A Romantic English Garden, With Whimsical Touches Inspired by Alice in Wonderland

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Wedding Colors: The wedding was a dreamy palette of pinks, with shades ranging from delicate blush to bold hot pink, accented by pops of baby blue and creamy whites. Lush greenery and touches of gold and brass added timeless elegance, creating a storybook setting that was irresistibly feminine, romantic, and effortlessly enchanting.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Lauren and Alex dreamed of a multi-day celebration that felt like stepping into a romantic English garden, with whimsical touches inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Their wedding took place at Greencrest Manor, a 1930s French-style chateau tucked away in the woods of Michigan. Originally built in 1935 on a couple’s favorite picnic spot, Greencrest’s rich history and storybook setting added a layer of romance to the weekend. The design drew inspiration from Princess Beatrice’s royal wedding and Lauren’s love of all things feminine, pink, and fairytale-esque. Every detail, from the lush florals to the bespoke stationery and vintage-inspired decor, tied together seamlessly to create a dreamlike atmosphere. Ruffles, bows, and delicate accents evoked girly charm, while timeless elements like vintage china, brass candlesticks, and classic music brought an air of elegance. Personal touches were at the heart of the celebration. The couple’s custom crest, featuring their beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Percy and Gigi, was a recurring motif, adorning everything from pillows to cocktail stir sticks. Alex brought his cowboy flair to the day, donning a black cowboy hat—a perfect reflection of his personality. To balance this playful touch, the reception featured a sophisticated bourbon bar and cigar lounge for guests to enjoy. Every element worked together to bring Lauren and Alex’s vision to life. The ceremony and reception overflowed with lush florals, vintage china, and timeless design elements, creating an atmosphere that was irresistibly feminine yet elegant. A 16-piece orchestra set the tone for the evening, filling the air with classics from the Great American Songbook and transporting guests to a golden age of romance and celebration.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Proposal: In December 2022, Alex proposed to Lauren at Polihale State Park, a breathtaking spot on Kauai that holds deep spiritual significance in Hawaiian culture. According to legend, Polihale is the gateway to the afterlife, making it a profound and meaningful place to start their next chapter together. With the sun setting over the island’s dramatic landscapes, Alex got down on one knee and presented Lauren with a stunning ring featuring hidden pink sapphire accents—a nod to her love of all things pink.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[board_carousel title=”First Look”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Wedding Wardrobe: Lauren’s wedding wardrobe was the perfect embodiment of her lifelong love for fashion, fairytales, and whimsy. Her first job was working for Betsey Johnson, a designer who greatly inspired her with playful, feminine details like tulle skirts, sparkling embellishments, and bows. This influence shaped Lauren’s dream of a wardrobe that felt like a modern Cinderella moment. For the welcome dinner, Lauren wore a Rebecca Tembo mini dress with a dramatic oversized bow and a bell-shaped skirt. The dress was a bold yet playful nod to her love for statement-making fashion and set the tone for a whimsical and elegant weekend. When it came to her wedding gown, Lauren found herself drawn to Galia Lahav, whose romantic and imaginative aesthetic felt perfectly aligned with her vision. Learning that Galia Lahav shared Lauren’s love for Alice in Wonderland made the connection even more special. At Roma Sposa in Birmingham, Michigan, Lauren discovered her dream gown—Flash by Galia Lahav. The gown featured a glittering tulle skirt, corseted bodice, and dramatic ballgown silhouette. The most enchanting detail was the crystal bow belt, which added a whimsical, fairytale-inspired touch. The dress shimmered in the light, making Lauren feel like she had stepped straight out of a dream. She paired the gown with crystal-embellished Betsey Johnson heels—a nod to her love for Betsey Johnson. Later in the evening, Lauren changed into a beaded and feathered mini fit-and-flare dress by Bronx and Banco, paired with sparkling Betsey Johnson tennis shoes for a playful yet glamorous second look.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Bridesmaids:
Lauren’s Maids of Honor wore stunning gowns from Mac Duggal, For Love & Lemons, and Petal & Pup, each adorned with details like pearls, ruffles, and bows.
The flower girl was perfectly in tune with the aesthetic, wearing two show-stopping looks for the day. For the ceremony, she wore a pink ruffled gown, and for the reception, she changed into a floral Dolce & Gabbana play dress.
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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Groomsmen Attire Alex and his groomsmen wore classic black peak-lapel tuxedos paired with black bowties and polished black shoes. Alex added a personal touch to his attire by wearing a black cowboy hat, reflecting the couple’s shared love for Western style.

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Food & Drink The festivities began with a stunning candlelit welcome dinner in the gardens of Greencrest Manor. Guests enjoyed charcuterie presented under a striped pink-and-white umbrella. For dinner, Millennium Catering served filet mignon, paprika-smoked salmon, or ginger-glazed airline chicken breast, accompanied by garlic-roasted baby potatoes and a summer grilled vegetable selection. Dessert was a decadent duo plate of cheesecake and chocolate pecan torte. Guests were welcomed to the weekend with custom gable boxes displayed on baroque gold shelves at the entrance to the dinner. Tied with candy-colored satin ribbons and adorned with the couple’s custom crest, the boxes were filled with personal touches: Blake’s hard cider, custom watercolor cookies, Garrett’s popcorn, Hawaiian kettle chips, and a hangover kit. On the wedding day, the culinary experience was just as thoughtful. A jazz quartet from the Rhythm Society Orchestra set the tone during cocktail hour, where guests enjoyed charcuterie, lavender lemonade adorned with “drink me” signs and waffle-battered chicken fritters drizzled with maple glaze. Dinner, catered by Millennium Catering, began with a classic Caesar salad followed by a duo entrée of slow-roasted strip loin and Parmesan-crusted chicken breast, served with French garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The highlight of the evening was the wedding cake by Vanessa of Sweet Details. Vanessa also created petite desserts, including hazelnut tarts, gold leafed fruit tarts, and glittering cupcakes, that were displayed alongside macarons stamped with the couple’s monogram on charming floral market carts. The night concluded with a fun and nostalgic late-night snack: Detroit-style coney dogs, a nod to Lauren and Alex’s roots.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Florals & Design The design, florals, and planning of Lauren and Alex’s wedding were thoughtfully executed by Modern Day Collective, bringing their vision of a romantic, whimsical, and garden-inspired celebration to life. A particularly special detail was that many of the blooms used throughout the weekend were grown right at Greencrest Manor. Their gardens, lovingly curated and maintained, are truly fit for royalty, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the celebration. Knowing that the flowers came from Greencrest’s gardens made the designs even more personal and meaningful, tying the beauty of the venue into every floral arrangement. Welcome Dinner Design Guests entered through a lush hedged arbor and arrived at a long table perfectly aligned with the gardens. The table was adorned with delicate white tablecloths, crystal candlesticks tied with pink satin ribbons, vintage pink china, and lush floral arrangements featuring soft blush and pink hues accented by greenery. Thoughtful details like silky pink napkins tied into roses, custom menus, and a cozy settee for Lauren and Alex to share dinner made the evening intimate and inviting. The night concluded with croquet, cigars, and a bonfire under the stars, setting the perfect tone for the weekend ahead. Ceremony Florals The ceremony florals were the true showstopper. A lush floral arch overflowing with shades of pink—from delicate blush to bold hot pink—was accented with touches of baby blue and creamy white. The aisle was flanked by three floral runners on each side, featuring vivid dahlias, roses, delphiniums, and greenery, creating a magical garden-like atmosphere. Lauren’s bouquet incorporated lisianthus, peonies, ranunculus, and roses in soft candy-pink tones, accented with cascading velvet ribbons. Adding a deeply personal touch, the bouquet included a gilded antique charm with a photo of Lauren’s father. Reception Design . At the reception, the floral focus shifted to an incredible ceiling installation inside the Celebration House. Cascading greenery and dreamy pink blooms intertwined with vintage crystal chandeliers, creating an ethereal canopy above the black-and-white checkered dance floor. Twinkle lights were woven throughout the ceiling, casting a magical glow, while soft white fabric draped elegantly across the structure, adding a romantic and airy touch. At the center of the Celebration House, the orchestra stood as a striking focal point. Surrounded by lush floral arrangements, their crisp white tuxedos and vintage-style sheet music stands seamlessly tied into the overall design. The florals framing the orchestra mirrored the elegance of the ceiling installation, creating a cohesive and dramatic effect that delighted guests throughout the evening. The sweetheart table was surrounded by lush floral arrangements that echoed the colors and textures of the ceremony florals, creating an intimate and garden-like atmosphere for Lauren and Alex. The couple’s custom crest, featuring their beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, was seamlessly incorporated throughout the reception. It adorned the stationery, seating chart, table numbers, and bar design, adding a cohesive and personal touch to the space. The tabletops reflected the elegance of the ceiling installation. Long tables were adorned with crystal cloches filled with florals, concrete busts with ivy spilling out, and lush pink floral runners. Round tables featured brass vessels filled with airy arrangements of blush blooms, accented with flickering brass candlesticks with pink tapers. Each place setting included a silky pink napkin tied into a bow and custom watercolor menus.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Wedding Cake The wedding cake was a decadent chocolate creation with layers of chocolate ganache and buttercream frosting. Designed with vintage elegance, the three-tiered masterpiece featured intricate piping, delicate bows, and a custom retro topper that perfectly matched Lauren’s distinct golden locks. Vanessa from Sweet Details in Grand Rapids, Michigan, paid close attention to Lauren’s wedding stationery and overall vision, ensuring that the cake and petite desserts matched her design perfectly. As a heartfelt surprise, Vanessa added fondant versions of the couple’s beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Gigi and Percy, nestled at the back of the cake. This detail was so sweet, so personal, and such an amazing surprise

