Michigan couple Kristi and Andy capitalized on the best of the midwest with a celebration on the sprawling, scenic property of The Centennial Barn. We’re smitten with the distinctive dusty rose and deep pink palette of the the floral arrangements by Events By The Day’s Design and waterfall of blooms on the cake by The Cakabakery. The couple make the best of the estate with a ceremony in the forest followed by a barn receptions and beautiful portraits all over the grounds of the farm. Lucky for us Hetler Photography was on hand to capture al the beauty in the crisp autumn air.
What made the wedding special and unique?
Andy and I both decided even before we were engaged that we wanted an autumn wedding. We love the beautiful mix of colors, crisp air, and fun activities that the Midwest offers. So we decided to add little autumn touches throughout our wedding as a beautiful way to celebrate a season we love so much. We chose to have a barn wedding, and get ready at an adorable white farmhouse on the property. We also had a wagon to deliver guests to our outdoor ceremony site hidden in the trees, and during the reception we served slices of cake, cinnamon sugar doughnuts, and hot apple cider from our favorite local apple orchard, Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I found my gown at Becker’s Bridal, which is tucked away in a little town and been helping brides find their dresses since 1934! So many of the past brides Kellie and I have photographed shared with us that they had chosen their gown there, and had a really great experience, so I new it was a shop I needed to visit when it was my turn to find a wedding dress.
My wedding gown is “Kinley” by Morilee and it was the perfect dress for Andy’s and my Fall wedding. It had everything I was looking for! Romantic lace, princess sleeves, ivory undertones and an ever-flattering fit and flare silhouette. I absolutely loved it and received so many compliments from family and friends when I wore it on my wedding day.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
There were so many memorable moments throughout the day, such as getting ready with my sisters and girlfriends (many of whom flew across the country to be there that day!), having such amazing friends like Kellie and Joe there to photograph our day, and having a private first look together where we each read our handwritten vows to each other. However, one of the most memorable moments actually happened during the ceremony itself.
Our young ring bearer, Silas, took his ring-bearing duties very seriously that day. He decided that instead of sitting down right after our pastor started his welcome speech to the guests, like we had practiced during the rehearsal the day before, he would quietly ignore his older sister Chloe’s urging and stand up front with all the groomsmen, Andy, and our pastor during the entire thirty minute ceremony — all the while still holding his ring box right in front of himself and standing up straight like a soldier.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Andy and I actually met online, through a dating app! I was teaching in Grand Rapids at the time, and he was working as a chemical engineer and living in South Haven. We “matched”, chatted through the app for weeks, and then had our first dinner date a local restaurant in Grand Rapids on October 5, 2016. After having such a great time at dinner and meeting each other in person, we exchanged phone numbers and started officially “dating” a couple months later. Andy proposed in November of 2017 — by setting up a “Fall photo session” with Kellie and surprising me at the end with a ring!
Kristi + Andy Wedding Film Teaser from Couture Creative Media on Vimeo.
Photography: Hetler Photography // Florals: Events By The Day’s Design // Stationery: DIY by bride // Venue: The Centennial Barn // Bride’s Gown: Morilee / Becker’s Bridal // Maid of Honor’s Dress: Rent the Runway // Hair: Helena DeYoung’s Hair Outreach // Makeup: Hanna Wagner Design // Catering: Hog Wild BBQ // Video: Couture Creative Media // Bar: Distinctive Catering // Cake: The Cakabakery // Donuts: Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery