1. Real Weddings

A Vintage Barn Wedding at Wildwood Family Farms in Alto, Michigan

After a mutual friend introduced the two in high school, Erin (21 and a nursing student) and John (21 and a police officer) tied the knot in a vintage

After a mutual friend introduced the two in high school, Erin (21 and a nursing student) and John (21 and a police officer) tied the knot in a vintage-inspired wedding that incorporated plenty of historical touches."I'm an antique lover by heart, so my family and I spent a lot of time antiquing for unique pieces that were special to us," Erin says. "I also spent a lot of time collecting special items from both sides of our families -- such as old photos -- to incorporate family into our design. It was a lot of work, but so rewarding once I saw it all come together."And while family heirlooms were abundant, family members were essential when it came down to the actual wedding decor. The bride and groom said 'I do' in front of a DIY ceremonial cross that Erin's father created when the couple chose an outdoor ceremony over a traditional church wedding. The father of the bride even custom-made the light-up marquee sign that hung in the barn during the reception!

"We really wanted to get married in our church, but our venue was 45 minutes away from home," Erin says. "Instead, my dad made us a wooden cross, which hung behind us on two antique doors to simulate a church setting. We decided to skip an aisle runner and other decor because the front of the barn was picturesque enough that we didn't really need anything else."
Brown Leather Cowboy Boots
The bride chose a pink, custom-made sash by a New Orleans-based designer to complete her look. "I wanted to keep my look simple and elegant while still incorporating a bit of my funky style," she says. "I kept it simple for the ceremony and chose a bigger, funkier sash for the reception. They were super-fun and unique!"
The bride chose a classic, white, satin gown with a sweetheart neckline by Watters. A vintage Mikimoto pearl necklace that once belonged to her grandmother completed the look. "I decided on this specific dress because not only did I love the look, but I loved the way I felt in it," Erin explains.
Peach-colored hypericum berries and Astilbe were placed in a gold shotgun shell to create the boutonnieres. "I've never seen my husband or his guy friends so excited over flowers in my life!" Erin says.
Erin went in search of 'something old' to complement the pink peonies and garden roses in her bridal bouquet. "I found a piece of blush velvet from the 1920s on Etsy which I used to wrap around the stem of my bouquet for a vintage touch," she says.
The couple snuck in some quality time prior to walking down the aisle. "John and I prayed together before the ceremony without seeing each other," Erin explains. "It was such a calming moment for both of us and there couldn't have been a better way for us to start our time together on our wedding day."
Groom in Navy Suit
Blush-Colored Bridesmaid Dresses by Watters
Groomsmen in Navy Suits
Ceremony Seating Wooden Chairs
Erin chose to walk down the aisle alongside her father to a song she considers a childhood favorite. "I walked down the aisle to 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' by Teea Goans, which was a song I would sing over and over again as a little girl," Erin says.
To honor John's career as a police officer, the couple treated their guests to a donut dessert bar. "We both come from police families, so this was a fun way to include family photos and heirlooms from our law enforcement backgrounds," Erin says. "The donuts were from one of our favorite shops in downtown Holland and they sat on various antique scales, platters and cake plates."
Wedding Recessional
Ivory and Gold Invitation Suite
Antique Dinner Plates with Lace Table Runners
Rustic Wood Reception Decor
Naked Lamp Shades with Vintage Silhouettes
Antique Glassware
A pink, ombre cake covered in buttercream was just one of three custom creations crafted by the Second Floor Bakery.
Erin made sure her husband's specific cake tastes were highlighted in the five-tier dessert created by the Second Floor Bakery. "John loves boxed cake mix, so we had the top Funfetti-flavored tier made just for him," she explains.
DIY Wedding Quilt
Antique Framed Family Photos
Rustic Barn Reception Venue
Wood Reception Decor with Frames
Dessert by Good Time Donuts in Holland, Michigan