Romantic Michigan Wedding by Julie Harmsen Photography {Lindsey + Ryan}
One of the things I first told myself when I started my business, was never to forget how important it is to maintain solid relationships with my clients, long after fulfilling my role as their wedding planner. I tell my clients, that as much as they are making a financial investment in me and instilling an enormous amount of faith in my services, I too make an extremely large emotional investment in them; and do my best to find that tricky balance between wedding professional and wow-that-girl-with-the-clip-board-really-does-super-duper-care-about-us-as-people-and-not-just-clients. I want to be there for them physically, and mentally, and the bottom line is, I love my clients. More than anything, I want them to shine on their big day.
Lindsey and Ryan came into my life not too long ago when I was asked to help with their wedding. I told Linds in our first few emails that she'd be getting married the day after my birthday; and she wrote back "Awesome! I'm getting married on my birthday." And just like that I knew there was something about Linds, something that I knew I was going to love long after the last guest would go home the night of her wedding. I knew it then and I really know it now but Lindsey and Ryan, you both make me feel so incredibly lucky to do what I do. Your wedding was absolutely magical, the most perfect reflection of your love and it was an honour being a part of it. Thank you for believing in me, for being so kind and most of all, for being you.
To check out Lindsey and Ryan's big day, head over the the Wedding Chicks blog where the sweet Amy and Jocey are showing off all of the eye candy today (thank you so much, girls!) And I must add none of this would have been possible without the talent and hard work of Julie from Julie Harmsen Photography. I'm not sure if you remember my little shriek fest via Twitter when I found out I'd be working with Julie, but the good news is she's like 32074x as sweet in real life as she is in my imagination. Thanks Julie for the fabulous evening and stunning images. I can't wait to see you in just a few short weeks!
Shall we start the day off with some fabulously "something blue" Badgley Mischka heels? Why, of course!
Signature drink: Haterade. Recipe: Equal parts lemonade, vodka, and sprite. Garnished with a candy lemon slice. Yes please.
Lindsey's Dad, Buck (who may I add is such a sweet Dad and totally told Linds to just relax and let me do my job :) was a pilot back in the day. The stickers, pins and buttons in the vintage suitcase actually belonged to him during his career. And the vintage suitcases that were used to house the newlywed's cards belonged to Lindsey's Mom when she first went off to college (uhm I think I needed a uHaul to get myself off to college in one piece.) And all of the postcards in the top suitcase were ones that Ryan had sent to Lindsey over the many years of their long distance relationship. I know, major cuteness right here.
Linds and her Dad, Buck were so sweet with one another all day. I definitely had tears in my eyes when they walked down the aisle together. Lindsey and Ryan decided not to do a First Look (ohmygosh I can't believe I am saying this but I think I am starting to lean more in favor of the traditional 'walk down the aisle for a first look' version) and instead had an hour and a half cocktail hour to give them plenty of time for photos and mingling with their guests. They really got the best of both worlds.
Making it official. And swooning over those to die for bridesmaid's bouquets against charcoal gray bridesmaid's frocks.
Belle, the floral dog. She did so well! And that fur coat? Belonged to Lindsey's Grandmother. Sweet, right?
I love this next little series. The light that afternoon was absolutely perfect and Lindsey's veil (which was the same one her Mother wore on her own wedding day years ago) made for some stunning photos. Linds and Ryan please get this one photo made into a canvas because it is far too fab-u-lous for words! And if you don't I may have to. Which could be a tad awkward.
Pink nails. And a bouquet sent down from the flower Gods. It's official. I really may have to get a canvas myself.
After a little cocktail party it was on to le dinner. Have I told you how much I adore those brass chandeliers at the Kent Country Club? Here let me tell you. I love, like love those brass chandeliers. They're so vintage chic and gave the room that little extra va va voom for dinner time. I sort of secretly wished that guests could take em home as favors at the end of the night (and by guests I really only mean the wedding planner). Gail from GVL Floral did all the stunning arrangements and various centerpieces; as always she was a complete pleasure to work with. Guests also got to take home the pussy willow, ranunculus, and rose adorned arrangements at the end of the night which was a huge hit. Believe me. I was there and I saw people's faces light up when I said they were ready for a new home! One minor adorable detail too; in lieu of favors the newlyweds made a donation to the Humane Society and then named each one of their guests tables after dogs that are up for adoption; I giggled setting up the table names when I came across names like "Skittles" and "Topanga." A little Boy Meets World, anyone?
Linds really wanted the cake set up to feel much like a console table of family photos that you'd find in someones home. Wedding photos of parents, siblings and great grandparents from both Lindsey and Ryan's sides of the family, sat on either side of the three-tiered spice cake that sat atop an old vintage table. Did I tell you all how tasty that cake was? Oh no? Well it was tasty my friends. I can never ever resist a piece of wedding cake. Ever.
And because no wedding is complete without a stuffed owl (inside joke) and a surprise birthday cake (obviously).
I also owe a ginormous thank you and hug to Kara, my sweet assistant who helped orchestrate such an incredibly smooth event. She was on top of everything and anything when I needed her and I cannot express how much it meant to me to have her there working with me; I am crossing my fingers that this was only the first of many weddings working with Kara. Cause let's face it, are we not the best stand-in bridesmaids you've ever seen?
Head over here and here today to check out the rest of the photos and a complete vendor list from Lindsey and Ryan's big day!
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