WeddingDay Magazine - Grand Rapids Spring/Summer 2024 Issue
Photos: Jessie Silva
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jessie Silva* Grand Rapids, MI jessiesilva.com
VENUE
Venue Bella Giornata* Byron Center, MI venuebellagiornata.com
PLANNING & COORDINATION
K+R Coordination* West Michigan & Beyond krcoordination.com
VIDEOGRAPHY
A Celec Film
FLORALS
Gardenground Floral* Holland, MI gardengroundfloral.com
DRESSES
Becker's Bridal* Fowler & Lansing, MI beckersbridal.com
HAIR & MAKEUP
BÜK Weddings* Kalamazoo, MI bukweddings.com
MENSWEAR
Dunhill Tuxedos
*WeddingDay preferred vendor
CAKE
Cami’s Creations GR
STATIONERY
The Printed Event*
Based in Southwest Michigan, Serving the Midwest theprintedevent.com
RENTALS
Gigi & LaClede
LINENS
Special Occasions, LLC
MODELS
Melissa Paduk & Kaleb Krontz of Point Modeling Agency
facebook & youtube: WeddingDay Magazine
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OWNER & PUBLISHER
Kaitlyn Smale
EDITORIAL
Allyson Hutchison - Content Writer
ADVERTISING SALES
Tanner Smale - Regional Account Executive
Gabby Leeper - Regional Account Executive
Diane Homer - National Sales Representative
WeddingDay is the Midwest’s leading integrated bridal planning platform, engaging couples across the Midwest by utilizing content marketing, social media and print to provide maximum brand exposure for its vendor-partners. We also utilize tools such as bridal shows, e-marketing services, sponsorships and contests.
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FROM THE EDITOR
As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, we find ourselves immersed in the beauty and romance of wedding season. This time of year is all about renewal, fresh beginnings and celebrating love in its most vibrant forms. To celebrate this, our team has curated a collection of breathtaking features, from a Mediterranean-inspired wedding to a glamorous and whimsical style shoot.
We are thrilled to announce the winners of our 2023 Style Shoot Design Contest, sponsored by AAYS Event Rentals! From disco balls and bright blooms to moody designs filled with glitz, the creativity in this year's entries has once again blown us away. Flip through the pages of this issue to see the winner, runner-up and two finalists, who poured their hearts and souls into these entries!
Plus, be sure to check out our coastal-themed cover shoot at Venue Bella Giornata in Byron Center, Michigan! Our talented vendor team curated an elegant shoot packed full of greenery and garden-inspired details. And if you’re looking for even more color inspiration, we’ve got plenty of creative ideas for incorporating the Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, into the details of your wedding day!
As you explore this issue, we hope you feel the excitement and joy that comes with planning a wedding and starting this new chapter of your life. Whether you're envisioning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, our goal is to provide you with the inspiration and resources you need to make your vision a reality!
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
Mediterranean Vibrance: The Real Wedding of Kaylen & Dylan in Holland
22 STYLE SHOOT
Emerald & Bows: A Glamorous & Whimsical Style Shoot
34 STYLE SHOOT DESIGN CONTEST WINNER
The Winner, Runner-Up & Finalists of our 2023 Style Shoot Design Contest, Sponsored by AAYS Event Rentals
54 COLOR INSPO
Peach Fuzz:
Using the Pantone Color of the Year in Your Wedding
60 WEDDING TIPS
Advice from the Couple: Brides & Grooms Share What They've Learned
80 COVER SHOOT
Coastal Garden Elegance: WeddingDay's Exclusive Grand Rapids Cover Shoot
68 REAL WEDDING
Rustic Elegance: The Real Wedding of Ashlynne & Ryan in Allegan
109 NEWLY ENGAGED
Engaged in the Midwest: 7 Midwest Couples Ready to Tie the Knot
about the cover photographer
JESSIE SILVA
Jessie Silva is a Grand Rapids based wedding photographer obsessed with making your entire experience fun, stress-free and so comfortable that you spend your entire wedding day feeling as good as you did on the night you fell in love. With 15 years of experience, she is an expert at getting you to loosen up and get the shot, and will make you feel like models! She will be your own personal hype woman, and get just as excited for you as you were the day you said “YES!"
Andi B Photography
Ashley
Lynn Photography
Ashley Lynn Photography
The Real Wedding of
KAYLEN & DYLAN MAAT
THEME:
Mediterranean Vibrance
SEASON: VENUE:
Summer
The Felt Estate Holland, MI
Inspired by her travels to Europe, Kaylen wanted to plan a wedding that incorporated Mediterranean styles with a rich color palette of pink, burnt red, white and black. However, she did have some difficulty with the planning. “It was actually really hard to describe my vision because I could not find past weddings that have done anything like this,” Kaylen shares. In the end, her vendor team created an elegant celebration with plenty of white details to contrast the more vibrant tones. Even Kaylen’s dress— which is stunning—adds to the elevated feel of the ceremony since it is a classic silhouette. And we are especially in love with all the unique floral details in their reception space!
"Spend extra time incorporating personal details that matter to you, even if your guests don’t notice they are there. Make sure your wedding is one hundred percent you and your spouse. Enjoy all the little celebrations leading up to the wedding. And finally, HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER! We continue to look at our wedding photos and watch our wedding video on repeat. It is the best to be able to relive the best day ever!"
PHOTOGRAPHY: AVERY PHILLIPS PHOTO
VENUE: THE FELT ESTATE COORDINATION, PLANNING & STATIONERY: ALL BUTTONED UP EVENTS
CATERING: CLI CATERING VIDEOGRAPHY: JOSH
REXFORD FLORALS: LINNAEA FLORAL DRESS: THE
WEDDING STUDIO BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES: BIRDY
GREY HAIR: TANAZ HAIR BOUTIQUE & DAY SPA
MAKEUP: ERICK GERSON MENSWEAR: WOODLAND
TAILORING BRIDESMAIDS' JEWELRY: OLIVE & PIPER
SHOES: J. CREW CAKE: NANTUCKET BAKING COMPANY
DJ: MUSIC HOST ENTERTAINMENT BAR SERVICE: PUNCH
BAR RENTALS: SPECIAL OCCASIONS, EVENTS BY ICANDY & EVENT THEORY
True-to-color photographer capturing timeless & joy-filled images for couples to treasure forever.
Where Rustic Meets Elegant
Our wedding venue is nestled in the heart of Michigan, just 30 minutes away from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo & the Lakeshore. Our stunning gambrel barn is set on 20 acres of pristine, manicured grounds perfect for taking your wedding vows and making unforgettable memories. Our barn has exposed wood beams & weathered plank walls giving it a warm atmosphere perfect for any wedding style!
Main
Photo: Mae
Photo
Co, Bottom Left & Right
Photos: Abby Fox Photography, Bottom Middle Photo: Emaleedee
Emerald & Bows
The vision behind this style shoot was born from a collaboration of two photographers who wanted to bring two different shoot styles to life: a bright and airy style and a rich, elegant style. The team utilized pink and emerald to separate the two themes and incorporated plenty of elegant rentals that worked perfectly with both styles. To make sure the two themes shined through, multiple looks were included. From an elegant, traditional gown and a 1920s throwback to a modern bridal pantsuit and chic blush bridesmaid's dress, every look fit the glam, fun and whimsical vibe of the shoot! One of our favorite touches is the stationery from The Printed Event, who was able to combine both sides of this shoot beautifully, using both pink and green touches.
Photos on this page by
Pavé Wedding Productions
WHAT WE love
Love; Photography captured both sides of this shoot perfectly. The bright side of the shoot is fun and colorful while the rich-toned side came out refined and elegant. We also love that the team was able to utilize her photography studio for the venue, which served as an ideal backdrop for both themes!
M e t r o D e t r o i t W e d d i n g P h o t o g r a p h e r a n d
V i d e o g r a p h e r
t a y l o r m p h o t o . c o m | t a y l o r d a n o s 1 1 @ y a h o o . c o m
Wild Pine Photo Co.
Where love stories begin...
At The Wedding Shoppe, we believe that every dress holds the promise of a beautiful love story. Let us help you find the dress that will make your own love story unforgettable.
For WeddingDay’s fifth annual Style Shoot Design Contest, sponsored by AAYS Event Rentals, our participants had the chance to utilize the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, in their choice of three different themes: the 1970s, 1980s or 1990s.
Kudos to all of this year's talented participants! To continue the tradition of years past, selecting the winner was an incredibly difficult decision! Read on to check out this year's champion and to check out all the dreamy details that set it apart as the clear winner! SPONSORED BY:
Our team of winners created a flashy and lively shoot from our theme 'The 1970s'. Led by planner Cynthia Basker of Celebrated Events, they created a style shoot inspired by the iconic Studio 54 disco nightclub. We think they perfectly captured the disco vibes from that era with from the big hair to Chantel Miller Storytelling’s psychedelic photography and the use of numerous disco balls in each scene!
“Pantone defines its 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, as: brave and fearless, a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative. The very definition of Viva Magenta could also describe the vibe and spirit of Studio 54,” Cynthia explains. With that perfect connection, it was an obvious decision to make this bright and lively color their feature throughout their shoot. We love that the team chose to highlight and balance the magenta with black, gold and silver—colors you might have seen when visiting Studio 54 in the '70s. One of the most obvious uses of Viva Magenta is in the five different types of roses Marco Alexzondra Floral used around the setup, but it also appears in the signage, linens and lighting!
The venue, The Brick, was the perfect place to host this disco shoot. It has plenty of moody elements around the space, like the exposed brick walls that surround the venue. One major incentive to use this venue was the unique loft feature. Cynthia admits, “We honestly chose The Brick for its loft area that served as our VIP lounge, complete with velvet rope. So much has been written about the huge crowds that stood outside of Studio 54, just hoping to be one of the chosen ones that got in to experience it!” We love that this exclusive area was used to house the disco ball illusion cake from Sweet Em’s Cake Shoppe and the bottle of bubbly!
David Bowie and Donna Summers were the inspiration given to BÜK Weddings to create the models' looks. We love the bride's big, curly hair that they paired with a spritz of glitter near the roots and the sparkly eyeshadow that is oh-so-groovy! As for the dress, the team found the perfect style for this occasion at Simply Yours Bridal and Formalwear. “The dress had a plunging neckline and a high slit with a body conscious silhouette that reflected the sultry styles of the day,” Cynthia shares. When paired with the long necklace and bejeweled platform heels, it feels like we were transported back to another time!
Very specific rentals were needed to bring this vision to life. The disco ball wall from Party Lane Balloons and Prop Rental was non-negotiable for Cynthia and made for a perfect backdrop for the ceremony space. We also adore the handmade shimmer chandelier behind the sweetheart table! As for the silver sequin linen, champagne flutes, glass candle holders, gold silverware and charger plates, black dinner plates and magenta napkins, the sponsor of this contest, AAYS Event Rentals, provided it all. It's in these details that this shoot is able to bring the vibrant '70s disco era to life!
DISCO WALL: PARTY LANE BALLOONS & PROP RENTAL LIGHTING: SOUTH BEND PREMIER WEDDING AND EVENT DJ MODELS: CLAIRE SHIPPY & KYLE SHANNON
*WeddingDay preferred vendor
202 STYLE SHOOT
DESIGNRUNNER-UPCONTEST
Inspired by our 1970s theme, Gina with Sugar on the Rim Events and her runner-up Style Shoot Design Contest team initially wanted to create a softer shoot that incorporated white, orange and light blue. When Gina decided that no '70s shoot would be complete without disco balls, she turned in a very different direction! "I was looking for something that was fun and out-of-thebox for a wedding," Gina shares. "Disco balls are so fun and totally '70s." With bright colors on the rise and disco balls being a constant hot detail in offbeat weddings, this colorful shoot is positively groovy!
Bell Mare Weddings & Events was the perfect location for this shoot. On top of its abundance of white elements to balance the color in this setup, this Southwest Michigan venue also has plenty of vintage touches. The team did a great job decorating the two story space. We are obsessed with its unique spaces, like the bar, which created some fun photoops! And we love how Gina cleverly used a shimmering Viva Magenta tablecloth— provided by AAYS Event Rentals—as a backdrop draped around the barn doors as another place for the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year to shine!
Topped with a burnt orange linen, the tablescape is filled to the brim with funky textures and details! Some of our favorite elements include the spiral candles and colored, patterned glassware spread across the entire table. Gina opted to keep the dinnerware simple but added a pop of magenta with the napkins to separate the charger and salad plates, all from AAYS Event Rentals. If you keep a keen eye out, you can spot multiple disco balls and disco ball illusions throughout the setup as well. The floral centerpieces also designed by Sugar on the Rim Events are the real showstoppers! "Gerbera daisies are the perfect '70s flower. When you look at them they just make you happy as they are a happy flower," Gina explains. She also incorporated little sprigs of painted baby’s breath as the final touch. She shares, "Baby’s breath has been a trend in the wedding floral industry so I wanted to show off its ability to be painted many colors to fit many themes."
No style shoot is complete without a blushing bride! The team elected to go with three bridal looks since there were so many options to choose from at The Second Dress. With long illusion sleeves and floral appliqués, the first dress was the perfect look to fit the '70s vibe. The photographer, Kay Warner Photography, had a vision for puffy sleeves, which is where the second dress comes into the shoot. The team accented the neckline and sleeves by restyling the bride’s hair into a half-up, half-down style. The final bridal outfit—dubbed the party look—was a jumpsuit, which is the perfect combination of both modern and vintage!
The Printed Event did an incredible job with the invitation suite and menus. To help balance the shoot, they utilized muted tones of the oranges and pinks for a subdued palette. The bubble font that they chose is funky and fun, which makes it perfect for this shoot, and the non-traditional diecut arch shaped cards bring a taste of fun into the suite. We wouldn’t change a thing!
Theme: The 1970s
PHOTOGRAPHY: KAY WARNER PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATION, PLANNING &
FLORALS: SUGAR ON THE RIM EVENTS (SUGARONTHERIMEVENTS.COM)*
VENUE: BELL MARE WEDDINGS & EVENTS (BELLMAREEVENTS.COM)*
VIDEOGRAPHY: RAYCROFT RECORDINGS DRESSES: THE SECOND DRESS
MAKEUP: SLAY ALL DAY MUA HAIR: ELEMENTS SALON SPA RETREAT
STATIONERY: THE PRINTED EVENT (THEPRINTEDEVENT.COM)*
Gabriella chose The Seventy Five as the venue because it was the perfect blank slate for this shoot. The indoor space has plenty of white walls with dark neutral flooring to make the tablescape stand out. The outdoor area has a neutral colored ground that opens up into a beautiful natural landscape. In a stroke of luck, the weather was perfect for this day. Cloudy skies helped bring the moody tone into this shoot along with the black arbor!
Look at that stunning dress! This neutral-backed gown from AW Bridal is covered with large boho designs that are perfect for the flashiness of the 1970s. Gabriella shares, “It was shiny with sequins, which added to the ‘bang’ of the bridal style!” Erika Taft Beauty styled the bride’s hair in simple curls and K.E.B. Artistry added a touch of moodiness to the makeup with a darker neutral eyeshadow. We love the way this look came together and that the team chose to put the flower crown on the groom instead of the bride!
Theme: The 1970s
This Style Shoot Design Contest finalist team was inspired by the theme The 1970s due to its subdued palette. “I knew I wanted '70s because the colors, compared to all of the other era options, were muted and fit my editing style better. Plus, I personally like the vibe of the '70s most,” Gabriella Sutherland Photography, the planner and photographer for this shoot, explains. We love the way this neutral, moody shoot came together despite the fact that they almost had no makeup artist or cake!
Viva Magenta, the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year, was included subtly in Dashing Designs’ florals around the shoot, which are easiest to see on the tablescape. We love that the team used a neutral linen and white chairs to contrast with the blooms. Plenty of small disco balls were placed around the table and different geometric shapes and materials were utilized around the centerpiece. Our favorite touch is the use of vinyl records as the chargers for the plates to sit on as well as the tiny vinyls perched on the salad plates!
The stationery from K. Cutright Coordination was the perfect blend of neutral tones and vintage designs. We also love that the signage is created with wood to bring in more earthy tones to this shoot. And we can’t get over that cake! The two-tiered terracotta cake from Tait Bakes is divided by a clear case holding disco balls. There isn’t an inch of this cake that doesn’t go undecorated from the textures in the icing to the appliques like the flowers and vinyl. It looks absolutely scrumptious!
FINALIST
Theme: The 1970s
Inspired by the theme 1970s, this Style Shoot Design Contest finalist team, sponsored by AAYS Event Rentals, wanted to highlight both sides of the '70s. From groovy, flower-child vibes to glamorous disco nights, this shoot has it all, and Monica Z. Photography and Region Weddings captured every fabulous moment, led by Liz Wilczewski of White Oak Farm Venue.
Per our contest requirements, the team incorporated the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, in subtle and not-sosubtle ways. Our favorite addition is the bright pop of magenta in the bouquets and floral displays provided by Marco Alexzondra Floral & Event Services. “The handkerchiefs, jewelry and martini glasses were a more understated way to showcase the color. The florals and tablescapes flaunted it,” Liz shares. Speaking of the tablescapes, we are in love with both designs! The pale pink runner along with the golden and orange accents are perfect for evoking those retro vibes. To complement the rustic look with elegance, the team also put together a table with white linens provided by Classic Catering and Events, pink napkins and charger plates, disco balls and plenty of glassware.
When first thinking about this shoot, Liz envisioned a vintage car in front of one of the barns at White Oak Farm Venue. Luckily, the team was able to find the right vintage car to pull off that image even though they had a last-minute cancelation. The team also utilized both barns for different parts of the shoot. The rustic and subtle feel was set in the Cedar Barn while the elegant disco scene was set in the Poplar Barn. Since this venue is situated on plenty of farmland, the team was able to use the beautiful natural landscape as a backdrop as well!
Photos on this page by Monica Z. Photography
To accommodate the two scenes, the bride donned two looks from Catherine’s Bridal Boutique. The ceremony scene had her in a modern yet bohemian gown with plenty of floral detailing and a full skirt. The disco look was a fit-and-flare dress with big bell sleeves and a flower crown. Salon Rogue styled a versatile hair and makeup look to be able to switch between the two outfits. Her hair was fashioned into a bun and they used natural makeup to complete the look. Likewise, the bridesmaids also switched dresses from neutral gowns for the ceremony to bright pink dresses for the disco reception!
Finally, no style shoot is complete without a cake and stationery. The cake from Val’s Custom Cakes is an all-white, three-tiered cake with a band of rhinestones on each layer. It was adorned with a large floral display down the side for added interest. We also love the disco ball display they chose as a cake stand! The stationery from Aaron Wilson was perfect for this shoot as well with the use of pinks and plenty of retro touches, like the little flower icons.
PHOTOGRAPHY: REGION WEDDINGS & MONICA Z. PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE, COORDINATION & PLANNING: WHITE OAK FARM VENUE
CATERING: CK CATERING FLORALS: MARCO ALEXZONDRA FLORAL & EVENT SERVICES (MARCOALEXZONDRA.COM)* DRESSES & BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES: CATHERINE'S BRIDAL BOUTIQUE HAIR & MAKEUP: SALON ROGUE MENSWEAR: LR MEN'S CLOTHIER & TUXEDOS RINGS & JEWELRY: MARTIN BINDER JEWELER DJS: HYPE PRODUCTIONS, INC & ARRESTED SOUNDS RENTALS: CLASSIC CATERING & EVENTS
Four Winds New Buffalo’s Silver Creek Event Center offers over 17,000 square feet of flexible space. Four Winds South Bend’s Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center offers a 24,000 square foot multi-use facility with a grand ballroom. You can host a five-star rehearsal dinner at Copper Rock Steakhouse or plan a party at Kankakee Grille at Four Winds New Buffalo or Four Winds South Bend. Whether you want an intimate ceremony for 20 or a lavish reception for up to 800 guests, we have a perfect space for every occasion.
Then relax in style in one of our 415 deluxe hotel rooms at Four Winds New Buffalo or 317 luxurious rooms at Four Winds South Bend. Looking for even more excitement, try your hand on the gaming floor with the best selection of slots and table games.
THE ONLY YOU WILL EVER NEED wedding planning checklist PLANNING
the only wedding planning checklist you need
9 TO 12 MONTHS BEFORE
Discuss and determine a budget with your groom
Document budget in WeddingDay’s budget checklist
Gather “ideal” guest list from groom, groom’s family and your family
Narrow down the guest list as needed to determine venue size and cost estimate
Choose a date and reserve a venue
Select a ceremony site and an officiant
Choose the members of your wedding party
Hire a wedding planner or wedding coordinator if desired
Create an email folder for wedding-related correspondence, a Pinterest board for inspiration, and an actual folder for receipts and vendor contracts
Book your main vendors (florist, photographer and DJ/band, etc.)
Have an engagement party to celebrate with friends and family
6 TO 9 MONTHS BEFORE
Go wedding dress shopping for your dream dress and order immediately
Hire a catering company if the venue does not cater in-house
Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses with the bridal party
Design your wedding website with pertinent information
Decide on a honeymoon destination and renew passport
Book your wedding day transportation (limo, bus, carriage, etc)
Create gift registry
4 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE
Finalize guest list using WeddingDay’s guest list checklist
Gather postal addresses of invited guests
Design, print and send save-the-date announcements
Shop for and rent necessary rental items such as decor, chairs, tables, etc.
Purchase wedding invitations or hire designer to create invites
Start planning your ceremony with music selection and readings
Meet with your officiant regarding ceremony and required premarital counseling
Finalize honeymoon travel plans
Implement workout regiments and diet, if desired
2 TO 4 MONTHS BEFORE
Book your makeup artist and hair salon for bridal party and yourself
Choose a hairstyle and book a consultation and trial run appointment
Pick a bakery, attend a cake tasting or two, and order your cake
Buy wedding favors for guests and gifts for wedding party
Organize your information to obtain marriage license
Purchase your wedding bands
Order tuxes for groom and groomsmen/ushers
Mail invitations!
6-8 WEEKS BEFORE
Send invites for rehearsal dinner to family, wedding party and select guests
Attend food tasting with caterer or venue and finalize menu
Meet with florist to finalize flowers
Begin beauty treatments (teeth whitening, facials, etc.)
Send DJ and photographer list of songs and list of musthave photos
2-6 WEEKS BEFORE
Color and trim your hair
Have a trial run of your formal hair and makeup
Schedule meeting with all vendors to plan and finalize details
Create seating chart and wedding-weekend itinerary
Print guest name cards, programs, menus and extra stationery
Have your final dress fitting
Write down your vows and reception speech
Send finalized guest counts with menu choices to caterer
1 WEEK BEFORE
Re-confirm all plans and times with vendors and wedding party
Create an envelope tipping system for vendors
Inform wedding party of any required duties
Pack for the honeymoon
Dan Cox Photography
Buenas Vibras Photography
Buenas Vibras Photography
Kara Hanes Photography
Peach Fuzz
Incorporating the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, into your special day adds a light and delicate touch to your design. This warm hue can be infused into various elements of your décor and attire creating a modern elegance in your wedding. Picture bridesmaids dressed in various shades of peach dresses, carrying soft bouquets featuring blooms in matching hues. Tablescapes adorned in fun peach linens paired with yellow and orange accents create an inviting ambiance. Peach Fuzz can be reflected in your wedding signage, cake design and even in the signature drinks. Your guests will be enchanted by this subtle yet striking color choice, ensuring your wedding is a memorable celebration of warmth and elegance!
vice FROM THE COUPLE
It is your day. Do what YOU want and have fun with it.” “
-Alex St. John & Connor Hanson
Amy Lynn
Sarah Sage Photography
FEATURED WEDDING
The Real Wedding of
ASHLYNNE & RYAN KAVALUSKIS
Rustic Elegance
When it came time to plan the theme and style of their wedding, Ashlynne and Ryan didn’t lack inspiration. The venue, the season and the colors that Ashlynne thought would look good on everyone is what inspired their color palette and style. They ended up with a light and airy color scheme that suits their spring wedding perfectly. They also had plenty of floral, greenery and wooden elements to bring their rustic chic wedding to life, which is a beautiful way to celebrate love in the Midwest!
WHAT WE love
All of Ashlynne and Ryan's vendors were close friends/family, which made celebrating their day all the more special! One of those amazing vendors was Kara Hanes Photography, who beautifully captured all the light details and romance of their wedding day!
When seeking a photographer, not only is it important they fit your budget and style, but they should be someone you can see yourself spending your entire wedding day with You shouldn’t make this decision lightly Let’s set up a time to chat and see if I’d be a good fit for you.
“Not
only is her work gorgeous, she is so fun to work with and makes everyone feel comfortable.”
-Shannon Spencer
B r i d a l S p e c t a c u l a r
E v e r y t h i n g y o u n e e d t o p l a n a w e d d i n g !
S u n d a y , J a n u a r y 5 t h , 2 0 2 5
N o o n - 4 : 0 0 p m
F a s h i o n S h o w a t 2 : 3 0 p m
P r e - R e g i s t e r f o r d o o r p r i z e s a n d g i v e a w a y s !
w w w . i n d i a n a b r i d a l s p e c t a c u l a r . n e t
S p o n s o r e d b y : L o u i e ' s T u x S h o
YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
Have you ever wanted to be on the cover of WeddingDay? We’re on the hunt for our next cover model! Make sure you’re following us on social media so you don’t miss the official contest launch later this summer! @WeddingDayMagazine
Patty Leonor
Photography
WEDDINGDAY’S
The Vision
Our planners Kyle and Rachel of K+R Coordination strive to fulfill all of their clients' wishes, so it was fun for them to get the creative juices flowing on their own project. “It was definitely a team effort. We all added our own touch,” they share. In the end, they designed a Mediterranean-inspired shoot with plenty of elegant and garden details. We love the way this team was able to make this shoot look like a coastal wedding right here in western Michigan!
JESSIE SILVA
JESSIE SILVA
The Venue
High ceilings and plenty of large windows to allow for natural light are some of the reasons that we decided to host our cover shoot at Venue Bella Giornata. We love that their blank white walls can complement any style, allowing the décor to stand out. Mixed with the blue of our palette they help the coastal theme shine even brighter, too! This venue also has a breathtaking outdoor space with a patio, Magnolia trees and lovely white fence to add character. And did we mention the adorable cottage suite?
The Decor
Since neutral weddings are popular right now, Kyle and Rachel wanted their color scheme to include more hues. Together with Gigi and LaClede, they dreamt up a tablescape design that would work well with the garden-like florals they had in mind. They ended up choosing some blue Delft dishes with gold flatware for a warm accent. Special Occasions provided textured powder blue linens that perfectly matched our palette. And we love the way Kyle and Rachel tied the napkins to pull in the current bow trend, instead of using a traditional fold!
The Florals
To bring the garden theme to life, Kyle and Rachel knew they needed plenty of florals to decorate the space. “The florist we used for this shoot, Gardenground Floral, is an amazing artist. We presented her with our mood board and she took off with this idea!” Kyle and Rachel rave. The florals ended up being one of the main influences for the color scheme. With plenty of bright whites, greenery and shades of blue, the blooms perfectly matched our coastal garden theme!
The Cake
Take a look at this scrumptious cake! Cami’s Creations GR provided a three-tiered, all-white confection. With vanilla gluten-free cake and vanilla buttercream frosting, this creation was simple but oh-so-delicious! A blue ribbon was fastened around the second tier to add some flair and tie the cake in with the rest of the décor,
JESSIE SILVA
JESSIE SILVA
The Looks
Our model donned two different dresses from Becker’s Bridal in our cover shoot. Both gowns are sleek and elegant, each with their own individual flair. The first includes detachable billowing sleeves which brings in a whimsical touch. The second dress boasts a unique off-the-shoulder design that mimics a large bow on top of the corset bodice. To top off the bridal look, BÜK Weddings styled the bride’s hair in a classic low bun with face-framing pieces and soft, natural makeup to highlight her beauty! The groom looked dapper in his navy suit from Dunhill Tuxedos which complemented our coastal color palette.
SEE BEHIND
the scenes
View the video at: youtu.be/ TRAq7Uq874U
The Stationery
When it came to the stationery, Kyle and Rachel knew they wanted sleek lines and the coastal color palette represented. The Printed Event nailed this vision! This simple yet modern pieces perfectly reflected our theme and the blue utilized was exactly the same shade as the linens. We also love the unique photo Jessie Silva captured of the stationery fixed to the side of the venue's teal, textured bar!
VIDEOGRAPHY: A CELEC FILM FLORALS: GARDENGROUND FLORAL (GARDENGROUNDFLORAL.COM)* DRESSES: BECKER'S BRIDAL (BECKERSBRIDAL.COM)* HAIR & MAKEUP: BÜK WEDDINGS (BUKWEDDINGS.COM MENSWEAR: DUNHILL TUXEDOS STATIONERY: THE PRINTED EVENT (THEPRINTEDEVENT.COM)* CAKE: CAMI'S CREATIONS GR RENTALS: GIGI & LACLEDE LINENS: SPECIAL OCCASIONS, LLC MODELS: MELISSA PADUK & KALEB KRONTZ OF POINT MODELING AGENCY *WeddingDay preferred vendor
Photos: Elizabeth Jean
Photo, Kat Sherman Photo, Get Lucky Photography, Jamie Gens Photography, Emily DeKoster Photography
Meet the Cover Team
THE WEDDING PROS BEHIND THE SHOOT
Kyle MacDonald
Knoll + Rachel Reis
K+R COORDINATION
Kyle and Rachel are the owners and lead planners of K+R Coordination. Their life’s work is bringing your vision to reality. K+R provides professional, elegant, sophisticated services to ensure your special day is as wonderful as you hoped and dreamed. They say, "We guarantee precise coordination with extraordinary results."
Jessie Silva
JESSIE SILVA
Jessie Silva is a Grand Rapids based wedding photographer obsessed with making your entire experience fun, stress-free and so comfortable that you spend your entire wedding day feeling as good as you did on the night you fell in love. With 15 years of experience, she is an expert at getting you to loosen up and get the shot, and will make you feel like models! She will be your own personal hype woman, and get just as excited for you as you were the day you said “YES!"
Maddie, Joe, Jennifer + Amy
VENUE BELLA GIORNATA
Venue Bella Giornata is the newest member of Peppino’s Hospitality Group (PHG) and is the culmination of nearly 50 years in the food, beverage and hospitality industry. Maddie and Amy, the dedicated event directors at Venue Bella Giornata, bring years of experience and a shared passion for creating memorable moments. With keen attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, they play a vital role in ensuring the success of every event.
Alexander Atsaphanthong
A CELEC FILM
Alexander is 34 years old and an avid golfer. He has a passion for videography and runs a videography business that specializes in capturing wedding moments. He says, "My work allows me to combine my love for storytelling with my professional skills to create lasting memories for couples on their special day."
Tracie Perkins
GARDENGROUND FLORAL
Tracie is the owner of Gardenground Floral. She loves weddings, as the joy is completely infectious. For the last 18 years, she has had the pleasure of working with amazing couples, parents-to-be and more, all while executing fresh ideas tailored to each of their events. She strives to develop her skills so she can bring new ideas to the table, while sharing her love of flowers and design. She says, "Flowers lure us into their beauty, bewitching our senses with fragrance, color and texture. I believe in living a life based around kindness and leaving others feeling uplifted by creating unforgettable celebrations!"
Alyssa Pung +
Shelley Mueller
BECKER'S BRIDAL
Becker's Bridal is the nation's oldest bridal salon dating all the way back to 1934 when the first bridal gown was sold. Shelley and Alyssa are mother/daughter owners and work one-on-one with brides everyday to shop throughout the collection of 3,000 bridal gowns between sizes 2-32. Brides travel from all over the Midwest to shop at the historic Becker's Bridal and celebrate in the one-of-a-kind Phoenix Bridal Celebration lounge, which offers specialty cocktails and Insta-worthy photo-ops!
