he proposed– I thought we were taking promotional photos for our website!), and after getting to know them we knew we wanted them to be a part of our day. They have such wonderful personalities and their work is, of course, just stunning. We were so happy to have them on board with us.

The other details of our day, all the smaller, frilly things – colors, decorations, flowers – were chosen rather easily. I am obsessed with the color mustard, and well, purple just looked nice with it. I made most of the decorations in the last few weeks before the wedding, and it was a welcome excuse to get together with my closest friends and have a good time. The bouquets came from a local florist who grows flowers in her backyard and sells them at a local farmer’s market. I had found her through the recommendation of one of our past brides and I loved working with her. Since he and I are wedding photographers, we were lucky enough to have a lot of support from our couples, and to even have one couple who shared their thrifted plate collection with us and another who shared mason jars with us. What a blessing!

So the day-of came, and it was beautiful. Sunny skies and warm for late September. I got ready with my friends, saw him for our first look, and then we got married. And then it started raining. Right before our reception, which was supposed to be both indoors and outdoors. When we arrived at our reception, we were happy to see The Crane Wives, our cocktail band, playing on the wrap-around porch as rain beat down on the roof, with all of our guests on the porch as well. When we first arrived, we wove our way through the crowd and had the opportunity to greet all of our guests for the first time. It was such a wonderful experience. No one minded the rain, nor did they mind when the power went out because of the storm! When it went out, my brothers and our friend Matthew rushed to a local store and came back with hundreds of tea lights, which they lined the tables with. Some of our dear guests contacted folks they knew with generators and before we knew it, the party was back up and running, just in time for dinner and more live music. After dinner, the skies cleared, we snuck outside for a few more photos, and our guests were able to enjoy the lovely landscape and games that we’d set up. We danced into the night to a great mix by our awesome DJ. My favorite moment of the entire evening was after the party, when we ran out through sparklers. He and I got to our car but before we drove off, we held each other and watched all of our crazy friends running around the lawn with the sparklers, yelling and having so much fun. It was beautiful and the best way to finish such a lovely day.

Photographer: bobbi+mike / Floral Designer: The Flower Garden / Invitation Designer: Hitch Design Studio / Desserts: Wednesday Evening Cookies / Wedding Gown Designer: Watters / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Lulu’s / Rings: Touchwood Rings / Groom’s Suit: Topman / Caterer: Marie Catrib’s / Beer: Founder’s Brewing / Wine: Leelanau Cellars / Cider: Tandem Ciders / Veil: DIY / Fabric Flower Headpieces: Darci’s Doodads / Bride’s Hair: Hair by Kayley Heeringa / Cocktail Band: The Crane Wives

For those of you lucky enough to have experienced a Michigan summer, you are about to be so excited when see this September wedding captured by Kelly Sweet Photography. For those of you who have yet to experience summer time in the Great Lakes State – this is going to make you crave Michigan’s sweet summer time. It’s a perfectly relaxed affair that incorporated so much of who this couple is and what they love that we are totally obsessed. So obsessed, we’ll be spending all day in the full image gallery!

Jon and I wanted a vintage/rustic theme that was elegant and warm. I found vintage plates, wine and champagne glasses that made the tables look so elegant and unique. Our colors were a product of the groom – navy and chartreuse – were the first colors he suggested and it sounded perfect. The colors looked so beautiful with the outdoor setting. The Bridesmaids got instructions to wear anything Navy and the Groomsmen got gifts of green check shirts and green ties that Jon picked out to pair with their favorite navy suite. It looks wonderful that everyone still was able to incorporate their own style. The good thing about planning a wedding in three months is once you make a decision – you have to love the decision move on and not think of 100 other options – it was a great experience!

We bought a lake house and lake front property up north Michigan as an investment and a place to go when we visit our families. My parents and grandparents also have lake houses there. All venues, destinations and ideas flew through my mind for a week – finally we decided that there would be no place as memorable than getting married at the lake house that we have together. We got engaged June 24th, 2011 – Once we picked the venue – we decided to not waste a second and get married this summer. So we looked at our calendars and picked a date – September 24th, 2011 – exactly three months after our engagement;.

