1. Real Weddings

A Rustic Vineyard Wedding at French Valley Vineyards in Lake Leelanau, Michigan

Axel (30 and a logistician) met Alicia (32 and a physician) while he was her patient at a family eye care center. Two weeks later, Axel came by the ce

Axel (30 and a logistician) met Alicia (32 and a physician) while he was her patient at a family eye care center. Two weeks later, Axel came by the center to pick up his glasses, and Alicia tried to work up the courage to ask him on a date. Unfortunately, her nerves got the better of her. Little did she know, Axel came by to pick up his glasses the day before but turned and left when he didn't see her car in the parking lot. In order to have an excuse to call him, Alicia decided she would follow up with her clients over the phone, and Axel was first on her call list. She finally asked him out, and they planned their first date together: he organized a picnic at the Celery Flats in Portage, and she took them to a retro drive-in theatre in Coldwater. Axel dropped her off at home, but when he called minutes later, she knew he must have had the same feelings for her. As it turns out, his car ran out of gas on the drive home, but the mishap gave them an extra hour together that cemented their fate. After much long search for the perfect venue, the couple finally decided on an outdoor summer wedding at the French Valley Vineyards in Lake Leelanau, Michigan.

Hooper Gardens provided Axel's Mom, aunts, and other family members (who were once florists) with the flowers and facilities to make all of the wedding arrangements, including Alicia's pink peony bouquet.
Alicia and Axel posed for a kiss at the beach, where Alicia's strapless dress, which she purchased from Antonio's Bridal in Birmingham, Michigan, pooled elegantly in the sand.
Gray-suited groomsmen in various navy blue ties stand beside the navy-suited groom. Axel bought is suit from Suit Supply in Chicago, but his Shinola watch was a special wedding present from Alicia.
Pink Bridesmaids with Peonies and Pearls
Alicia incorporated rustic chalk signs that directed guests from the ceremony, to the reception, to the barn's indoor whiskey, cigar, and dessert bars.
The wedding was especially kid-friendly, with large chalkboard signs directing them to an entire box of toys and favors.
Many elements of the wedding were handmade, like the wedding arch that the couple's dads helped to install.
The outdoor reception had plenty of comforts for the guests, from lawn games to vintage furniture. For entertainment, one of Axel's groomsmen wrote and performed a song for the happy couple.
Along with this rustic dessert bar, the reception also included a very popular scotch and cigar bar with signature cocktails for the bride and groom: the "Last Word" (inspired by the Detroit Athletic Club) for Axel and the "Machintawsh" (inspired by Michigan Apples) for Alicia. The drinks were accompanied by a selection of Alicia's favorite fine cheeses.
Erin St. John of ElectriCake Co. made the ruffled white wedding cake with an elaborate cascade of pink peonies. St. John also made the desserts and chalkboards that filled the interior of the barn.
After a difficult search process, Alicia and Axel finally decided to have their wedding at French Valley Vineyards for a picturesque outdoor ceremony. As the night concluded, they kissed in front of a gorgeous sunset by the vineyard's historic barn.
Alex and Alicia's Summer Silhouette