Real Wedding Story: Natalie & Josh

Natalie and Josh’s wedding day took place on a warm August day amidst an unprecedented pandemic and it honestly couldn’t have been more perfect. Planning started with these two right from the get-go in late 2018, so we have ridden the roller-coaster of this planning experience with them and guided through postponements and then pivoted plans when the venue changed. To Natalie and Josh, being married to their best friend and doing so surrounded by close friends and family was the ultimate goal and we were so happy to see that come to fruition for them.

On their wedding day, a gilded gold framed mirror sign welcomed guests through a magical garden as they arrived at Misty Farm in Ann Arbor. As they entered the ceremony area, a tub of chilled bottled waters, paper fans and hand sanitizer awaited them. Pods of wooden folding chairs were spaced out on the garden lawn overlooking a bluff with a gorgeous natural landscape scene for the ceremony. The ceremony backdrop also included a vintage metal arbor adorned with a lush greenery installation from Blumz. The bridal party entered the ceremony area through a pathway filled with hydrangeas, cone flowers and black-eyed Susan flowers to the arbor, where their intimate ceremony took place officiated by a close friend of the couple. Following the ceremony, guests headed over to enjoy cocktail hour under the tent and in the surrounding garden. Appetizers included delicious chicken wings and heirloom veggies from Slow’s Bar B-Q that were served in pre-portioned plates. Guests also cooled off with infused water served behind that bar that featured flavors such as, watermelon basil, cucumber mint and hibiscus lemon.

The entrance to the sailcloth reception tent was highlighted with a whimsical greenery installation and mirror seating chart sign to guide guests to their tables. Alternating centerpieces added interest on top of creamy ivory table linens and wood cross-back chairs. Glowing floating candles with greenery sprig clusters were featured on half of the tables while the other half included sprawling greenery centerpieces in brush gold compote bowls. Every place setting included sandalwood-colored napkins with rosemary sprigs tucked in along with prepackaged monogram cookie favors from the Dexter Bakery. Disposable silverware was also set at each place and tied with a matching ribbon. Not only did Slow’s Bar B-Q cook an incredible spread for dinner, but they also created a safe experience for Natalie and Josh’s guests. Guests wore their masks as they were guided through the buffet line as Slow’s staff served their dinner from behind a safe (and beautiful) custom plexi-glass partition. We worked together with Slow’s to make sure the buffet line was never crowded and to keep things moving smoothly.

Following dinner, Natalie and Josh cut their cream-filled cassata cake, which is a traditional cake from Sicily, Italy, where the bride’s family is from. Then formal dances took place under the reception tent as guests looked on from their seats to watch the bride and groom share a meaningful dance together along with their family members. The sweet treats continued as the dessert table opened with cupcakes, cannolis and cream puffs, all of which were guest favorites! The rest of the evening flowed with casual ease as guests mingled, toured the grounds and took a turn on the dance floor. It was so evident how much Natalie and Josh are loved and supported by their friends and family. It was such a pleasure to be a part of their day and entrusted with their wedding vision.

Congratulations Natalie and Josh and cheers to many happy years and adventures together!

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Wedding Vendors:

Planning: Pineapple Punch Events. Ceremony/reception venue: Misty Farm. Photographer: Timeless Media Productions. Catering: Slow’s Bar BQ. Entertainment: Mary Ann Productions. Beauty: Detroit Glam. Florist: Blumz by JR Designs.