1. Real Weddings

A Modern, Nontraditional Wedding at Red Ginger in Traverse City, Michigan

Caitlin Hirsch (30 and a teacher) and Nathan Smead (31 and a teacher) wanted an intimate restaurant wedding in one of their favo

Caitlin Hirsch (30 and a teacher) and Nathan Smead (31 and a teacher) wanted an intimate restaurant wedding in one of their favorite places in the world: Traverse City, Michigan. "Not only is it drop-dead beautiful, but we have been visiting it since we first started dating," Cait says. They discovered that Red Ginger, one of the city's best restaurants, has an event space and they knew they had to book it. The private loft overlooks downtown Traverse City and Lake Michigan, and it features three separate spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. For their modern ceremony, Cait and Nate were married against a grassy green backdrop that was decorated with an arch of coral and green roses, creating an eye-catching visual effect. Afterward, the newlyweds and their guests sat down to enjoy the reception meal at a farmhouse-style table arranged with black linens and contemporary white chairs. Bud vases filled with coral roses and green chrysanthemums lined the table as vibrant, minimalist centerpieces. Our favorite detail? Cait's stunning nontraditional dress, which featured intricate periwinkle details throughout the bodice and the skirt. Dan and Melissa Photography beautifully captured the day. See more, below.

Some of the centerpieces featured green chrysanthemums that added texture to the tablescape.
Red Ginger set up a long farmhouse-style table with modern white chairs for the reception. The table was set with a black table runner and black linens, and the space was illuminated with a contemporary light fixture.
Cait wore a strapless evening gown with intricate periwinkle details that she bought at Fantastic Finds in Lansing, Michigan. She styled her hair in an updo to showcase the dress's sweetheart neckline.
Nate wore a dark blue suit with a plaid pink and blue bow tie and matching pocket square. He pinned a succulent boutonniere to his lapel to complete the look.
Cait carried a vibrant, textured bouquet made up of coral red roses, fuchsia coxcomb, orange proteas, green chrysanthemums and succulents.
Brick Wall Wedding Portrait
The reception table was lined with small white bud vases that were filled with an array of coral red roses and greens.
Cait and Nate were married in the loft-style event space at Red Ginger in Traverse City, Michigan. They had a grassy green ceremony backdrop that was decorated with an arch of coral and red flowers.
Red Ginger Ceremony First Kiss