February 17, 2017

BRIDAL SHOWER THEMES

Between the seating arrangements, dress fittings, and numerous appointments to schedule, the planning process is a hectic time for a bride, so an opportunity for the bridesmaids to take a piece of the planning is a welcomed change. The bridal shower is a perfect place for the bride-to-be to relax and enjoy spending time with her close family and friends. Go beyond the cake and mingling and choose a bridal shower theme to bring out the bride-to-be’s personality.

A BRIDAL BRUNCH

Who doesn’t love a mimosa bar?! A Sunday brunch is a fun way to spend an afternoon with the ladies. Add a waffle bar, fresh fruit, and a quiche or two and you have something for everyone.

A COOKING CLASS

For that foodie bride, ditch the tradition and whip up some tasty treats instead! Learn a new recipe all while spending some quality time with your gals when you sit down to the dishes you’ve created.

A YOGA CLASS

Take a breath in child’s pose and relax with a yoga class. Great for the body and mind, you and your bridal party will appreciate some self-love. After class grab a smoothie and catch some rays on the beach to finish out your day.

FLORAL ARRANGING

Get your creativity flowing with a skill that could be useful sooner than you think. Bring in an instructor to help build your blooms to bring some color to your lunch following the class.

A COUPLES SHOWER

Bridal showers are not just for brides, so plan a gathering for friends of both the bride and groom and let the couple’s personality shine.

A TEA PARTY

Afternoon tea anyone? Bring out the hats, gloves, and even a monocle or two for tea fit for a queen. Mismatched china will bring out charm to your finger sandwiches and crumpets.

WINE TASTING

Grab your girls and head to a local winery. This is a great way to shake things up from a traditional shower and celebrate the perfect pair!

Whatever kind of bridal shower theme you choose, have it bring out the qualities you love about the bride-to-be. This will make everyone relax and enjoy the festivities even more!

December 16, 2016

in Beach Wedding, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

WEDDING FLORAL ALTERNATIVES

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Photo Credit: Rachael Osborn Photography (bottom left)

Flowers have a remarkable history when it comes to weddings. For centuries flowers have been the root of tradition across cultures and are many times a focal point throughout the big day and for many years to come in photographs. “More brides are thinking outside the box and beginning to use flowers in nontraditional ways” said Shaya Sherwood, the bridal specialist at Crystal Springs Florist in Benton Harbor. Needless to say, flowers are a prominent and significant detail and while floral arrangements are traditional, you can make tradition your own by branching out with some wedding floral alternatives.

-Do you have a groomswoman in your party, but don’t want them to have a boutonniere like the guys or a bouquet like the girls? Try a flower necklace or sash! This wedding floral alternative will set them apart, yet keep everyone tied together. A necklace can also be a cost effective option. Typically, floral necklaces will start around $20.

-Rather than having moms or special attendants wear corsages on their wrist or shoulder, mix it up and try a ring or even something on their shoes! These special guests will still get something personal, but without the bulk of a traditional style. A ring typically begins around $10 compared to a corsage at $18- $20.

-Give your girls a little something extra and try a floral comb or crown for a pop of color. Brides, this is a great addition to yourselves as well! A hair comb is a small pop with a small cost typically starting at $10.

-Are shoes optional? Consider a floral anklet for the ladies. Instead of taking away footwear completely this wedding floral alternative will keep a little something while still being comfortable. An anklet typically begins between $18-$20, comparable to a corsage.

No matter which tradition you are carrying on, put a little personal spin on it. The more you make your big day your own, the more special it will be to you and your families.

*All floral arrangement costs depend on the type of flowers used. Price can vary greatly between each bloom. Cost will also vary between florist shop.

September 23, 2015

in 1928 Planning, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

SHOPPING FOR BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES

Photo Credit: Allie Siarto Photography, 430 Studios, Woodnote Photography

The second most important dress you’ll ever go shopping for is the bridesmaid’s dress. My favorite saying when planning a wedding is that people make great decorations! I have worked as a wedding gown and dress specialist at David’s Bridal for a few years. Helping brides select the perfect dress was one of my more exciting experiences. I learned so much about the industry just from selling dresses alone. No amount of preparation will truly prepare you for rounding up your best girls and throwing them in and out of their comfort zones.

Here are a couple things to keep in mind before going shopping with your ‘maids:

Pick out your wedding gown first:

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HAVING YOUR WEDDING GOWN PICKED OUT BEFORE YOUR BRIDESMAID’S DRESS APPOINTMENT!

I cannot stress this enough! Reason being: You don’t want your bridesmaids over or under dressed, or worse, too similar to your wedding gown; especially after your girls have already made their purchase.

Having your wedding gown purchased gives you a HUGE advantage by providing the look and feel for your whole wedding theme. You want everyone and everything around you to compliment you and to make you stand out. Therefore, you have to know what you are working with.

Know what you want and stick to it!

Know what you want or the direction you are at least trying to go in. Don’t go in blind. The last thing you want is to put the fate of YOUR wedding party attire in someone else’s hands. Also, it can be very frustrating for your bridesmaids, who are trying so hard to help you find out what it is you want, when you don’t even know what that is.

How can you get what you want for your wedding if you don’t even know what that is?!
Stop into dress shops and pick up catalogs. Mark the pages of dresses you like to show the consultant when you are ready to shop.

Get on that Pinterest!

Use different keywords to see different looks. And always check out 1928’s Pinterest page for the latest inspiration! Make sure you pin the ones you like on a separate inspirational bridesmaid’s dress board to also show your consultant. Once you have your direction and inspiration, STICK TO YOUR GUNS! This is your wedding and no one else’s. Be willing to be flexible where it counts, but if you have a vision that you are in love with, then go for it- it’s your day!

Length and Fabric

The length and fabric type of the bridesmaids’ dresses will have a huge impact on the overall formality and feel of your wedding. Long Satin dresses are elegant and classy whereas short chiffon dresses are more relaxed and fun. When selecting your length and fabric also keep the weather in mind. For example, a long chiffon dress is great for a late spring and early fall wedding because the length helps battle the cold, while the chiffon keeps you cool when it’s warm. Don’t forget to keep your wedding gown in mind when selecting the length and fabric. I wouldn’t recommend having your girls in satin if your wedding gown is chiffon.

Color

Picking out the color for the girls’ dresses is so much fun! There are so many different combinations you can choose from. Remember, when choosing your color, there is more than just the dress to consider. For example, neon colors are bright and vibrant but can be overwhelming when the entire dress is bright pink. Try a muted dress and add your pop of color with accessories and the bouquet.

Different Dresses

I adore the latest trend of all of the girls wearing different dresses; however, if it’s not done right it can look like your bridesmaids are from different weddings. The trick is having that one element that ties them all together. My general rule of thumb is if you are having different dresses, keep the fabric the same if you are having different colors or keep the same color if you are having different fabrics. Sometimes this rule can be bent when you have a strong enough unifying factor like lace. If you do decide that you would like your girls to have different dresses, that doesn’t have to mean that you can’t go on one shopping trip! I also recommend purchasing the dresses from the same store or designer.

Body Types

We women come in many different shapes and sizes. Therefore, one dress doesn’t always look great on everyone. If your bridesmaids are bustier, then I would recommend a dress with straps. Sweetheart neckline dresses give shape to those ladies who are not as busty. Dresses that have a waistband tend to compliment all body types by giving them an hourglass figure. I would also keep the venue in mind when selecting your dresses. If your wedding is at a vineyard, I would pick a romantic, soft style, but if you plan on having a Vegas-themed wedding, then I would go with a fun cocktail style dress.

Price

Being a bridesmaid may not be as expensive as planning a wedding, but the numbers do add up quickly. Get an idea of how much your ‘maids can afford. Be sure to sit down with your bridesmaids separately and get an idea of their budget comfort zone. It is not a good idea to ask how much they are willing to spend when they are all together as a group.

Have Fun!

More times than not, bridesmaid dress shopping is the first time that all of your girls are meeting one another. Plan to go out for lunch or drinks after to celebrate finding that perfect dress for everyone.

June 13, 2015

in 1928 Planning, DIY Hot Spot!, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Reception Ideas

DIY WEDDING IDEA: MARQUEE LETTER

DIY wedding ideas are something we love here at 1928 Planning Co. Not only do they add some personalized flair to your wedding, but you can brag about your crafting skills to friends and family. Today we are going to teach you how to make a marquee letter that will be the perfect addition of vintage charm to a gift or dessert table. This DIY would also look adorable in the newlywed’s home post wedding!

Photo credit: Camille Curtis – 1928 Intern

Things you will need:

Large Cardboard Letter
X-acto Knife
String Globe Lights
Pencil
Paint color of your choice (optional)

1. Cut along the seam of the letter on one side only. This will allow you to hide the cord from the lights later on.

2. Twist the globes off of the strand and place them where you want them on the front of the letter.
3. Trace around the smallest part of the globe with your pencil.
4. Using the X-acto knife cut an asterisk into each circle, that way you can fit the globes into place.

5. Place the globes back into the circles and insert lights from behind. Make sure you are tucking the extra cord in as you go.
6. Apply a coat of paint, if you wish!

7. Plug in and enjoy!

If you try this for your home or wedding send us a photo, we would love to see! We hope that you love this darling DIY wedding idea just as much as we do.

April 16, 2015

in 1928 Planning, Real Weddings, Schades of Light, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Reception Ideas

REAL WEDDINGS: A VINEYARD LOVE STORY

We love sharing stories of 1928 Real Weddings with our fans! Travis and Michaja’s August celebration was one we couldn’t skip out on. They were such a fun duo to work alongside in the planning stages and their venue selection was a first for us – actually a first in history! They were host to the first wedding reception held at 12 Corners Vineyards in Benton Harbor, Michigan. More to come on that cool place later! We’ll give you the inside tour of their big day – the venue, food, decorations, and all of the details in between.

The Accessories

With wedding colors of cobalt blue and black, their accessories paired perfectly. The bride easily found her something blue while complementing their wedding colors. We are shoe obsessed over here at 1928 – couldn’t resist sharing a few photos! Completing the groom’s look were stylish shades – working double-duty on the sunny August day.

The Venue

The Vineyard at 12 Corners is one of Southwest Michigan’s newest tented wedding venues, and from a planner’s perspective, offers SO much for couples looking for a location that is beautifully backdropped, private, and in the heart of wine country. The property sits on 115 acres of land, surrounded by grape vineyards, an apple orchard, corn fields and so much more. What all does this mean for you? You have access to unlimited photo opportunities – not even needing to think about going off-site to capture something beautiful.

The Ceremony

As guests arrived for the wedding ceremony, they were welcomed with a 12 Corners wine tasting experience. As they sampled wine created by the grapes surrounding them, they strolled through the vineyard. It was the perfect way of setting the scene for a stellar atmosphere and celebration to come.

The ceremony took place in the on-site apple orchard. Seating was arranged in a slight semi-circle formation. Regardless of the size of your wedding, semi-circle setups make for a more intimate setting and have been trending with our couples for the last few years.

As the ceremony began, guests were happily surprised with a dancing processional, filled with Travis and Michaja’s closest family and friends. Such a fun group of people in attendance that we wouldn’t expect anything less!

The Decor and Details

Boy do we swoon over a unique reception layout! The guest list was set at 200 attendees. The reception layout was mixed with a variety of styled tables, including traditional round table seating, King Arthurs (8ft x 5ft), and rented Napa Farmhouse Tables from 1928. The Napa’s look like they were made for a venue like The Vineyard, and paired with linen tables, softened up the space just right.

Photo Credit: Josh Nowicki (above)

The centerpieces, miscellaneous beer growlers filled with baby’s breath and hints of white roses, were kept simplistic, knowing that the venue and atmosphere tends to speak for itself.

The additions of wine barrel cocktail tables and lounge furniture from 1928’s Rental Collection completed the look in the lounge space adjacent to the tent. This space is typically used for cocktail hour and as a space for guests to relax after dinner. Decorating and lighting this space is key – guests will spend so much time out there on a beautiful day!

The Chow and Cocktails

Cocktails:

We mentioned earlier that the wine guests enjoy at the wedding reception is made exclusively at 12 Corners. To round out their bar menu, were local brewery, Bells, (located in Kalamazoo) – featuring Oberon and Two Hearted Ale, and a specialty cocktail named “Love, Love, Love” composed of blueberry lemonade and vodka.

Chow:

Catering service was provided by CK Catering (the exclusive caterer at the venue). We highly encourage couples to work with CK – their menu options are so expansive and the food is always tasty. Dinner was served family-style – a popular option most couple’s select and a super casual way for guests to enjoy their meal without getting out of their seat.

The desserts were pies from local hot spot, Grandpa’s Cider Mill. As a late night snack surprise, the famous Ice Cream Truck made an appearance, allowing guests to indulge in a summer sweet treat and likely filled with guests reminiscing of the ice cream man from when they were kiddos.

We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction on 1928’s behalf to The Vineyard at 12 Corners. It was a beautiful day and beautiful couple and we hope sharing a little ounce into their celebration gives you a glimpse of potential ideas for your own!

Vendors:

Venue: The Vineyard @ 12 Corners, managed by White Space Events.

Coordination & Rentals: 1928 Planning Co.

Liquor: Liquor Locker and 12 Corners Winery

Lighting Design: Schades of Light

Baker: Grandpa’s Cider Mill

Florist: Stella Event Design

DJ: Kaleidoscope Events

Photographer: Blueline Photography

March 18, 2015

in Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception Ideas

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING HEAD TABLE

One of my favorite things to help a client create as their planner is the layout of their wedding reception. I think this piece dictates so much – the atmosphere you are creating for guests, and the way each meticulous detail planned will be displayed in. In the past, we’ve talked a lot about things to consider at your reception, but barely touch on the important undertaking of the layout!

The perk of layout building:

As overwhelming of a task as it may sound to a couple unfamiliar with the venue or what is “traditional” at a wedding, most venues can pass along a blank template of the space for you to do some sketching on – letting your imagination run wild. Or maybe you’d rather see what’s been done before in the space – and take it from the venue on what seems to work the best overall. Don’t be afraid to ask your venue for sample layouts so you can really understand all layout considerations.

This post is directed more specifically on the wedding head table – where you and your bridal party will be seated during the reception – primarily for toasts, and dinner service. Though we’ve seen a lot in our experiences at multiple venues, we thought we’d hone in on the most popular options. Take a look!

Traditional

Photo Credit: Karrn Frost Photography (top) | Ben Pancoast Photography (bottom)

Of the head table options we’ll show you in the post, this is probably the one you’ll see most as you attend weddings yourself. We call this a traditional wedding head table – where you and your beau are centered, with each of your bridal party members flanked off to the left and right. Typically groomsmen will be on the right, and bridesmaids on the left (as pictured), but it’s your wedding right? Do what you want!

Untitled

A little sketch goes a long way. The bottom sketch shows a different rendition of the traditional layout, where instead of the bride and groom seated at the same style table as the bridal party, they are seated at what we call a sweetheart table – a small round table. To keep with tradition, your bridal party can still be to either side of you.

Double-Sided

Photo Credit: Woodnote Photography (top left) | Ben Pancoast Photography (bottom)

This is a perfect option if looking save space because you’ll be seated on both sides of the table. Of course, it makes for easier conversation as well, being seated closer together.

Double-sided head tables are perfect if you have a larger bridal party and don’t want a long, never-ending table, or if you’d rather not be on a “stage” so-to-speak having all eyes on you as you eat your meal. Don’t be embarrassed if you enjoy that kind of thing!

King Arthur

Photo Credit: Ben Pancoast Photography (bottom left) | Luna Dulce Photography (middle left) | Alison Glovak (right)

This is probably what we see most of at receptions. Set as two-8ft tables pushed together to create the illusion of an ‘almost’ square table. Another great option if you have a larger bridal party, because you are utilizing all four sides of the table.

Having family-style dinner service? This type of table leaves tons of space for platters and bowls to be set.

A typical king arthur table will seat 12 people. Need to seat 20? Keep adding 8fts together to create the custom size you need. The photo shown above, on the right, sat 30 people (they chose to seat the bridal party with their significant others at the head table).

Sweetheart Table

Photo Credit: Matt Pratt Photography (top left) | Luna Dulce Photography (top right) | Carolyn Lloyd Photography (bottom left)

Named so perfectly – a table for just you and your sweetie. Perhaps you’d like to have your bridal party sit with whomever they’d like and instead just need a small table for two. We usually see this size table as a 48” round, but ask your venue what size round table they can offer you.

Looking for more assistance building your reception layout? Reach out to us – we’re here to help!

March 13, 2015

in 1928 Planning, Schades of Light, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Reception Ideas

UNIQUE WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS

I think I speak for most – between the weddings you and your beau attend each year and all of the ones you’re sure your guests attend, you are looking for something that says wow – something that embodies your signature wedding, something that will entertain your guests and make them remembering your wedding long after the night is over. We’ve seen some great ways to incorporate non-traditional wedding entertainment ideas over the last several seasons. Because of the impact we see that it can bring to a celebration, we felt the need to share! We just might help you get some ideas flowing of your own with just how cool and creative some of these are! Enjoy!

Interactive games

We love the reaction on a guests’ face when they see interactive games on display at a reception. This wedding entertainment idea can range so much: mad libs to play while waiting for dinner service to begin, i-Spy games for kids (or hey, adults too!), lawn games like cornhole and giant jenga, word search napkins to grab at the bar, honestly – the list goes on!

Photo Credit: Chandler Rose Photography (right, top left)

Food

We find ourselves blogging about food a lot – shouldn’t shock you. Bringing food to the forefront and focal point at a reception is what most are looking to do. Considering you will likely spend a good portion of your wedding budget in the food category, I’m sure you’ll want to make an awesome impression!

Try tasting menus to evolve the typical wedding reception meal, where each course is paired with a wine or beer selection. Consider renting a food truck for an added wedding entertainment feature during the reception. Those that we’ve seen typically debut after dinner is over, when the appetite starts to come back once dancing begins. Having a killer late night snack will leave guests with a full-foodie experience and that lasting impression that we mentioned. If going the food truck route – try the famous Ice Cream Truck, Mimi’s Cupcakes on Wheels, or The Hotdog Cart! If looking to stay in-house for food, ask your caterer what options they offer for late night (sliders, pizzas, french fries, sundae bars, s’mores!) – sorry it’s coming up on lunchtime here!

Photo Credit: Blueline Photography (right) | 430 Studios (bottom left)

Atmosphere

This is what it’s all about. One of my favorite parts of planning is helping build your layout of the venue, where each table and design feature is meticulously placed in order to maximize the guest experience. Wedding entertainment can mean a lot of things – and having the ultimate, inviting atmosphere is one of them. Atmosphere is not only about the venue you select to host the celebration, but about the guest comfort you create for them within the venue. Lighting is key to adding ambiance after dark (especially the work from Schades of Light!) Pair that with a lounge environment with comfy couches and chairs and you’ve got yourself a winner. Think about adding some other entertaining items, like a cigar bar, or the yard games mentioned above.

Photo Credit: 430 Studios (top) | Blueline Photography (bottom)

After party

Not a whole lot to justify here! After parties have been wedding trending and here’s why. It’s likely that your guests have traveled far to be a part of the festivities. It’s also likely that your reception venue closes shop between 11:00p – midnight. But does that mean your guests have to say nighty-night? Nope! It’ll give you just that much more time to celebrate with guests – who will appreciate the extra effort made too! Looking for the top after party locations in town? Check it out here!

We’ve got tons more ideas to share – just reach out to us!

