Jordan + Tyler - A Wedding at Mackinac Island's Mission Point Resort - 8/12/22

Chloe Leach September 30, 2022

The year was 2018. During a charity event in Northern Michigan, two local ladies met for the first time. This connection would set events in motion that would culminate in the wedding of their two family members only a few years later.

After much conversation that evening, Jordan’s aunt and Tyler’s mom had put their heads together to set the kids up on a blind date. Jordan had just recently finished law school in Chicago and had moved back home to study for the Michigan bar, while Tyler had put down roots in Northern Michigan, purchasing a house and establishing himself in the family business. Jordan and Tyler agreed to meet for drinks one late December evening downtown Traverse City, only to discover that they weren’t total strangers after all. The two of them had been acquainted in high school, when Tyler dated one of Jordan’s friends. As their conversation continued into the night, Jordan found herself happily losing track of time - and drinks, as Tyler noted with some amusement. The two of them were enjoying each other's company so much, in fact, that 2am came before they knew it. The end of that night was just the beginning for Jordan and Tyler.

55 months of late dates and deep conversations later, on the lawn of Mackinac Island's famed Mission Point resort, Jordan would walk down the aisle to meet Tyler, surrounded by an outpouring of emotion and support from family and friends.

The day's festivities began on the great lawn of the Resort with shimmering Lake Huron as the backdrop, and continued into the warm evening on the Promenade Deck, overlooking the water as the sun sank into the pale pink horizon. Mackinac Island's idyllic charm was evident in special touches throughout the day, from complimentary carriage transportation for guests, to the nostalgic smells and sounds in the air.

Venue: Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island

Hair & Makeup: Lakeside Spa and Salon, Mission Point Resort

Coordinator: Jen Lehman

Savannnah & Paul - An Oktoberfest Wedding - 10/12/19

Chloe Leach November 25, 2019

Savannah and Paul both agree; Mom knows best. Both of their moms, in fact.

After years at separate colleges, Paul and Savannah moved back home to be near their families. It so happened that they shared the same hometown of Traverse City, Michigan. The year was 2015. Paul was working for his family company, Britten Banner, and Savannah was working as a yoga teacher. As fate would have it, Paul's mom was a regular at Savannah's yoga class, and acquainted with Savannah's own mom. After some discussion, both moms agreed that their kids would hit it off, and encouraged Savannah to introduce herself to Paul. Savannah figured, with a mom like Darcy, Paul must be a pretty cool guy. Why not introduce herself?

Their first meeting was kismet: They spent the afternoon snowshoeing trails on Old Mission Peninsula, and warmed up with beers at the Jolly Pumpkin while catching up on all the years that led up to their coming together. They continued to share adventures over the following years while Savannah went to school to be a physician's assistant. One summer day, Paul had a captive audience with Savannah's dad while they fished together on West Bay. He decided that this was as good a time as any, so he steeled himself, and asked for the blessing to marry Savannah.

That same evening, Paul bought a ring, and took Savannah to the same place they shared their first date to ask her an important question. The rest, as they say, is history.

The wedding day was a flurry of warmth and laughter against a stunning backdrop of autumn color. For their reception, Savannah and Paul masterfully executed an elaborate Oktoberfest theme, complete with free-flowing beers and a traditional Bavarian Band for live entertainment. Midway through the night, a second live band (of the 90s cover variety), stole the show with their surprise entrance.

Venue: Bay View Weddings, Gallagher Farms

Hair and Makeup Styling by Alexis Micunek, Kristyn Noelle Taylor
Bride's Gown: Truvelle, One Oak Bride
Catering: Bayside Gatherings
Beer: Beverage Co.
Live Entertainment: Polka band, Box On. 90s Cover Band, Class of ’98
Floral Design: Rory O'Donnell at 307 Events & Tents

Laura & Kyle - Spring Wedding on Old Mission Peninsula - 5/26/19

Chloe Leach July 10, 2019

Laura and Kyle spent their college years at Olivet running in the same Greek circles. They became fast friends, but things hadn’t progressed past that point – much to Laura’s disappointment. It wasn’t until 2012, after they had both graduated and gone their separate ways, that Kyle called up Laura and asked her to be his date to a holiday concert. And the rest, as they say, was history.

On a bright spring day in Northern Michigan, the two longtime friends finally tied the (literal) knot in a ceremony overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. It was a day full of love, laughter, and happy tears. Not to mention lots of dancing late into the night!

Venue: The Peninsula Room, Traverse City

Floral by Hooper’s Farm Gardens

Bride’s gown: Moonlight, A’doraBelle Bridal

Hair and makeup styling by Urban Modern Hair and Arbonne Kim

Entertainment by Casey of Rusch Entertainment

Shannon & Brandon - An Elegant Spring Wedding at the Blue Dress Barn - May 10th, 2019

Chloe Leach June 5, 2019

Shannon’s first night as a Chicago resident was a snowy Tuesday in December of 2013. She and her roommate were holed up at a local pub over celebratory drinks, when they were approached by two boys. One of these was an acquaintance of Shannon’s roommate from their time studying abroad in Spain. As the two of them swapped old stories and caught up, Shannon struck up a conversation with the second boy, who introduced himself as Brandon. The two of them made a connection instantly, and met up again that Saturday. It was the beginning of a long friendship for the two of them. Two years of memories, inside jokes, and nights on the town together later, Shannon and Brandon began dating officially.

When it finally came time to propose, Brandon had a plan. When in their early stages of friendship 4 years earlier, they had watched an episode of “Freaks and Geeks” together, in which the character Jason stages a romantic atmosphere in his parents’ basement and serenades the object of his affections to Styx’s “Lady”. At the time, Shannon had mentioned how she thought that would be the best way to get proposed to. Brandon was already taking notes. On December 27th, 2018, Brandon set about filling their Chicago apartment with candles and mood music by – you guessed it – Styx. The plan went off perfectly, and the two longtime friends began planning their future together.

The wedding day was set amidst the rustic elegance of Benton Harbor’s Blue Dress Barn. An abundance of bright floral and vibrant greens filled the venue and adorned the banquet tables, while string lights sparkled in the barn’s loft above. The celebrations began early that clear morning along the waters of Lake Michigan, and went well into the night with lively music by Motel Breakfast keeping the dance floor packed.

Shannon’s Gown: Pronovias
Catering by On the Spot BBQ
Venue: Blue Dress Barn
Cakes and Desserts by Sarah Paulson and Chris McNeil
Live entertainment by Motel Breakfast
Floral by First Avenue Flowers
Appetizers by Veronica Soto

Hair and Makeup by Nicole Marie Salon

Alysha & Chris - An Autumn Wedding in Michigan, 11/3/18

Chloe Leach November 15, 2018

It was 2014, and the first week of college at Ferris State for both Chris and Alysha. At the invitation of a mutual friend, both of them ended up at the same social event where they made their first acquaintance. That one meeting was all the catalyst it took to make these two kindred strangers into best friends. With their faith at the center of their bond and the way they related to each other, Chris and Alysha found themselves growing together as they grew as individuals. They spent countless dinners together in the school cafeteria, and Chris would walk Alysha back to her dorm afterwards so she wouldn’t have to make the trip alone. Throughout that year, their feelings for each other had developed into more than just friendship. Although dating had been discussed, no steps had been taken. The following year, Alysha took time away from school while she waited to get into a program. The close friendship that she and Chris had grown over the last several months hit a bit of a standstill. For a while, Chris was convinced that a romance would never work out for he and Alysha. Alysha herself was trying to deal with the feelings she still had for Chris despite his hesitancy. On a mission trip to Cuba together, observing and admiring the work that God had done in Alysha during the time he had known her, Chris was struck with the fact that this woman was the one for him.

Over one year later, Chris arranged a surprise day for Alysha’s birthday, with a bigger purpose in mind. He brought her to the Detroit Masonic Temple for a tour and some photography. At the end of the tour, with the stunning Crystal Ballroom all to themselves, Chris asked Alysha to be his wife.

November 3, 2018: The day Chris and Alysha chose to begin their life together as husband and wife was a bright and vibrant autumn day in Southeast Michigan. The ceremony was a beautiful celebration of the work God has done in both of their lives to bring them together. What an honor to witness this beautiful beginning for two very special people!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Peninsula Room, Traverse CityStyling: M.O. Hair and Beauty LoungeFloral: Hooper’s Farm GardensDJ: Lake Michigan DJsBride's Gown: Maggie SotteroCake/pies: Brulotte’s Cakery & Sweets

Alyssa & Matt - A Summer Wedding on Old Mission Peninsula, 8/13/18

Chloe Leach August 26, 2018

It was April of 2015. Alyssa was a Michigan girl living in small town Ames, Iowa to work on her Master's degree. Before that fateful spring night, she had no intentions of sticking around Iowa after school. But the handsome stranger she would meet at the bar that night would change the course of her whole life. Matt and Alyssa fell effortlessly into a relationship together, enjoying time together spent hiking, visiting breweries, and watching documentaries together. As it turned out, Alyssa did stick around, and they built a happy life together in Iowa. Over three years later, they would exchange vows in a destination wedding in Alyssa's native state. Michigan's northwestern shorelines are stunningly beautiful, but perhaps the most glorious views are found in Traverse City. Among the rolling hills of vineyards and surrounded by their closest loved ones, Alyssa and Matt celebrated their first day as husband and wife. The day began with a beautiful ceremony by the water, followed by an evening of games, great food, and lots of dancing.

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Peninsula Room, Traverse City

Styling: M.O. Hair and Beauty Lounge

Floral: Hooper’s Farm Gardens

DJ: Lake Michigan DJs

Bride's Gown: Maggie Sottero

Cake/pies: Brulotte’s Cakery & Sweets

Christine & Derek - A Spring Wedding on Old Mission Peninsula - May 25th, 2018

Chloe Leach June 8, 2018

Psalm 143:8: "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."

The greatest love stories are the ones forged in patience and faith, with the groundwork being laid long before two soul mates ever meet. The strongest bonds are the ones that stand in defiance of adversity and odds, in perfect accordance with the purposes of God. Such is the story of Christine and Derek.

Though both serving in the US Air Force, Christine was stationed in Germany while Derek was 7500 miles away in Hawaii. It was the winter of 2016, and Christine and Derek had struck up a connection while playing Destiny online together. Destiny. Ironic, right? It didn’t take long for them to discover their vast commonalities; most important being their shared faith. It seemed that this friendship was the answer to much earnest prayer by both Christine and Derek and their families. But this friendship was soon to become something much deeper.

Across 7 time zones and countless hours spent on Skype, Christine and Derek grew closer under the direction and protection of God. In the spring of 2017, Derek made the long trip to Germany to meet Christine – in the flesh – for the first time. Their adventures included a Hans Zimmer concert (since both of them are lovers of epic scores) and lots of European sightseeing. In September of that same year, Christine made the trip to visit Derek and his family. Upon her arrival to the airport, with the whole Hobbs family surrounding them, Derek presented Christine with a rose. But not just any rose – a velvet one with a lid and something precious inside. Derek explained that, any other time, he would have given her a real rose. “But this rose will last forever, just like us”. Then getting down on one knee, Derek asked Christine to be his wife. Less than a year later, Christine and Derek would fly from their homes on opposite sides of the world to stand on a shady hill together beside the sparkling waters of Grand Traverse Bay and establish a new life together as one. Their wedding day, like their love story, was beautiful and deeply significant. Full of joyful tears and the heartfelt prayers of their tightly knit families, these two lovers will have an amazing network of support and encouragement for their road ahead together.

Venue and Catering: The Peninsula Room. Traverse City, Michigan

Bride’s Gown: Stina, Cinderella Brautmoden: Landstuhl, Germany

Styling by Grace of Epiphany Salon

Floral by Custom Creations. Kingsley, MI

Jordan & Jarrett - Glamorous Barn Wedding in Gaylord, MI - October 28th

Chloe Leach November 16, 2017

Jordan and Jarrett are magnetic personalities. The kind of people you meet only once and feel that you've been friends with for decades. People with giant hearts and an equally large mass of people who adore them. At once effortlessly glamorous, charismatic, and proud self-proclaimed hillbillies, their seamless melding of perceptual contradictions has produced the most unique and delightful pair of humans imaginable. So it was that, on my first occasion discussing wedding plans with Jordan, I became instantly enamored with this woman and her refreshingly organic grasp on life, love, and exactly the way she envisioned the day that she'd marry the man who had possessed her heart and soul.

Their story began beneath the atmospheric glow of indigo lights in Royal Oak's Tequila Blue one summer night in 2012. Bright-eyed beauty Jordan, then a junior in college, was out with her best friend Kara at coincidentally the same time and place as a group of merrily inebriated gents across the room. On the fringe of this group was a sober Jarrett, whom Jordan immediately noted was strikingly handsome, but oh-so-grumpy. In her characteristic low-key, gregarious way, Jordan piped up, "What’s wrong with you, you look like you need a drink!” The music was loud, everyone yelling to talk to each other over the noise. “What’s your name?!” she asked. “Jarrett.” Jordan shouted back, “Jerry?!” “No… 'Jarrett.'" "Oh okay, 'Jared?!'" Shaking his head no, Jarrett removed his ID from his wallet and showed it to her, the photo boasting his once full head of hair. With that, guards came down and the two became dancing partners for the rest of the evening, which ended with Jarrett carrying Jordan's heels out the bar for her. Before they parted ways, Jarrett asked for Jordan's number, which she gave him without much expectation. Two days later, he was back in touch. Their first date was to be a week later. On the entire drive to the restaurant, Jordan struggled to calm herself and muster the courage to walk inside. Was he even going to show up? While she sat in the parking lot breathing into a paper bag, a text appeared on her phone from Jarrett; "“I’m here, sitting outside on the patio.” Inside, she found Jarrett who greeted her with a warm hug. Instantly, Jordan was home. His presence somehow calmed and excited her all at once, and the two were absolutely captive to one another in conversation for the next four hours. Jordan managed to eat only half a sandwich, despite having chosen the restaurant on account of their fantastic bread sticks. While they sat completely lost in catching each other up on the twenty-something years they'd lived apart from one another, the restaurant began to close around them. Jordan headed home that night on cloud 9, telling herself decidedly, "I'm going to marry that man".

And marry him she did.

What follows is a small but moving glimpse at the glorious day that began this new chapter in their beautiful life together. This unstoppable pair is a joy and an inspiration, and we can't wait to watch the rest of their story unfold through the years.