February 18, 2020
in Real Weddings, Schades of Light, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

 

THE DETAILS

Date: September 29, 2018

Ceremony Venue: Private Residence 

Reception Venue: The Vineyard at 12 Corners

Color Scheme: Greens, Ivory, Burgundy, Gold, Dusty Blue

Design Inspiration: Classy, with a minimalist, slightly boho vibe

 

 

THE HIGHLIGHTS

So many gorgeous moments to highlight from Maggie + Eli’s outdoor, late September wedding celebration. The family lake house ceremony setting for the I Do’s was naturally personal for their immediate families and were overjoyed to share it with all of their guests. Champagne sipping and string instruments welcomed guests on their arrival. Truly remarkable views of Lake Michigan from the backyard, with a beautifully decorated traditional chuppah that brought focus to the altar. The reception took place not far from there at 12 Corners Vineyard with non-stop, 360 views of plump grapevines just as harvest season was approaching. Outdoor fall weddings in a vineyard – it’s one of the best combinations, especially for guests used to city living.

Fall vibes were all over the design – with outdoorsy farmhouse tables being the foundation, the classy gold chiavari chairs and flatware, and unforgettable coziness of lush greenery, rich burgundy and dusty blue tones. Hundreds of candles in varying pillared heights lay scattered down dining tables paired alongside gold mercury votive candles. The romance as guests sat down for the reception was unparalleled. So intimate, even with as large of a guest count as it was. The night time hour introduced comfy fleece blankets and Adirondack chairs around a firepit and a photobooth station. There really was never a dull moment for guests to experience something fun.

Generally being big fans of flowers, they wanted each nook and cranny of the venue to have consistency and a polished finish. The tent ceiling was no exception, including a 5ft diameter floral chandelier suspended over the dance floor – where guests danced the night away.  Other pieces that continue catching our eye are the flower crowns for the bridal party ladies, trendy signage be it the ones with acrylic form or the printed paper products showing loads of personality, and the sea glass name cards for the 36-guest head table! Including dates at the head table seating arrangement has been a popular selection. We love how much it adds a grandiose look to such an important table and brings functionality too. 

 

VENDORS

Photo: Kati Mallory

Design, Logistics + Wedding Planning, Day of Coordination + Rentals (farmhouse tables, wine barrels, specialty linens, lounge furniture, firepit): 1928 Planning Co.

Floral: Flowers By Anna

Lighting Design: Schades of Light

Other Rentals: Taylor Rental (chiavari chairs, gold silverware, ceremony tent, ceremony chairs)

Baker: Sweet Mandy B’s

Entertainment: Style Matters DJ, Hipstr Photobooth

 

February 6, 2015
in 1928 Planning, Beach Wedding, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Planning

BEACH INFO

Beach weddings in Michigan are becoming splendid ceremony alternatives for Midwesterners. Here at 1928, we are well-seasoned in beach ceremonies. That is why we have created this guide of our favorite beach and pavilion ceremony locations here in Southwest Michigan. We know a lot of our couples are from out of town and want to have a unique wedding along the shores of Lake Michigan, but they don’t always know what to consider when they look.

Oftentimes couples forget they need feasible access for their elderly guests, or they forget about a sound system … or the undeniable parking situation. We have started a list to help you start thinking about the best options in the area. We also offer ceremony planning services, where we attend your rehearsal to prompt cues, provide you with white padded chairs, decorate and tear down your ceremony site for you and be the point on contact at the beach for you, your guests, and your vendors.

Weko Beach Park – Bridgman, MI

Why we love it: While it is a little bit of a drive, this is one of our favorite gems. Weko Beach is right off of Red Arrow Highway in Bridgman and it has plenty of parking. The beach is extremely large and seldom crowded for that reason.