March 10, 2015

in Wedding Planning, Wedding Registry

WHAT I WISH I REGISTERED FOR

Your Bed, Bath & Beyond consultant will tell you that everyone should register for a stand mixer. Your mother will tell you to register for a quality dishes that don’t resemble her expensive China set – collecting dust. Choosing items for your wedding registry should be exciting! When else is someone going to drop the big bucks on a blender for you? Knowing what to register for can also be overwhelming. We have been talking here in the 1928 office about items we regretted registering for as well as things we wish we had thought of. So we put out some feelers and took a poll on items couples wish they had registered for. And here is what we found.

Quality towels and sheets

Wesport 900 thread count sheets via Macy’s; Sage Turkish Towel Collection via Restoration Hardware; Nomad Sheet Set via Anthropologie

Register for the more expensive brands, and order more than you need. Newlyweds Kristen and Brandon ended up with more towels than they registered for and took some back because they didn’t know where to store them all. Now, 11 years into their marriage they wish they had kept all of those towels for the ones that were lost or torn. Sheets with a 200 thread count may feel fine, but after being used and washed several times, they will likely fall apart. Select sheet sets for your wedding registry with long fibers and close to 800 thread count. (For more info on buying sheets, check out this article by Huffington Post on the truth about sheets.)

Tools

Insert cute picture of a drill here.

You don’t have to know how to use a drill in order to need a drill. Household tools are often overlooked for a wedding registry because people assume they will acquire them over time. Husband and wife, Chris and Maddy say they wish they registered for a cordless drill. “We didn’t know how much we would need tools until we bought a house,” said Maddy. Consider registering for a basic drill and toolkit to keep around the house. These can be pricey items, but stand out on a registry full of kitchen and bathroom goods. Your guests are more likely to notice them.

Art and decor for your home

artforyourhome

Pottery Bowls via Esty; Colorful Table Lamps via Etsy; Candelabra via Etsy; Henri Matisse Painting via MoMA Store

This is something I wish I would have taken advantage of when I registered for our wedding. My husband and I bought a house after we got married, and I had very little decor to fill a whole house with. Websites like Etsy and MoMA Store are a great starting point for vintage, handmade and fine art registries. With these, you are only a few clicks away from registering for art for your home. Art and decor is something couples often don’t want to spend the money on, but don’t think to ask it from others either. Consider registering for new throw pillows on Etsy or that Matisse print you’ve been wanting on the Museum of Modern Art.

For more helpful hints on building your wedding registry, head over to Danielle’s post and get the scoop on more wedding registry alternatives. Get creative with your registry and as always, share your ideas with us!

Happy registering!

February 27, 2015

in DIY Hot Spot!

DIY DAY: BRIDESMAID GIFT BOX

Looking for a unique and affordable way to thank your bridesmaids for helping to make your wedding so special? Sometimes you’ve got a long list of maids and a small budget to spend on them. You still want to make them feel loved and appreciated for standing by your side for so long. This unique bridesmaid gift box has all sorts of goodies to spark some savvy creative juices as you select your own items for your bridesmaids’ gift boxes!

1. Potted Plant

Who doesn’t love a sweet little succulent to brighten their day? They are low maintenance and a delightful reminder of your wedding day that your bridesmaid will be able to have on display. – $2.99, Ikea

2. Wine Tasting Gift Card

If you’re getting married here in midwest’s wine country, we highly suggest getting a 12 Corners gift card for your bridesmaids. Getting a gift card to one of your favorite spots in the town your getting married in is a great opportunity for your friends and family to explore the area on wedding weekend! – $10 is typically good for two tastings

3. Perfume

Find tester bottles of your favorite scents for your bridesmaids to wear on the big day and let them mix and match when they open them. These cuties are free but last a couple of weeks!

** Another fun tester perfume idea: Choose a new scent for you to wear on your wedding day, and don’t wear it again until your anniversaries. Research has shown the smell of something brings back strong memories and can elicit emotional responses from when you previously smelled them.

4. Nail Polish or Lip Gloss

Find a fun color for your bridesmaids to wear on your wedding day or choose different lip gloss options for them. What girl doesn’t love an extra shade to choose from? – $3-$15

5. Personalize it

Add each girl’s name to the box and a photo of the two of you. This is an easy (and free!) way to personalize your gift to each girl.

