real weddings 2008 :: karaline + andy

Couple :: Karaline + Andy, 9-6-08
Pearls Events service :: Day of coordination + set up
Ceremony :: Berean Baptist Church
Reception :: St. Cecilia's Music Society
Catering :: San Chez
Bar :: Martha's Vineyards
Photographer :: Brander Photography
DJ :: Extreme DJ
Cake :: The Cake Connection
Linens :: The Chair Cover Collection
Florist :: Pocket Full of Posies
Pianist :: Deborah Knauf
Guitarist :: Jeremy Hoekstra
Transportation :: White Knight Limo
Rehearsal dinner :: McFadden's

When my friend Megan told me her brother's girlfriend, Karaline, was reading my blog before she was engaged, I smiled. A few hours after Karaline + Andy were engaged, Karaline emailed to set up their initial consultation. Since they were having their reception at one of my favorite venues in Grand Rapids, St. Cecilia's Music Society, I was excited.

Friday afternoon we set up the Dexter Ballroom at St. Cecilia's with linens, escort cards, and table numbers before heading to rehearsal at Berean Baptist Church. After our smooth rehearsal, everyone was off to McFadden's for a delicious dinner.

Alison and I arrived at church on Saturday to began helping the ladies into their gowns and passing out flowers to the bridal party + family. The flowers were gorgeous and smelled SO good! Since Karaline + Andy didn't see each other before the ceremony, Denise of Brander Photography snuck in the guy's formal photos first, followed by the beautiful bride + her maids.

Karaline was an absolutely stunning bride in her form-fitting, taffeta gown and birdcage veil--she completely rocked the vintage glamorous look. Her 'maids were just as stunning--all six of them in black satin gowns with a fun sweep train. Karaline searched antique stores for months and found each girl a unique rhinestone necklace from the 1920's - 1940's to compliment their gowns. Karaline had a jeweler clean and replace some stones to make them sparkle like new.

After the ceremony, the wedding party was off to in the limo to take some fun photos. Alison and I packed up the ceremony flowers and were off to St. Cecilia's to give the room the finishing touches before guests started arriving. Martha's Vineyards was on hand for the bar, and San Chez provided one of the best dinners I've had this season--although I'm a bit partial because San Chez is one of my favorite restaurants in Grand Rapids.

Cake was cut after dinner, and then dancing began. Andy's family loves to dance, and were rockin' the floor all night long. After a lot of sangria, and a ton of dancing with their guests, the newlyweds were off to their suite at The Amway while everyone packed up for the night.

I hope to have some pro photos to post soon. Stay tuned...