A scene I will replay over and over again is watching the joy and love outpouring from Olivia and Alex’s friends as they encircle the couple on the dance floor during the last song and then Alex pulls Olivia in for a kiss while cheers erupt! The day is waning, but another chapter of their love story is just getting started. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to capture what this day, couple, family mean to me, and it’s not about me, I’m just a piece that helped to form this magical day.
*insert personal story time*
To bring it all together, I have to take us back to 2019 when I worked with another planning company. I knew Olivia’s older sister, Ellen, through the wedding industry and coordinated her and Brandon’s wedding that summer under the willows on their family lakefront property in Oxford. Then Olivia’s other sister, Catherine and Chris tied the knot in the same place in years following (sadly I was not a part of this because I just had a baby and was on maternity leave, deep sadness on my part!)
Then let’s speed it up to September, 2023 when I received an inquiry from Cathy, Olivia’s mom, who was interested in a coordinator for her daughter’s wedding taking place on their property in Oxford, Michigan. I had not put two and two together yet (and neither did they), and remembered thinking “Great, I’ve done private home weddings in Oxford before, let’s do this.” During the video consultation with Olivia and Cathy and discussing details, sitting in their kitchen… everything was looking and sounding familiar. Olivia and I started asking each other a little more “out of the norm” questions and then arrived at the conclusion that, yes, I did Ellen’s wedding and we were going to definitely do this again for hers! I loved working with their family back then and it was even more special seeing everyone in their new season of life this time around. This unit of sisters, their husbands, who are all good friends, and their parents, it’s something very special.
*end of personal story time*
A bright sunny day, a light breeze blowing the tendrils of willow branches, blue waves lapping as Alex and Olivia shared their vows together. Just before the ceremony took place, Olivia’s sisters, Catherine and Ellen broke a wishbone to determine who would be standing closer to Olivia and who would be signing the marriage license. All of the sisters have stood by each other in the same spot for their own weddings and throughout their lives as they grew up in this house. A moment shared with Robert, Olivia’s father, in the reception tent earlier in the day, I asked him how he felt about this being the last wedding in the yard and talked about fond memories (definitely held back tears!) Layers of memories and moments within these families and on their property. As Olivia and Alex kissed- the friends and family let out loud cheers and the couple was beaming!
Near the ceremony area was the reception tent filled with crisp white linens on tables with rows of toile ginger jars and flowers. Olivia and her sisters folded the dusty blue napkins into chic bows as well! Olivia’s French countryside vision came to life for her lakeside wedding and included plenty of unique details as well. Such as having a custom deck of playing cards for guests to write a note on in lieu of a guest book. Two family photos on the head table as well, one from Ellen and Brandon’s wedding, Catherine and Chris’ wedding- both of which had Olivia and Alex side by side. Laughs and happy tears were shed throughout the toasts and family dances. A late night snack surprise of chicken wings (Alex’s favorite snack) from the Oxford Tap and it was such a crowd pleaser! Then the magic of summer Michigan nights took over as guests danced, mingled and took in the view. This day, couple and family are so special and it was beyond a pleasure to be brought into the fold again.
Congratulations to Olivia and Alex!
Wedding Vendors:
Pineapple Punch Events: Month-of Coordination/Amber
Photo: Rachel Kaye Photography
Venue: Private Residence in Oxford, MI
Florist: Fleurs de Vie Farm
Beauty: Hair and Makeup by Divina
Catering: A Movable Feast
Rentals: Rochester Rentals
Restroom Trailer: Michigan Luxury Restrooms
Valet: Elite Parking Solutions