6. Add a Sweet Treat!

Get a big bag of yummy chocolates and disperse them in your bridesmaids’ boxes. You could take this one to the local level and find a chocolate shop in the town you’re getting married in and include a truffle or two. Check out Purely Michigan or South Bend Chocolate Cafe in St. Joseph if you’re getting married in our neck of the woods! – $1-$3

There you have it, a bridesmaid gift for under $20! We would love to hear some of your ideas for a bridesmaid box!

Happy planning, you creative cats!

February 13, 2015

in 1928 Planning, Real Weddings, Schades of Light, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Reception Ideas

REAL WEDDINGS: A LOVE LIKE FIREWORKS

For 1928 Planning, holiday weekends always bring us an extra level of excitement and when you add in coordinating a wedding for a phenomenal couple, well, you realize just how awesome of a career you have! Jackie & Andy’s Fourth of July wedding celebration at The Veranda @ The Whitcomb in St. Joseph, MI, stars in our latest Real Weddings edition – and we are eager to share!

Just like you’d hope for in July, it was gorgeous weather for their outdoor wedding celebration. After spending the morning getting ready at The Boulevard Inn, Jackie and Andy shared their intimate first look at easily the most breathtaking view of the city and Lake Michigan from atop the Whitcomb Tower. We are always telling people how much of a hidden gem it is – it never disappoints!

Being just a quick jaunt away from Tiscornia Beach, the bridal party took a ride in style on the Sunset Coast Trolley and headed towards the beach to take advantage of one of the most noted landmark’s the city has to offer: The North Pier Lighthouse.

The rooftop ceremony was, believe it or not, a first for The Veranda. It made for quite a special time and one that 1928 was thankful to be a part of! After trouble securing a ceremony location on a holiday weekend, Jackie and Andy were encouraged by their photographer, Ben Pancoast Photography, to check out The Veranda’s blank slate rooftop and have their wedding ceremony propped right above the bluff that overlooks Lake Michigan. Remember when I said the views don’t disappoint? This here was no exception.

Their summer inspired color scheme complemented the rooftop perfectly, with pops of bright coral in their decor, florals, and bridesmaids dresses. They even topped off each ceremony chair with a pair of signature sunglasses both as favors and to keep their guests comfortable during the sunny afternoon ceremony.

As the ceremony ended, guests made their way downstairs to enjoy an hour of cocktails, music and delicious bites while lounging on the rented patio furniture in the connected garden. The layout of the reception was so unique – filling the space with large King Arthur tables to provide larger seating capacity at each table. It was a great way to add some dimension to the venue and to fit a larger guest count.

The charcoal gray linens and ruffled runners paired with bundles of free-spirit coral roses made such a statement in the monochromatic atmosphere of The Veranda. Throughout the venue, no detail was forgotten. They designed signage that matched the table number with photos of both Andy and Jackie at the age. Something we are sure the guests enjoyed looking through as they found their seats for dinner service.

The night was filled with family-style dinner service provided by (the awesome!) CK Catering, and delicious mini pies and cupcake bites from Amanda Marie’s Bakery for dessert hour. As the sun set, guests enjoyed dancing, sparklers, and anxiously awaiting the Fourth of July fireworks display over Lake Michigan.

As dusk came, the much anticipated firework show began, displaying in ideal view for the wedding guests gathered in the garden and on the walkway of The Veranda. It was literally a picture-perfect ending to their reception and sent guests off on such a high note! Jackie and Andy enjoyed the fireworks from the Tower. It made for some remarkable photos and a few minutes of alone time with each other to take it all in as their reception came to a close.

For more details on Jackie and Andy’s big day and so much more, contact 1928!

Vendors for Jackie & Andy:

Day of Coordination & Rentals: 1928 Planning Co.

Catering: CK Catering

Baker: Amanda Marie’s Bakery

Florals: Crystal Springs Florist

Photography: Ben Pancoast Photography

Music: DJ – Music Unlimited | Harpist – Meg Rodgers

Transportation: Sunset Coast Trolley

Lighting: Schades of Light

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