An Upscale Garden Party at the Felt Mansion Inspired by the Natural Beauty of Northern Michigan

Inspired by the natural beauty of northern Michigan, our wedding was designed as an upscale garden party that blended seamlessly with the outdoor surroundings. We incorporated soft, airy details throughout the day, with blue floral patterns carried from the invitations to the table settings and wedding party attire. To keep the look timeless and elegant, we chose mostly white and natural flowers, allowing the florals to complement the venue without distracting from the emotion of the day

We met at the end of our senior year at the University of Kentucky and hit it off immediately! With only a few weeks left of school, we discovered we’d both be in Europe after graduation. After traveling separately, we reunited in Prague and explored Switzerland and Italy together. Each new place brought unforgettable experiences, and it was during this time we realized our connection was growing into love. After returning home, we knew our adventure was just beginning and decided to move to Chicago, close to Jake’s family and only a short drive from Maddy’s family in Northville, Michigan. We spent two years living just a few miles apart in downtown Chicago, making the most of the city—biking along Lake Michigan, enjoying Sunday dinners with Jake’s family, and creating lasting memories with friends. As we grew closer, we knew we wanted to build a future together. When Jake received an exciting job offer in Colorado, we jumped at the chance to start our next chapter together. Our love for the outdoors flourished in Colorado, where we spend our free time hiking, snowboarding, and exploring the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. While we are both dedicated to our careers, we prioritize enjoying life together, whether it's being in the mountains or relaxing by the pool. The next big chapter in our journey unfolded on December 17, 2022, during a family trip for Jake’s sister’s graduation at the Tampa Bay Yacht Club. After an afternoon walk, Jake proposed in a private moment at the end of the dock, a setting that felt intimate and meaningful. We were then surprised by an engagement party with both of our families, who flew in and came together as a surprise to celebrate our love. Surrounded by their support, we knew we were embracing not only each other but the blending of our two families. We’re grateful for the chance that brought us together in college and for the many adventures we’ve shared over the last five years. With a deep connection and a love for one another, we look forward to what the future holds, wherever it may take us.

I wore an Essence of Australia gown, and the experience of finding it was unforgettable. I was joined by my mom, mother-in-law, maid of honor, and matron of honor as we spent the day visiting bridal shops around metro Detroit. Though I thought I found my dream dress at the first location, I decided to wait. This took the pressure off, and I was able to fully enjoy the rest of the day, trying on dresses that fit my vision. In the end, I fell in love with a gown that was completely different from my initial choice. The lace appliqué, deep V-neck, comfortable fit, and detailed train made it perfect for me. I kept the dress a secret from everyone until the big day, which made the reveal even more special.

I worked with Bella Bridesmaids in Philadelphia, and they were fantastic. They provided a detailed, personalized appointment to help narrow down the perfect color and style for each of my bridesmaids. Many of my bridesmaids lived all over the country, and Bella Bridesmaids made remote fittings seamless, ensuring everyone could participate no matter where they were. Their team was incredibly responsive, and professional, and made the entire process easy. I highly recommend them.

For the groomsmen, we chose The Black Tux because it was important to offer both rental and purchase options. Their customer service was excellent—responsive and welcoming. The groomsmen coordinated everything through an online portal, ensuring all pieces were accounted for without any hassle.

Given the summer season, we focused on offering light, refreshing options suited for the Michigan heat. Our signature cocktails included our favorite selections, Moscow Mules and Old Fashioneds, while the appetizers and dinner showcased Michigan’s local specialties, featuring cherries, vibrant natural colors, and fresh ingredients that reflected the beauty of the season.

Our wedding design was inspired by the elegance of a sophisticated garden party, seamlessly blending with the natural beauty of northern Michigan. We chose white, light, and summery flowers to maintain an airy, refined ambiance. The table settings featured elegant china plates in varied blue patterns and matching blue goblets for a cohesive and charming look. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere as the evening progressed, we used candles to provide a soft, natural glow. We enhanced the space further by hanging ivy from the top of the tent and stringing lights, which added a whimsical touch and a subtle sparkle. Our floral arrangements included a mix of tall centerpieces, delicate bud vases, and a striking long arrangement for the 32-person head table, offering visual interest and variety. Flowers were also thoughtfully used to enhance the chuppah, complementing its beauty while maintaining its central significance in the ceremony.

To complement our design theme of simplicity and elegance, we chose a two- tier cake adorned with a subtle hydrangea design. The cake featured a delightful almond vanilla flavor with a refreshing lemon and raspberry filling, creating the perfect combination for a memorable treat.

Our ceremony was designed to reflect our love story, the blending of our religions, and the merging of our families. We worked closely with Jake’s childhood Rabbi, Bruce Elder, for a year to create a ceremony that was deeply personal and meaningful. We invited seven loved ones to offer blessings on various topics, which added a special and emotional touch. For the ceremony music, we chose classic pieces that seamlessly blended into the background, enhancing the atmosphere without drawing attention away from the ceremony’s significance. As we transitioned to the reception, our band played "The Best Day of Our Lives" by American Authors. This song perfectly captured our joy and the significance of the day, with its uplifting lyrics resonating with the emotions we felt. Our first dance was to "You" by Dan + Shay. The song’s lyrics, "When I look into your eyes, it's like we're in slow motion, just me and you tonight," symbolized our commitment to each other. The lyrics reflected how we savored every moment of our wedding day, which felt like it passed in slow motion amidst the whirlwind of celebrations. This song perfectly encapsulated our sense of enduring love and togetherness.

First Looks: The first looks were unforgettable highlights of our day. Seeing my dad’s face light up when he first saw me in my dress was a deeply emotional moment, reflecting the profound bond we share. It was a cherished memory that captured the essence of our father-daughter relationship, a mix of pride, love, and joy. Having my mom help me into my dress and my mother-in-law assist with my jewelry added a deeply personal touch. There’s nothing stronger than the bond between a mother and daughter, and planning the wedding together made the day even more meaningful. Seeing Jake for the first time on our wedding day, exchanging our private vows, and witnessing his adoration made me feel like the most beautiful and cherished person. Finally, the moment my bridesmaids saw me in my dress, which I had kept a secret, was priceless.

Hora: The Hora, a traditional dance of celebration and unity, was a powerful moment for us. Being lifted in the chairs and looking down at the circle of family and friends was deeply moving. It symbolized the support and love surrounding us as we embarked on our marriage. The joy and smiles radiating from everyone in the room created an indescribable warmth, reinforcing the strong bond of community and celebration we were fortunate to share.

–Vendors: Working with an incredible team of vendors made all the difference. The personalities and professionalism of the vendors were key to ensuring everything ran smoothly. Since many of them are with you for the entire wedding day, it’s important to have a strong, positive working relationship. Each vendor played a pivotal role in making our vision a reality, and their expertise allowed us to relax and enjoy the day, knowing everything was in capable hands.