Here comes the most adorable, fabulously colorful, detail-filled fête for your Thursday morning! Captured by the oh-so-talented Jen Lynne Photography and styled by could-not-be-lovelier Rhiannon at Hey Gorgeous Events, this party isn’t just pretty…it’s downright GORGEOUS, and guaranteed to put a bit fat grin on your face! Bulldogs in bow ties, ribbon streamers, an escort table worthy of pinning, chandeliers in a barn filled with pie – I could go on and on about all the little details that made my giddy meter go off the charts, but you can see it all for yourself in the full gallery of FABULOUS images!
Click here to see the entire gallery of images!
From Hey Gorgeous Events…I first met Kelli, a few months prior to her big day, when she was looking for some last-minute help tying in personal touches and managing some logistical details for her wedding. Right away I became completely smitten with not only her appreciation for all the small details that make an event shine, but her love and admiration for her now husband, Brandon. For those few months prior to their August wedding, we had so much fun bringing together everything that would make their wedding feel romantic, relaxed and memorable.
Kelli and Brandon’s big day started out with a laid back and delicious lunch hosted by the mother of the groom in Lakeview, Michigan. The old-style barn and vintage surroundings on the property set the tone perfectly for the couple as they got ready for their first look. After a few formal portraits with the bridal party, Jen of Jen Lynne Photography used the cloudy skies and on and off again weather to her advantage to capture the most dreamy and romantic photos of the soon to be newlyweds.
The bride picked a fresh color palette of fuchsia and tangerine in an effort to celebrate the final days of summer. The pops of color from the bridesmaids dresses and the ranunculus, garden roses and dahlia bouquets looked stunning against the altar of the sanctuary in Grand Rapids’ Fountain Street church. Close to 180 of their closest friends and family watched the two say their vows before helping me orchestrate a surprise – and very exciting – ribbon wand following the ceremony. The ring bearer proudly carried a handmade sign with the phrase “Here Comes The Carlsons!” as the bridal party paraded downtown for more photos and guests headed over the cocktail hour and reception at St. Cecelia’s music center. Once guests arrived at the venue they were greeted with little vignettes, styled perfectly to reflect not only the couple’s fun personalities and loving nature, but also their professional careers; their escort table blended Kelli’s job as a teacher and Brandon’s gig as a bean farmer into one fun display for guests. Everyone absolutely loved finding their pencil flags that directed them to their seats. A top the mantle of the fireplace, was an elementary school chalkboard with a handwritten quote, and clipped onto pieces of twine across the mantle, were hand stamped clothes pegs displaying photos from the couple’s engagement shoot.
Upstairs where dinner was served, sat centerpieces filled with brightly hued, textured blooms that sat within wood boxes the bride white washed herself. The head table’s box was actually constructed out of old barn wood that bride had found at the farm. Tables were named after different types of beans to honor the groom’s work, and in lieu of a traditional guest book, guests were asked to fill out Mad Libs that the couple could reflect back on for years to come. At each place setting was a pack of beans from the family farm, with a label on the back detailing an Italian soup recipe and a label on the front that read “Love Is Souper.” Hanging from the bride and groom’s chairs were their initials, covered in a patterned favored by the bride. Their delicious cake, which was made for them as a gift from a family friend, sat behind them on a cocktail table, adorned with the most perfect sugar flowers created to mimic the flowers in the bridesmaid’s bouquets. Instead of a champagne toast, guests were able to enjoy sparkling cider straight from the town where Kelli and Brandon first said I love you. At the end of the night after hours of dancing, lots of photo booth fun and a late night snack bar comprised of Auntie Anne’s pretzels and dipping sauces, the bride and groom departed with a sparkler send off late into the August night, marking the end of a completely perfect day for two very special people. These photos by Jen truly capture how incredible Kelli and Brandon’s wedding day was.
Wedding Photography: Jen Lynne Photography / Styling, Planning + Coordination: Rhiannon of Hey Gorgeous Events / Reception Location: St. Cecelia’s Music Center / Ceremony Location: Fountain Street Church / Catering: The Gilmore Collection / Beverage Service: Martha’s Vineyard / Florist: Gail Vander Laan Florist / Wedding Cake: Family Friend / Photobooth: Shutterbooth / Entertainment: Moments in Time Disc Jockeys / Chair Covers: Special Occasions West / Stationery: A Pinch of Spice / Wedding Gown: Bridal Elegance / Limo Service: Dadds Limo / Veil: David’s Bridal