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