We had our dads marry us! My dad got ordained to make the marriage official and it was the most beautiful and meaningful ceremony. It means so much when we look at the pictures and see our dads – who we both look up to and love so much reading our vows and my dad pronouncing us to our friends and family for the first time. We had our mothers be our ring bearers – they have always been there to provide advice, love and trust – it made perfect sense. Finally instead of cutting a cake – we decided to do an art project that everyone at the wedding took part in. Everyone left their mark in some sort of circle with blues and chartreuse. At the end of the night – Jon and I also put our own marks on the painting. It will hang in our lake house forever and always remind us of our wedding and everyone there.

I have so many wonderful memories from the day! I tried to always take deep breaths and enjoy the entire day. I loved seeing Jon for the first time when we were taking pictures – it was so relaxed and fun. Then the time I spent with my dad before I walked down the aisle – we practiced what we were going to say and just really made sure we were in the moment. When I started walking down the aisle – everyone told me that the clouds parted and it beamed sunlight – I could not tell because I was so overwhelmed but everyone said they had goosebumps as soon as the sun came out. I loved walking down the aisle looking at everyone – I wanted to stop and say hello and hug everyone! And finally when I was standing at the alter – I looked out into all of our family and friends and really took it all in – when else is everyone you love going to be together for a celebration? It was really intense.

Photographer: Kelly Sweet Photography / Cinematography: Jason Walen of Bigfoot Films / Floral Designer: M&M Special Events & Design / Event Planning & Design: M&M Special Events & Design / Cake & Desserts: Desserts by Tina / Wedding Gown Designer: Modern Trousseau / Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridal bouquet: Noaki Jewlery and Bouquets / Vintage Handkerchief & Saint Vintage earrings: Maxwells / Band: Ani

January is the quintessential Winter Wonderland Wedding month – so when the lovely ladies over at The Gown Shop sent over a winter inspired shoot in my snowy home state (Michigan) – I was excited. And then I saw the line up of the fabulous vendors who worked on the shoot – abby rose photo, Petals Planning Company, Sweet Heather Anne, among other all stars, and I knew I had to share. It’s a glam take on the winter nuptials, and we love it. Don’t forget to click here for more!

Click here to see the full image gallery!

From Courtney McDonald of Petals Planning Company … The inspiration behind the photo shoot was the season “winter.” In Michigan, we consider our wedding season to run from April through October due to cold and snowy winters.  Too often, winter weddings are overlooked, when in fact, a winter wedding can be just as beautiful and breath taking as any other.

Design/Coordination: Petals Planning Company / Photography: abby rose photo / Flowers: Sweet Pea Floral Design / Reception Location: Vinology / Stationery: Elevated Press / Shoes: Benjamin Adams via The Gown Shop / Dress and Sash: Ivy & Aster via The Gown Shop / Veiling: Sara Gabriel via The Gown Shop / Jewelry: Haute Bride via The Gown Shop / Tuxedo: Renaissance Ann Arbor / Wedding Cake: Sweet Heather Anne / Hair: Lindsay Clark of Tricho Salon + Spa / Make-Up: Amber Kaczmarek / Lighting: Rockout Entertainment & Light Up My Event

I’m about to let you in on a little secret. For years and years before I even met my husband, I wanted to get married at Waldenwoods. With it’s big private lake, old panelled ballroom, and amazing grounds, it was the perfect place to get married – and SO beautiful. But even I could not have imagined how gorgeous it could look with the right wedding. This wedding. The gorgeous green apple palette. The beautiful bride in her Modern Trousseau gown from The Gown Shop. The fabulous lighting, brilliantly captured by a girl in love photography. It’s beyond perfect. I needed more, and I’m sure you do too, so we loaded up a gallery filled to bursting with amazing images!

