What made the wedding special and unique?

We liked that our guests didn’t have to travel throughout the evening. We were able to have our ceremony and reception at Planterra. This made the evening much more intimate! And, we had the whole venue to ourselves because Planterra only hosts one event per day. It’s the most special and unique place on its own, and their creative abilities are amazing! They are so talented!

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I had been gown shopping for about two months, but hadn’t found that really special dress. My mom and I had a day planned to run errands and we decided to check out this one last gown shop. We started sifting through all the gorgeous gowns, and all of a sudden I saw one! The beads were sparkling, just slightly, and the embroidery was exquisite. I picked it up and it was a million sizes too big, but I decided to try it on. I walked out of the dressing room and we all knew, this was my dress. I went home that night to think about it and by the next morning I called Bella Bridal and ordered the gown.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

After we had concluded the ceremony, we were able to spend a few moments alone together. It was nice to have a little moment of quiet before the night began! We were officially husband and wife and the feelings surrounding us were love, comfort, happiness, warmth and peace.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We started talking online and eventually met at 12 Oaks Mall (right across the street from where we live now!).

Our engagement was very romantic. Nick took me to one of the most peaceful places on earth, Mackinac Island. It all started with me saying “I’m glad we finally get a relaxing weekend to ourselves.” Looking back, I could only imagine what was going through my future husband’s head after that comment. He arranged for both my immediate family and his to meet us on the island for the big surprise. Nick’s sister actually lives in Rhode Island and is one of my best friends. I never thought I would see her on one of the most memorable days of my life.

Nick took me to a high point on the island, overlooking the beautiful blue water and the Mackinaw bridge. Once we arrived on bikes, he proceeded to hand me his phone. He made me a 2 minute compilation of photos we’d taken over the last 4 years of our relationship. The tear-jerking background music he chose was “Good Riddance” by Green Day. (Needless to say, I will always think of this time when I hear that song).

While I was watching the video, he got down on one knee and proposed with his ring cam to ensure he got it all on video. We sat down, cried together and time stood still. I didn’t see what was about to come next.

Still in awe, as we slowly pedal our bikes back to our hotel, we come around a slight bend in the road and I see Steve Martz (Nick’s dad) with his paparazzi-like camera. In disbelief, faces of my loved ones began to appear in front of my eyes. I dropped my bike right in the middle of the street and ran to hug our families! We all celebrated in a moment of love, laughter and joy, but the adventure wasn’t over. Nick had arranged for a family dinner at the same hotel we would be staying at that evening. The day that I thought would be “relaxing, with not much to do” turned into so much more!

Photography: Kelly Sweet // Design and Florals: Planterra Conservatory // Stationery: Custom Creations & Invitations // Venue: Planterra Conservatory // Wedding Gown Designer: Martina Liana // Wedding Dress Salon: Bella Bridal // Hair And Makeup: Visions Spa Salon // Cake: Sweet Heather Anne // Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff