Grab a beverage, some popcorn, or at least a snack, this is going to be a long one. When I first met Lauren & Kyle last year, I instantly like them, and I swear it had nothing to do with the “lives in New York City designs purses for a living” bride. I swear.
Because of logistics, we weren’t able to do an engagement session, but I did attend their planning session with Dee Mitchell at Elements of Elegance, who did their gorgeous floral and day-of-coordinating. When Lauren started talking about some of the details, I got a little glassy eyed. Not from boredom – they were tears of joy. This was going to be detailicious. It’s a word, trust me.
Not long after, Lauren emailed to share some of her details, saying “I spent my day crafting.” What she meant to say is “I’m totally amazeballs when it comes to design, and hold on tight, because I’m about to blow your mind over these details.” Just a slight difference in wording, but I got what she was saying.
She then mailed me her fabric swatches. Yes, her swatches. I still have them, I adore them. It’s actually helped me with a 2013 bride, taking that idea and actually gathering up fabric samples to help coordinate colors. It’s fun, plus I get a trip to the fabric store.
Fast forward to September 8, the day of their wedding.
Dan & I arrived around noon, and Dan took off to drop our very sick little pup at “puppy grandma’s” house for the day, and I got busy swooning, I mean shooting details. NOTHING was left untouched by Lauren’s amazing talent. Then combining HER talent with that of the Elements of Elegance team, and you had a recipe for spectacular. The best part of it all was the simplicity of things – nothing was over the top, but it was all beautiful. Her table cards – individual townhouses, to look like row homes in New York City, where the couple lives. There were even miniature Empire State Building & Statue of Liberty to round it all out.
The table flowers were sweet vibrant pops of color. The bouquets were stunning – with succulents and dahlias and a lot of other amazing flowers I don’t know the names of. The bride even made each dinner napkin for the reception of a classic yellow chevron print with “Love” hand stamped on to each one. Every ribbon, every card, every inch of ricrac was carefully chosen, and came together better than I could have ever imagined.
Now I can get to the bride & her lovely maids. I arrived just as Patti from Spirit Custom Makeup & Makeup Artistry was putting the finishing touches on Lauren’s BRIGHT pink lips. Yes, please. Bright pink lips? And glittery Kate Spade shoes & purse you say? Le Sigh.
Before the girls got dressed, they got their gifts from the bride. Remember when I said she was a purse designer? Yep, she gave them all purses, designed by her….for Sak. These lovely ladies helped Lauren slip into her amazing dress, so she could go greet her groom in a first look down by the lakeshore at Camp Blodgett.
After some private time and photos of just the bride and groom, we had the wedding party join us on the beach. Before the bridal party was completely blown away, (not by our skillz, but by the wind), we trekked back up the beach to start their lovely ceremony. In Lauren’s attention to details, she even included in the program the timeline of her and Kyle’s relationship. What I didn’t know, and what was so sweet – is they were best friends in college, and it wasn’t until years later, even after having been roommates, they realized their friendship was more than just friendship. It was a creative way to entertain their guests while they waited for the ceremony to start.
As they exited to a shower of confetti (hand-cut by the bride), we quick got some family pictures, a few more of the bride & groom (and the wedding party), and let them get to the business of enjoying their dinner by The Gilmore Collection, and celebrating with their friends and family. Plenty of photo-boothing ensued, followed by a lot of dancing, and much laughter & happiness!
Lauren & Kyle – thank you for giving us such a colorful day to celebrate with you – I hope you are enjoying the last few days of your honeymoon! Caio!
– Lynell & Dan
Venue: Camp Blodgett, West Olive, Michigan