Kris and I love to spend time outside and on the lake in the summer. We were looking for a venue between Detroit and Chicago that would allow us to have an outdoor ceremony, but other than that our search was wide open. At the last minute we decided to check out Waldenwoods, which happens to be within a few miles of our home. It fit the bill perfectly with its private lake, trees, beautiful landscaping, and wood paneled historic reception hall. We booked it immediately!

With our September third wedding date we wanted to keep the fresh green colors of summer in our pallete but also decided to incorporate a popular Michigan fall element, apples. Holly of Sweet Pea Floral Design did an amazing job using ivory garden roses and green flowers in the arrangements, also adding willow branches and green apples. After countless hours on Etsy and Style Me Pretty I decided on just a few DIY projects to personalize our day like the place cards, table names, programs and directional signs. I also customized our ceremony by pulling together pieces from friend’s weddings that I admired, and added an apple tree planting ceremony. But, overall with the unique details of the venue, we kept the theme very simple and natural.

The day of our wedding couldn’t have been more perfect. Although the forecast was threatening storms, the weather stayed sunny and hot for our ceremony by the lake. I had asked the bridesmaids to wear a green dress of their choice, and that morning was the first time we saw the colors come together. They coordinated beautifully! I felt like a supermodel in the custom Modern Trousseau gown that Stacy of The Gown Shop helped me pick out. It fit like a glove! Walking down the aisle towards Kris I felt so peaceful looking out over the water, sorrounded by our closest family and friends, about to marry my perfect match. Melissa of a girl in love photography truly captured that sentiment in her photos, and the joy and excitement we felt as we celebrated at our reception afterwards.

Photography: a girl in love photography / Flowers: Sweet Pea Floral Design / Ceremony Location: Waldenwoods / Reception Location: Waldenwoods / Stationery: Minted / Bride’s Shoes: J.Crew / Dress: Modern Trousseau via The Gown Shop / Earrings: Haute Bride via The Gown Shop / Groom’s Tuxedo: DKNY / Wedding Cake: Zingerman’s Bakehouse / Favors: Spicer’s Orchards / Hair: Simplicity Salon / Makeup: Posh Salon / Photobooth Signs: Em&N Designs

There were a lot of squeals at SMP Headquarters when this lovely wedding landed in our inboxes – one because it’s beyond gorgeous and filled to the brim with all the things that make us swoon, and two because that drop-dead gorgeous bride happens to be near and dear to the SMP family. As sweet as she is pretty, it’s no surprise that her big day was beyond beautiful particularly when she had Jen of A Moment In Time by her side to make sure everything went perfectly. Toole Art Photography captured each gorgeous moment and filled the gallery so we could all spend our Monday gushing over the gorgeous – which I know is on team SMP’s agenda today! We are so thrilled for you Jaimie! Congrats! xoxo

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… The theme of our wedding day became “True Love is a Big Deal”. I can’t take credit for the creation of it, instead I found it and saw ourselves in its truth. It was from then on that I decided, the only thing we needed was love. Unfortunately, love doesn’t host and cater for 150 people.  After searching through the usual choices of golf courses, country clubs, and halls, and being unimpressed, Chris and I knew that a more none traditional setting would make our day truly ours. We found a secret little gem, River Birch Lodge, about an hour away from us. After scouting out the property, I fell in love. From the large antler chandelier, the grandiose fireplaces, and rustic decor there was a warmth that seemed like home. The private estate would be ours for the entire weekend, making it the perfect backdrop to spend time with our family and friends.

On the day of the wedding, the weather took on a windy chill, that forced us inside. Instead, the ceremony was held in the lodge, in front of a large fireplace and under a very large moose. Everybody got really, really cozy while we said our vows. Rev. Bell pronounced us husband and wife, and Chris was told to “salute your bride”. This was followed by a brief pause, an awkward look and then Chris responded “Can I just kiss her instead?”

The weekend was an absolute dream and could not have been done without our amazing vendors, family and friends. Originally, I wasn’t going to hire a day-of coordinator in hopes of making room in the budget. That would have been the biggest mistake! Finding Jen House from A Moment In Time was like finding a new friend (one of the real genuine, honest ones!) Whether it was putting out all the fires on the wedding day, helping with some different family dynamics, or setting up all of our thought out plans, she was there every step of the way (well, more like 3 steps ahead). On top of that, she handcrafted the most amazing floral combinations which guest are still raving about. Not hiring a coordinator would have been a mistake, but NOT hiring Jen House would have been the BIGGEST mistake. We also must mention the talented Toole Art Photography. Crystal and Mike are some of the sweetest people whose work speaks for itself. We love re-living our magical day over and over through their beautiful pictures, while always reminding ourselves, “True love is a BIG deal”.

Wedding Photography: Toole Art Photography / Venue: River Birch Lodge (810-599-6587) / Coordination + Floral Design: Jen House of A Moment In Time / Catering: Crystal Gardens / Linens: Affordable Elegance Chair Covers + Linens / Wedding Cake: Aunt of the Bride, Karen’s Cookies and Cakes / Cookie Bar: Milford Baking Company / Cookie Bar Sign: Blue Pearls / Wedding Dress: Pronovias  via Birmingham Bridal Couture / Veil: Mother of the Groom / Jewelry: J.Crew / Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden + Kate Spade / Jacket: Kohl’s / Hair + Makeup: Posh Studio / Groom + Groomsmen Attire: President Tuxedo / Ceremony Music: Rondo String Quartet / Entertainment: Dante of Music Box Productions / Celebrant: Rev. Bill Bell / Bridesmaid Dresses: Jessica Simpson via Macy’s / Guestbook Tree: Bleu de Toi / Bride and Groom Stamp: lilimandrill / Invitations: Senor & Senora / Wedding Signs, Paper Goods, Flags: DIY / True Love is a Big Deal: DIY by Bride’s Uncle

I can’t imagine this Michigan bride ever not looking gorgeous, but on her wedding day, with that fantastic veil, the stunning gown from The Gown Shop, and her face filled with love and anticipation, she was absolutely breathtaking. Which, in turn, carried on to the rest of the luxe, white affair, captured by Nicole Ladonne Photography. And after reading her eloquent story, there was no doubt in my mind that this bride was just as pretty inside, as she was out. Don’t forget about the gallery of images for more!

I wasn’t quite done with this stunning couple, and I knew you wouldn’t be either, and lucky for us, 3rd Street Films has sent over a fantastic highlight film to extend our viewing pleasure!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/29584392 601 338]

If you can, imagine the feeling of a late summer afternoon, when a gusty breeze billows in with perfect timing, cooling and soothing your sun kissed skin. You feel rejuvenated, yet relaxed; the sensation is heavenly. That would be the best way for me to describe how our love feels. And that is exactly what I wanted our wedding to feel like, too.

One of the most helpful things that Eddie and I did to kickoff our wedding planning was to sit down and figure out, together, what exactly we envisioned for our big day. For Eddie, who is of Chaldean descent, it was important to incorporate Middle Eastern music and dancing into the reception entertainment. As for me, I’m very sentimental, so the color palette and the décor were the perfect opportunity for us to, in a way, tell our story. Collectively, we agreed that we wanted to allocate a significant portion of our budget to the cuisine and the cocktails, and if possible, to find a venue with the option for an indoor/outdoor reception, since Michigan is known for it’s comfortable and colorful autumn season.

We were married at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church on historical Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Michigan. Eddie and I attended mass there on one of our very first dates, and it soon became our home parish. Also, we were blessed to have our wedding officiated by one of Eddie’s childhood friends, who grew up to become an ordained Catholic priest. To attempt to compete with the lavish interiors and the opulent finishes of the church would have been impossible, so we kept the décor to simple white arrangements (an assortment of hydrangeas, lilies of the valley, white roses, and calla lilies) that flanked the altar. Our ceremony was rich with tradition, yet completely personal, and I will cherish it always.