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Readings, Ceremony Music, and Reception Songs. The ceremony featured a string quartet by Clifford Music Group playing pop arrangements. Family and the bridal party processed to Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams, while Lauren walked down the aisle to Coldplay’s Yellow. A particularly memorable moment came when Alex’s mom gave a reading from Star Wars, blending Alex’s love for the series with her heartfelt message to the couple. The reception was brought to life by the Rhythm Society Orchestra, a 16-piece ensemble that transported guests to the golden age of music. Performing classics from the Great American Songbook, including Glenn Miller, Count Basie, and Frank Sinatra, the orchestra created an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Lauren and Alex shared their first dance to Frank Sinatra’s The Way You Look Tonight, a perfect moment of romance and nostalgia. Alex’s dad gave a heartfelt welcome speech, and Alex’s mom offered a touching blessing, adding meaningful family moments to the evening. Special Details:

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]1. The Custom Wedding Clutch
Lauren carried a one-of-a-kind clutch that perfectly reflected her personality and wedding vision. The clutch featured her wedding embroidered on one side, while the other side showcased Gossip Girl-inspired fabric, a nod to her favorite show and its timeless style. This bespoke accessory was both sentimental and fashionable.
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

2. Gossip Girl-Inspired Touches Lauren’s love for Gossip Girl was thoughtfully woven throughout her wedding. The invitations featured a watercolor illustration of garden black-tie attire, including a dress inspired by Blair Waldorf’s iconic red gown in Paris, reimagined in pink. Macarons from Ladurée, a Blair Waldorf favorite, were included at Lauren’s tea party on the wedding day. Pink peonies, both Blair and Lauren’s favorite flower, were prominently featured in the floral arrangements.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]3. The Watercolor Artwork
One of Lauren’s favorite parts of the wedding planning process was collaborating with Martina Visnjic of Lana Dreams Design to create custom watercolor artwork for the wedding. Working with Martina was a dream, as she beautifully brought Lauren’s visual dreams to life. From the whimsical custom crest featuring Gigi and Percy to the gatefold invitations that resembled a fairytale storybook, Martina’s art set the stage for the entire wedding weekend.
The watercolor designs extended far beyond the invitations, becoming a defining element of the wedding’s aesthetic. The art was used to decorate pillows, the bar, matchbooks, stir sticks, stickers for the welcome boxes, programs, and even the menus and table numbers. [/field]
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