We started our 2 week wedding journey October 15, 2021 when we both were done with work. We packed up the jeep with all our wedding decor, the dogs and bags packed for our Michigan stay, wedding festivities and our honeymoon. It is safe to say our jeep was packed- we even had the top rack full.
When we arrived to Michigan only a few stops and 12 hour drive later we unpacked at Andrew’s parents and got settled. That next week was full of Andrew golfing, and I headed to my mom’s to organize all our wedding stuff. Throughout the wedding week I was able to cross multiple things off the list and enjoy some family time when everyone started arriving.
Starting Wednesday 10/20/21 my family from Kansas started to arrive and out of town guests arrived also, I would say that is when it really started to hit me.
Rehearsal day- we woke up to a brisk morning with some showers. That morning I went and dropped the dogs off at our Rover contact (they were amazing and will for sure use them again if we are in the area) after dropping them off I headed to meet my family up to get our nails and toes done.
We drank mimosas and had some girl time and after that we all went our separate ways and I headed to my moms to do some packing to head to our Airbnb for the rest of the wedding weekend! When I arrived to the Airbnb, Andrew was there to greet me so we could get ready for our rehearsal and dinner. My friend and bridesmaid Suzie also arrived from Kansas that morning so she met us there and we all went together.
Upon arriving to the venue, the colors were magnificent but there were gusty winds and some rain going on. I was wearing a cute white short dress, adorable shoes and a pearl headband to top my outfit off. Realizing it was FREEZING we all ended up meeting in the tent to do a welcome and get the run down from our day of coordinator, Cara. We did a quick run through in the tent and then proceeded to do the final run through outside- we braved the wind and cold. I was determined no matter the weather we were going to make this happen. All went well and we wrapped up in less than 20 and all headed to our rehearsal dinner.
Our rehearsal dinner was hosted by Andrew’s parents at the New Holland Brewing company- just what we like pizza and beer!! The night was perfect, we enjoyed everyones company, had lots of food and great speeches. We decided to have our wedding party and parents do the speeches at our rehearsal to make it more intimate and special.
That night I went back to the Airbnb with two of my bridesmaids, Elliot and Suzie and Andrew went to hangout with his family.
The wedding day.
Did I sleep? No… could I have? yes… but I kept waking up to make lists of things that truly did not matter because I knew my day of gal would have it handled… but still there I was up all night and up by 6AM. The sun tried to shine here and there and I began to feel nervous about the weather. Andrew also expressed that was a concern of his and he worried about me, worrying about that all day LOL. Bless his heart.
My makeup and hair gals arrived by 7:30AM, coffee was flowing and mimosas were had. The morning was very peaceful as we had everyone come at their makeup or hair time so not everyone was there right in the morning. I am someone who likes space so it worked out to have my morning quiet with only a few people there then the later the morning went on more people arrived.
By 11AM everyone was wrapping up hair and makeup and we had to be at the venue by noon to start photos and first looks were around 1:30PM. This part of the day flew by, we began pictures and did my first look with my dad and then followed with my first look with Andrew.
I always wanted a first look with Andrew, not once did I hesitate to think to not do one. Knowing how much time it saves in general knocking photos out early but also having that one-on-one time really was so special for us. The weather at this point was still spotty but not heavy showers. Just light rain and I could see vendors showing up and setting things up to do all the things outdoors so I was thrilled to see that all going into play.
After first look then was bridal party photos and family- again these went by super fast and my photographer had a list of all things so it went smoothly! Shortly after photos Andrew and I got tucked away as guests started to arrive.
We were able to see through the mansion down to the chapel everyone start to arrive, it was really cool to be “above” it all and see that. While waiting Cara (our coordinator) instructed our wedding party to start walking down so then it was just my dad and I up at the mansion watching it all unfold as we waiting for the car to pull up and pick us up. I started really feeling excited that it was almost time.
From what I hear the procession of everyone walking down was seamless, the kids were adorable and our drive up in the car was a statement. I cannot wait to see the photos and videos to relive it all. Our ceremony was about 15 minutes if that. We wanted it very simple and straight to the point. One thing we did throw in was a blessing to our parents and family as we become one. I was very torn on what to do for a unity ceremony and we decided to do that a instead.
After the ceremony we grabbed some more photos with Jill and Lindsey the headed to our cocktail hour which was a so fun to mingle that away before the reception.
Once we entered the reception we knocked so much out, dances, pie cutting and ate. Shortly after eating the dance floor opened and the rest is history!! We had a blast, not one person at our head table was sitting the party was a on the dance floor all night and the Photo Booth. Our guestbook was the Photo Booth so we made it a point to tell everyone so we could get photos of everyone. Around 9PM we ordered pizza for everyone for a late night snack- hungry howies did not disappoint!! Around 11PM we had our grand exit (by 9PM it was pouring) so we did a fun exit outside in the rain with lit up wands it was magical.
Our wedding day was our kind of perfect, from the weather, decor, our vendors and being surrounded by our loved ones. It was a dream, I would not do anything differently, truly.
xoxo
Photographer- https://www.jillcaren.com
Videographer- https://lindseyleighmedia.com
Floralist- https://www.cassandjean.com
Makeup- https://www.makeupbyelma.com/home
Hair-http://www.krystlewaivio.com
Dress- Laudae Bride (Florence)
Dessert- Grand Traverse Pie Company
Venue- Dorr E. Felt Mansion
Day Of Coordinator-https://www.7thonlincoln.com
Decor Rental- Fringe, Alpine Event Rental, Events by ICandy
Leave a Reply