Modern Romance Meets City Charm at Stella Van Buren

The Planning Process

Wedding Date: October 4, 2024
Guest Count: 105
Style/Theme: Intimate Modern Romance
Wedding Colors: Black, Taupe, Beige, Ivory

What was your favorite design?
“Creating an intimate and warm atmosphere was so important to us, and my favorite design element was the floral and candle work. The ribbed vases added such a unique texture and elegance, truly transforming the space. The florals from Reflections of You were everything I had envisioned—incorporating sand garden roses and anemones, which made such a stunning statement. The soft glow from the candles complemented the florals perfectly, making the whole setting feel romantic, warm, and timeless.”

Ceremony Details

Location: War Memorial Center
Photographer: Natashia Nicole Photography
Videographer: Jamie Kempen Photography 
Photo stops: Museum Center Park

“Our ceremony was simple, yet so meaningful, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect—sunshine with a light breeze, making the moment feel even more magical.

One of the most special parts of the ceremony was having my mother walk me down the aisle, a moment we will both cherish forever. Another highlight was having our Golden Retriever, Cheddar, standing proudly next to the groomsmen, making our day even more personal and heartwarming.

Our officiant was my Aunt Lynn, and she did an incredible job—especially considering it was her very first wedding! One of the most meaningful parts of the ceremony was our ring warming tradition, where both of our moms held our wedding rings and gave their well wishes before we exchanged them. It was such a beautiful way to include them in this important moment.”

Ceremony Decor
“Our ceremony space was designed to feel intimate, elegant, and timeless. We had beautiful ground florals framing the front of the ceremony, creating a natural and romantic focal point. The soft floral arrangements added warmth and dimension without overpowering the space. Crisp white chairs lined the aisle, keeping the look classic and refined while allowing the florals to truly shine. The overall design felt effortlessly elegant, setting the perfect tone for our vows.”

Reception Details

Reception Decor
“The moment you stepped into our reception, you were surrounded by warmth and elegance. The soft glow of candlelight, paired with the floor-to-ceiling drapes, created an inviting and sophisticated ambiance. One of my favorite details was the ribbed glassware, which elevated the traditional cylinder candles, adding texture and refinement to the tablescape. Our décor was floral-heavy with minimal greenery, giving the space a lush, elevated look. The florals truly made a statement, enhancing the romantic and intimate feel of the evening.

To add a fun and personal touch, we had a vintage-inspired phone booth for photos and a voicemail guest book, where guests could leave us heartfelt messages to cherish forever. Another special feature was our portrait area, where guests could have a formal portrait taken—a detail everyone loved since they were all dressed up for the occasion.”

Reception Recap
“We had such a wonderful, memorable reception! One of the best decisions we made was doing our first look earlier in the day, which allowed us to fully enjoy and be present during our cocktail hour. It gave us the perfect opportunity to connect with our guests before the festivities kicked into full gear.

During cocktail hour, we had signature drinks—an espresso martini and a whiskey sour—which were a big hit with our guests. As we sat down for dinner, we opted to skip the traditional cake cutting and instead did a champagne tower pour, which was so much fun and really set the tone for a celebratory meal. The food was absolutely delicious—we’ve received so many compliments since the wedding about how amazing the meal was!

After dinner, we had our first dance, which was such a special moment. As a surprise, we brought back our violinist from the ceremony to kick off the dancing, pairing her electric violin with the DJ. It was such a unique touch that really energized the crowd and got everyone on the dance floor—it was the perfect way to start the party!”