Distance from Saint Joseph: 13 miles, 20 minutes

Cost to rent: There is no pavilion; beach access is free to the public – so you would need to arrive early to stake your claim

Cost to park: $7 per vehicle for a daily pass

Public Restroom: Yes

Electricity: No

Shadowland Pavilion – St. Joseph, MI

shadowland pavilion copyPhoto Credit: Matt Pratt Photography

Why we love it: While the pavilion is not directly on the beach, it overlooks the St. Joseph river and is at the entry point of the St. Joseph Lighthouse. There is a beautiful walkway with sculptures along the river for guests to explore along with the lighthouse. We also love this location because it is under shelter and you don’t necessarily need a Plan B should it rain. There is also an option to put chairs in the grass for unlimited seating.

Distance from Saint Joseph: It’s in the heart of it all!

Cost to rent: $400 for non-residents on weekends

How many does it seat: 200 under the pavilion

Cost to park: $8 per vehicle for a daily pass (non-residents)

Public Restroom: Yes

Electricity: Yes

Tiscornia Beach – St. Joseph, MI

tiscornia copyPhoto Credit: Jordanne and Ryan Photography (top) | Woodnote Photography (bottom)

Why we love it: Tiscornia is our favorite (and free!) beach ceremony site in St. Joe. It runs along the north side of the St. Joseph Lighthouse and makes for awesome ceremony photos. We also love it because although a public beach, it is typically less crowded than Lions Park and Silver Beach. The only downside of Tiscornia is that the parking lot isn’t massive. We recommend using a shuttle service for a ceremony here.

Distance from Saint Joseph: North side of St. Joe

Cost to rent: Free

Cost to park: $5 per vehicle for a daily pass

Public Restroom: Yes

Electricity: No

Jean Klock Park and Jean Klock Park Pavilion – Benton Harbor, MI

jeanklock copyPhoto Credit: Ben Pancoast Photography

 

Why we love it: Getting to Jean Klock is a beautiful drive over the St. Joseph river and up a large sand dune. There is a ton of parking and the pavilion offers an option to have your ceremony under a shelter. To have your ceremony on the beach, it is free. The fee for the pavilion below.

Distance from Saint Joseph: 1.5 miles, 5 minutes

Cost to rent: $600 for 4-hours, $1200 for 8-hours, $1500 for full day (for non-residents)

Cost to park: $8 per vehicle for a daily pass (for non-residents)

Public Restroom: Yes

Electricity: Yes (at pavilion only)

 

 

A couple of things to always remember and when considering a beach wedding ceremony:

Don’t assume your DJ will/can go to the beach. Because there is no electricity at most beaches, DJ’s will need to bring in a battery-powered sound system. Be sure to have this be a question you are asking possible DJ vendors. We have also done our fair share of weddings without sound systems – just keep in mind that when it is windy, not everyone will be able to hear your officiant without a mic!

We hope this helps narrow down your Michigan beach wedding site search! There is nothing like dipping your toes in the sand and saying your “I dos” on Lake Michigan. Contact us today to see if we are available to help plan your beach wedding ceremony! Check out our service page here for more info on what we offer!

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April 15, 2013
in 1928 Planning, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

Are you busy looking for ways to have a personalized wedding ceremony? Just like the wedding reception, you should make the wedding ceremony your very own and seek to represent who you are as a couple. We have seen a real turn on the way ceremonies are performed and the personal touches that are constantly being infused. Here are some quick tips on what we’ve seen our couples do to get your imagination going!

1. Write your own personalized vows to read aloud at the wedding ceremony.

2. Consider having a booklet waiting at the guests’ chairs that tells your love story while they wait for the ceremony to begin.

Personalized Ceremony Program

3. Add your four-legged friend to the bridal party to add a personal touch.

4. Infuse how you met and your journey together as a couple into the wedding.

5. Select a unique, one-of-a-kind alter backdrop to create a personalized wedding ceremony.

 

Ceremony Backdrop

6. Consider an officiant whom you’ve known.

7. Personalize your programs to speak to your personality.

8. Arrange the ceremony chairs in a semi-circle so that all of your loved ones surround you.

Ceremony Setup

9. Have your ceremony musician be a close family member or friend.

10. Choose your music carefully – maybe put a spin on the traditional processional or recessional music.

 

Hope these few ideas get you started on ways to have a personalized wedding ceremony of your own!

 

Want to hear more from 1928 Planning Co? Contact us!

 

❀ Danielle