A considerable amount of our guests were from out of town, so we had our hearts set on finding a unique-to-Michigan venue. Meadow Brook Hall was the second spot that we visited, and I loved the look of excitement on Eddie’s face when we stepped out onto the terrace, where we would later host our cocktail reception; it reminded him of the University of Virginia’s campus, his undergraduate alma mater. The mansion, too, was warm and welcoming for our cocktail hour, during which docents provided guests with tours as they enjoyed Southern and Mediterranean influenced hors d’oeuvres. I like to think that dinner and dancing were held under the stars, but in reality, they were just a short chassé away from the mansion beneath a dreamy, white, canopy tent. The billowy draping was the perfect nod to our South Beach reception theme, along with our floral designer’s white-hot creations, some perfectly positioned lounge seating, and Mother Nature’s subtle breeze. Guests danced the night away to a mixture of live Chaldean songs, and the D.J.’s medley of chart toppers and quintessential, Miami house music.

As for the attire, we kept things tailored and traditional. I worked with Stacy Fork from Michigan’s newest wedding gem, The Gown Shop Ann Arbor, to customize my Modern Trousseau Mika gown. A simple, Thai silk bodice met with layers of gauzy silk chiffon, just below the hips, to create cascading tiers that sort of floated along with a romantic subtly. The groom and groomsmen donned Calvin Klein tuxedos with a modern fit, and a traditional bow tie, while the bridesmaids looked elegant in a ballet pink, fit and flare gown, accented with rose gold jewelry. Our flower girl was adorable in a custom, floor length tutu.

My advice for the soon-to-be-newlyweds would be to remain focused on the must-haves, get creative with the details, never underestimate the power of candles, and to truly not sweat the small stuff. In the end, it truly is about the love you share with your beloved, and that is the best décor, detail, and accessory of all.

Photography: Nicole Ladonne Photography / Cinematography: 3rd Street Films / Flowers: Bill Hamilton Designs / Event Design: Bill Hamilton Designs & Affordable Elegance / Event Planning: the Bride / Ceremony Location: National Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church / Reception Location: Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens / Invitations: DIY by the Bride / Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Humbie II / Dress: Modern Trousseau via The Gown Shop / Bride’s Earrings: Haute Bride via The Gown Shop / Veil: Haute Bride via The Gown Shop / Tuxedo: Calvin Klein / Bridesmaids Dresses: Impression / Wedding Cake: Le Cakery Bake Shop / Band: The Bells Band / Officiant: Fr. Tony Marques / Hair: Janice Preuett / Make-up: Jeff Marti

When the bridesmaids arrive by boat, you know it’s going to be a great wedding – and when the bride happens to be a wedding planner we love, you know it’s going to be a pretty wedding. And pretty it was! Add to the fact that Vrai Photography was on board to capture all of the super special moments, and we have a wedding you’ll want to spend some serious QT with – be sure to check out all the perfectly pretty details in the full gallery of images!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…As a Wedding Planner in Chicago, planning my destination wedding in Spring Lake, Michigan seemed like a breeze, at first. I absolutely love my job as a wedding planner and I am so blessed to be able to do this for so many beautiful brides, who I become dear friends with throughout the process. However, planning a wedding for myself, was not easy. I was engaged two years ago but didn’t start the planning process until a year out. That gave me time to really think about what I wanted to do, how I wanted to do it, and focus on my companies’ first year in this business.

I am so fortunate to be able to work with incredible vendors in Chicago and I learned very quickly, that I had to start from scratch to find vendors in Michigan. After a few months of research, I was so fortunate to have found the most amazing vendors to work with. On the other hand, I am extremely lucky that they chose to work with me! It’s not easy working for someone who does what you do. I have the utmost respect for anyone in this industry and that made me enjoy the process even more. I will be life long friends with all of my vendors.

Needless to say, I realized I needed some additional help. There was no way I could do this all on my own….and actually enjoy my wedding weekend. I was able to find an incredible planner who came in and pulled everything together for me. Without her, I could have never been able to relax and enjoy the wedding weekend. A few of my other vendors were from Chicago: The Deja Vu Band, managed by my sister, Jen Knuepfer Kenny, Vrai Photography, I Do Films and HDO Tenting. To spend a weekend as a bride with these vendors, whom I have worked with many times throughout the past few years, was just a blast!

