1. Real Weddings

A Natural Green and White Wedding at a Private Residence in South Haven, Michigan

rn Madison Reiner (24 and a claims representative) and Eddie Blazek (26 and a claims representative) couldn’t imagine a more beauti

rn Madison Reiner (24 and a claims representative) and Eddie Blazek (26 and a claims representative) couldn’t imagine a more beautiful, relaxing and memorable place to get married than on the shore of Lake Michigan. As soon as Madison’s aunt and uncle offered their South Haven, Michigan, home for the wedding day, the couple set plans in motion to celebrate there with 45 of their closest loved ones. Their intimate occasion began with a ceremony on a bluff overlooking the lake. As a special touch, Madison’s uncle performed “Blackbird” by the Beatles, which fit the bird motif used throughout the wedding. Back at the house, a tented reception awaited, complete with a little ceramic bird on each place setting. Green apples and white flowers added fresh pops of color along the gray and white floral dining tables. Madison loved how the apples enhanced the natural colors—she even added them to her vintage-inspired cake display. Together with their guests, Madison and Eddie played backyard party games and a personalized cornhole set. Everyone mingled to the tunes of a Spotify playlist the newlyweds created with their favorite songs. After dark, they returned to the shore for a bonfire and released paper lanterns into the night. Tifani Lyn Photography captured the beautiful day from start to finish, below.

These ivory peep-toe wedges allowed Madison to be comfortable all day, especially walking down the grass aisle at the ceremony. The pair she chose had a ribbon tie that mirrored the style of a ballet slipper.
Madison's best friend, Suzanne, was her maid of honor. She wore a knee-length gray dress in a one-shoulder style to match the Madison's dress, and both wore the same shoes. Eddie's best man, Justin, wore a gray suit to continue the color theme.
Madison chose a gorgeous one-shoulder A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline and a full organza skirt. To add color and contrast, Madison added a gray satin sash that she wore in a bow at her waist. A beaded fingertip-length veil pinned to her braided updo completed her look.
Madison and Edward exchanged their vows on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. During the ceremony, Madison's Uncle Rob played "Blackbird" by the Beatles.
Eddie wore a light gray suit with a striped tie for a casual look that matched the gray sash on Madison's dress. He decided to forgo a boutonniere to keep his look simple and clean.
The reception took place at Madison's aunt and uncle's home under a white tent. Together with their 45 guests, the newlyweds enjoyed the fresh Michigan air during their meal.
Gray linens covered in a white floral pattern covered the round dining tables. The centerpieces continued the bird motif with metal birds beside the hydrangea and apple arrangements, and a miniature bird figurine at each place setting.
Madison loved the way fresh green apples evoked the green in the floral centerpieces. She placed them in glass vases atop hand-sewn gray table linens on each dining table.
Madison found ceramic bird figurines at a home and garden store and placed one at each place setting to continue the bird theme. They rested on hand-stamped thank-you cards with dandelions to match the table linens.
This vintage-inspired wedding cake sat atop a distressed wooden barrel on a round glass slab. Madison placed green apples around the confection to pull in some color.
Dee's Specialty Cakes created this two-tier confection that evoked vintage hat boxes. Madison tied in the bird motif with a pair of white bird figurines for the cake topper.
At sunset, Madison and Eddie brought their guests down by the lake to release paper lanterns. After dark, they had a bonfire by the water. "It was the relaxed and comfortable day I had always hoped for in every way," Madison says.