Team BUK
BÜK STUDIOS & CO./BÜK WEDDINGS
A studio is where an artist creates, and BÜK Studios & Co./ BÜK Weddings is definitely a studio! Their team is made up of artists of all different types and skill sets, most of them being cross-trained in various areas. Their offerings include hair and makeup services, engagement and wedding photography bundles and bridal shower spa skincare packages.
DUNHILL TUXEDOS
Dunhill Tuxedos offers exceptional sales and rental services for tuxedos and suits. With a wide range of styles, colors and sizes to fit every body type and personal preference, they pride themselves on providing high-quality attire at affordable prices. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff offers personalized service to ensure you find the perfect outfit for any event. Dunhill makes the rental process easy with online reservations and personalized fittings. Trust Dunhill Tuxedos to make you look and feel your best for any occasion!
Team Dunhill
Jill Wells + Liz Berghorst
THE PRINTED EVENT
The Printed Event (TPE) is a family-owned, female-operated company based in Southwest Michigan. Sisters Jill and Liz (along with a wonderful group of female designers and industry experts) work with clients all over the Midwest to “brand events." The goal is to bring to life a personalized, cohesive theme for weddings and other special events that is translated over a variety of printed goods. They specialize in creating matching stationery (save-the-dates, invitation suites and thank you cards), day-of accessories (signage, ceremony programs, menus, tablescapes and more), laser-engraved personalized gifts, custom apparel and more!
Cami DenHartigh
CAMI'S CREATIONS GR
Cami is a self-taught, in-home baker serving the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. A stay-at-home mom of two, Cami discovered a newly found love of creating cupcakes, cakes and cookies!
Jamie Carnes + Keri Kujala
SPECIAL OCCASIONS, LLC
Owners Jamie Carnes and Keri Kujala have both worked in events for over 15 years and use their coordination and design experience to help couples and planners build their perfect event. Special Occasions offers thousands of different specialty rental options to help transform any event.
Holly Deboer
GIGI & LACLEDE
Gigi & LaClede is a vintage dish rental company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They offer day-of support services to ensure your event runs smoothly, including styling/set-up, delivery/pick-up and tear down/clean up.
Y our newlywed bliss can quickly come to an end when it comes time to endure the dreaded task of changing your last name. The legal process can often take the romance out of taking your significant other’s last name. If you get yourself organized with the proper documents, the process can be less strenuous, allowing you to continue to revel in your newlywed happiness.
1.
GET THE ORIGINAL MARRIAGE LICENSE FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
The original license should come from the clerk’s office where your license was filed. One should automatically be sent to you a couple weeks after the wedding. The original document should have a raised seal and your new last name. Also, it’s a good idea to request copies.
2. REQUEST A NEW SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
If you visit the Social Security Administration’s website, you can find an application for a change of name here. This is a free service. Print the application, fill it out, and include any required documents. You can either take your application to a nearby Social Security office or mail it in. You should receive your new card with your new last name in approximately 10 days.
3.
APPLY FOR A NEW LICENSE AT THE BMV
Getting a new license from the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office requires a few documents, namely your old license, the original marriage license and your new Social Security card. Remember to change your address if you have moved after the wedding.
4.
CHANGE YOUR LAST NAME WITH YOUR HR DEPARTMENT
When your new Social Security card comes in the mail, meet with your HR manager at work to switch your name over. This includes payroll, 401k, your insurance benefits, stocks etc.
5.
UPDATE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION
The easiest way to do this is to visit your local branch in person. Take your new license, your marriage license and your new Social Security card, and ask for your name to be changed on your account. Request new checks, debit cards and credit cards with your new name.
6.
UPDATE YOUR LAST NAME ON OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNTS
As time goes on, you will remember more accounts that your last name must be changed on. Remember to keep all of the necessary documents within reach to easily change your name.
Tracie and Tab Photography
Gaska String Quartet
CONGRATS TO OUR RECENTLY ENGAGED COUPLES!
DID YOU RECENTLY GET ENGAGED? WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU!
Submit your engagement story to us at weddingday-online.com/submityour-engagement and we may feature you on our social media channels or in the next issue of WeddingDay!
Denise + Lance / Stephany Daniela Photos
Bre + AJ
Nicole + Jeremy
Karleigh + Jacob / Claire Hope Photography
Beverly + Storm / Erin Lane Photography
Cécilia + Mitch / Luxea Photographie
Erin + Kyle / Amanda Basteen Photography
MIDWEST WEDDING Vendor Guide
BAKERIES & DESSERTS
Froehlich's Three Oaks, MI, 269.756.6002 shopfroehlichs.com