I knew I wanted something different for our Michigan wedding. I see the most beautiful weddings in Chicago and I get to be a part of so many wonderful moments and memories and I knew that was what I wanted for Bryan and myself. Spring Lake is a dear place to us and our families. My Dad enjoyed many summers here growing up, and my family spent many summers and weekend visits together here. It is a place we will be coming to for many years to come. I knew since I was a little girl, I wanted to have my wedding in Spring Lake; the most beautiful place on earth to me. That also meant designing a tent, from scratch. We don’t do many tented weddings in Chicago, so this was new territory to me.

Bryan and I love being near the water, love boating and all the activities that come with it. We also love warm weather and spending time outside. I knew I wanted a nautical feel, to reflect the place we were at, but also a comfortable, casual, warm and intimate setting. I absolutely love lanterns, candle light, hydrangeas and everything navy! Since flowers don’t come in navy, we kept them light and natural and used the navy in other accents. I also wanted the floral to look as though it was picked from our garden; blue and clear hanging mason jars filled with wild flowers throughout the ceremony and reception provided the natural feel I was looking for. I mixed and matched patterns and designs, to create a nautical, but elegant look.

Food was extremely important to me as well and I really wanted the farm to table presentation and quality with local ingredients. Our caterer presented the most beautiful food that was in season, locally grown and absolutely delicious! Of course, we had to end the meal with blueberry and peach pie – a perfect way to satisfy the sweet tooth.

Our bridesmaids arrived by boat, and walked off the dock while the groomsmen lined up at the altar from another side of the yard. It was breathtaking. I walked down the steps from our house on a small hill, facing the lake. It was the most surreal moment walking down that aisle. All I could think was “this is actually happening!” It was the greatest feeling in the world.

Cocktail hour was next to the ceremony site, overlooking the small beach and the waterfront. The bridal party went on a boat ride immediately following the ceremony, while guests sipped “Lake Breezes” in Mason Jars, munched on passed hors d’oeuvres and enjoyed a fabulous cheese station, by “The Cheese Lady.” We were then invited up to the dinner tent by the harmonious sounds of a Bag Piper, which got guests moving! The dinner tent was stunning; Hanging lanterns, beautiful floral, soft lighting and just an overall romantic and intimate feeling.

My grandmother passed away days before our wedding, so it was a blessing to have my entire family with me, to celebrate her and we felt her presence all weekend long. It was a very emotional week leading up to it, and of course the wedding day was filled with tears and laughter; but all joyful. It down poured all morning – and even though my entire wedding was outside, somehow it cleared up an hour before the ceremony and we were able to do everything, just the way it was planned. She was my Angel in the Outfield.

I will always remember this day; not only because of the beautiful details and the hard work the vendors put into the production, but because we were so fortunate to have all of our family and friends travel to Michigan to celebrate with us. My parents worked so hard to create the perfect wedding for us and I am truly grateful for their support. Bryan and I didn’t leave the dance floor all night (we owe that to our band) and to my surprise we ended the night with a firework show! It was truly magnificent and now I know how all of my brides feel on their wedding day, loved and so blessed. It was magical!

Wedding Photography: Vrai Photography / Wedding Cinematography: I Do Films / Floral Design: Modern Day Floral and Event Design / Event Design: Modern Day Floral and Event Design + HDO Tent / Event Planning: Turn Key Management / Tent: HDO Tent / Catering: Christine Ferris Catering / Ceremony + Reception Location: Private Residence / Invitations + Paper Goods: Magnificent Milestones / Bride’s Shoes: Tory Burch / Wedding Dress: Ann Barge / Music: The Deja Vu Band

Oh my goodness, SMPers, do we have a treat for you this lovely Friday morning.  Yes, a double dose of pretty is coming your way, all courtesy of the talented team of Hey Gorgeous Events and Jenna McKenzie Photography.  Not only have these lovely ladies graced us with a swoon-worthy engagement session guaranteed to send your hearts into overdrive, but they have gifted us with an uber-fabulous DIY tutorial, as well!  I know… awesome.  So, find yourselves a comfy place, because you’ll want to take in every last ounce of sweetness from this adorable bride and groom-to-be (Seriously… how cute are they?!?) and then get your craft on with the lovely banner below!  SO fun.  Click here for more.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

Oh, we’re not done with the cuteness just yet.  As promised, a darling DIY tutorial from the fabulous duo of Hey Gorgeous Events and Jenna McKenzie Photography.  Not only is this banner SO very adorable and a blast to create, but it works for ANY occasion.  Just in time for the holidays!  So, have fun… and enjoy!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

Supplies:

Wooden characters of choosing
Ribbon, lace, twine – anything to hang your characters from
Scissors
A hot glue gun and glue sticks
Acryllic paint
A paint brush
Cardboard or an old sheet to cover your painting surface

1. Decide what you want to spell out and find all of your characters.  I checked out Michaels, Hobby Lobby and then Joanne’s Fabrics before I found the font style I liked best. I think the letters and numbers individually were $2.99 each. Spread out all of your characters on a covered surface.

2. Remove all of the price tags and stickers on the wood pieces and paint away! I used a soft gray acrylic paint and the same old paint brush I used over here for this project. I used two little bottles of the paint for all of the letters and numbers and that seemed to be more than enough paint to get me through the project. I only painted the sides and fronts of the characters and once the pieces dried, I went back and added a second coat to areas where the wood seemed to peak through.

3. Flip over and lay down all of your dried characters in the order that they will sit/hang on your banner (be careful that your numbers aren’t backwards!) Find the middle character (ours was the ‘9’) and measure out your ribbon or lace or whatever you will be using to hang the banner from that point out. We started with just one skinny piece of ribbon fastened to the ‘9’ but quickly found that because of the weight of the wood characters we would need a little more of something for the sign to hang in a photographic way. So we quadrupled up on ribbon strands because we’re serious like that.

4. I found it easiest to put a ton of hot glue on the top back of each letter then to place the ribbon over top. Then I repeated this process over and over with each piece of precut ribbon, making sure to go back and put little dabs of hot glue in between where the ribbon may have not been adhered to the wood. It really looks like we used a ton of ribbon but you’d be surprised how heavy all of those letters were! We used two spare pieces of ribbon to anchor down the ribbon on the back of the ‘9’ too. This was helpful!

5. For the ends of all of the pieces of ribbon, I clamped them together with a clothespeg and then tied, knotted and made a bow around all of the pieces to fasten them together. I wanted to make sure Grace and Ryan had a place on the banner to hold the sign by and the little bows seemed like a good marker. However, and this is important, do not tie your ends together until you have glued all of your characters to your ribbon and lace! I did this and ended up having to untie the ends because the ribbon had big bunches in it and wasn’t sitting properly on the characters. Tying your ends together should be the last step you make before cutting off the edges to make both ends equal!

From Hey Gorgeous Events… Jenna of Jenna McKenzie Photography and I, recently teamed up together to offer styled engagement sessions to both of our clientele; appropriately dubbed “Love Stories.”  It’s our hope that these shoots will allow our clients to feel like their love is represented in only the most personalized and unique way. So we were both so thrilled when one of Jenna’s sweet couples, Grace and Ryan, shared their interest and excitement in being a part of our endeavors. Soaking up the last little bit of Michigan’s Indian summer temperatures, we headed up to Port Oneida near Traverse City, Michigan which holds a special place in the soon to be newlyweds hearts. Not only do the two enjoy spending time up in Northern Michigan being outdoors and staying active, but it marks the spot where Ryan proposed to Grace.

Between snacking on their favorite flavors of cookies (peanut butter and chocolate chip) and flipping through Grace’s magazine of choice, the two enjoyed a mini picnic near one of Grace’s favorite barns. Making sure not to miss the dreamy light that completely saturates the Sleeping Bear Dunes right before sunset (Considered the most beautiful place in America on Good Morning America!) we headed down to the beach to play a little of frisbee, one of Ryan’s favorite games. And of course the shoot wasn’t complete without a few airplane rides for Grace; one of the things she loves most about being silly with her fiance. If their engagement session was any indication of their upcoming wedding, I’m confident their big day will be nothing short of amazing.

Styling, Floral Design + Coordination: Hey Gorgeous Events / Photography: Jenna McKenzie Photography / Floral Design: Hey Gorgeous Events / Wholesale Florals: J’s Fresh Flower Mart / Cookies: Cookies by Design / Location: Traverse City, Michigan / Ribbon, Lae, Paint + Wood Letters: Joann / Silver Frame + Picnic Basket: Vintage

With a love story as pretty as the wedding it produced, this next wedding by Calynn Berry Photography is the perfect way to gush your way through your lunch hour. Also, may I just say, I am obsessed with baby’s breath bouquets these days? Because I am. Don’t forget, there is even more to gush about in the full gallery of images so don’t forget to stop on by!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Jason and my story began at Jackson High School, where we were close friends but nothing more. After graduation we took a trip to Greece and Italy along with 20 of our friends and in one long bus ride, we determined that one day, we would get married. As we sat, talking, laughing, and eating pistachios, we revealed how we had secretly been interested in each other for a while but our timing was never right. That’s the moment that we decided we would have to make time and we devised a plan. We would start dating in college because maybe our timing would be right then, allow for a break-up along the way, pursue careers in fields that we loved and then, when we were 25 and still in love, we would get married. We called our conversation “the seven year plan” and promised over a pistachio shell that we would try to make it happen. We then split the shell, ate the nut, and each kept half.

Plans can’t always work seamlessly as there are the unanticipated setbacks – the fights and break-ups, my little sister’s TWO bouts with cancer, and just plain growing up in general, however on March 25, 2010, the day that we heard the beautiful words that my little sister was finally in remission from her Leukemia, Jason was secretly buying me a ring. One week later, on Good Friday, he proposed!

For our first wedding decision, choosing a venue and a photographer seemed to go hand in hand, and shortly after deciding on The Inn at Bay Harbor because of our long loving relationships with Northern Michigan, we found Calynn, a friend of a friend, and she. was. amazing! With the bulk of our budget going into our dream venue, I knew I needed to get creative if we wanted the spirit of our love and relationship shine though in the smaller details. With help and support from family and friends we were able to complete a lot of the design ourselves. My parents, Jason and I built our photo-booth, I designed the wedding invitations and the paper goods and our mom’s helped assemble them, Jason’s parents helped us assemble the programs, some wonderful friends of ours helped with the ribbon wands and the fabric wrapped favor popper boxes. The largest and most time consuming project was definitely our favors. I wanted our guests to have something that represents us, so I, along with help from friends and family, made and painted flower magnets out of pistachio shells. They ended up being a hit, and well worth the hours of effort.

We both feel that the actual day was a perfect dream. Everything seemed to fall into place, even the weather was perfection, and 8 years after determining to be together forever, we were able to share our love and celebrate our commitment to one another with 190 of our closest friends and family in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Wedding Photography: Calynn Berry Photography / Event Planning + Design: The Bride / Day-Of Coordination + Set-Up: Jacquline Dixon + Samantha Miguel of The Inn at Bay Harbor / Wedding Dress: Re-Designed Mori Lee via Beckers Bridal / Dress Alterations: Sew What / Bride’s Shoes: Guess / Sash + Pin: Family Friend / Hairclip: Kathy Johnson3 / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Groom + Groomsmen Suits: Men’s Warehouse / Invitations + Paper Goods: The Bride / Floral Design (with the exception of the bridesmaid bouquets): Bloom / Hair: Illaria Hair Studio / Wedding Cake + Cupcakes: Nantucket Baking Company / DJ: Sound Productions / Venue: The Inn at Bay Harbor