A Glam Old-Hollywood-Inspired Wedding at the Centennial Terrace in Blissfield, Michigan

Lovers of big-band music and all things vintage, Emily Rush (24 and a sales professional) and Gregory Peper (26 and a crop consultant) went all out old-Hollywood glam for their early-fall wedding. The day started with a traditional ceremony at Light of Christ Parish in Blissfield, Michigan, before a swinging bash at the Centennial Terrace in Sylvania, Ohio. “Big bands used to play there in the '40s—including Glen Miller—and it was the site of my grandparents’ first date,” Emily says. Finding a swing band was one of the couple’s first priorities and Swingmania set the tone for the affair. The couple decided on a classic black and white color palette and an old-Hollywood theme to jazz up the Centennial Terrace—complete with a red carpet, Victorian furnishings and eye-catching feather centerpieces. The couple took on a number of DIY projects during the planning process, not only to save costs, but also to give the reception plenty of personality. Emily and Gregory did everything from creating their own cigar wraps to salvaging and restoring chandeliers and using vintage feathers and glassware collected from family members and friends to create the centerpieces. The couple got the party started as soon as guests arrived with a 16-piece swing band that played iconic tunes from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. After dinner, a DJ took over for the band and kept guests dancing all night. A tip from Emily: “Don't worry about the things that can't be changed. The day will go by so fast and be over before you know it. Take in every moment, and enjoy it.”