real weddings 2008 :: melissa + kyle

Couple :: Melissa + Kyle, 9.13.08
Pearls Events service :: Basic planning
Ceremony + Reception :: Ventura Pines Cottage
Officiant :: Kyle's dad, Sid
Photographer :: Amy Carroll Photography
Caterer :: Marie Catrib's + Alpenrose
Bar :: Seaway Party Store
Cake :: Sweet Cakes Designs
Flowers :: Shelly's Designs Florist
Rentals :: A1 Rent All
DJ :: Two to Tango
Favors :: homemade cookies

It was a joy planning this wedding with Melissa + Kyle. They live in the Chicagoland area, but planned a destination wedding in Holland at Ventura Pines Cottage. They brought me on board because they needed someone to find the right vendors, attend consultations, and be there on the day-of for complete set up, day-of coordination and cake cutting. While we went over details of the day, Kyle + Melissa explained their vision of a casual wedding with a natural feel. They wanted an eco-friendly wedding and were planning on serving gourmet sandwiches, yummy cake and good drinks.

Sarah + I arrived early on Saturday to begin set-up. We placed tables, linens, china + flatware, plus skirted the tables. It was more hands-on than we normally get and brought me back to my catering days. Alison arrived around 1:30 with lunch(!) and to help with the final set-up--placing favors + votive candles. Since it was pouring rain, we were all quite wet, but we had a blast working together.

The rain never stopped, so we moved the ceremony from the bluff to inside the tent. The flowered arch was easy to move and fit perfectly in the middle of the dance floor. Guests began arriving, and took their seats. Melissa + Kyle didn't see each other before the ceremony, which always makes for an emotional processional. The officiate, who also happened to be Kyle's dad, lead a touching ceremony. After the recessional, Amy + Angie did photos on the steps of the gorgeous cottage while guests enjoyed cocktail hour.

Amazing appetizers from Alpenrose and a fully stocked bar from Seaway kept guests happy + occupied during photo time. When Michael + his staff from Marie Catrib's were ready to go with dinner, I released tables to the buffet. There were SO many options, guests went back for seconds + even thirds. After dinner, Kyle + Melissa cut their cake, and then I took it inside to slice for guests. The staff from Marie Catrib's helped me plate it and set it on the buffet for guests.

After cake + coffee, Alison + I cleared as many dishes as possible before packing up our gear and making our way home for the evening. It was a laid-back, chill wedding day with an awesome couple. They are on their way to San Diego for a week of bumming around the little Pacific Coast town. Amy is off to Portugal for a wedding, so I won't have more photos until next week. Stay tuned...

A huge shout out to my team of Sarah + Alison--I couldn't have done this wedding without you. Thank you so much for being completely up-for-anything and getting soaked in the process.