1. Real Weddings

Alishan & Michael: A Traditional Wedding in Grand Rapids, MI

When Alishan and Michael met six years ago at a work party (she was a waitress, he a cook), they were both spoken for -- nonetheless, both noticed a s

When Alishan and Michael met six years ago at a work party (she was a waitress, he a cook), they were both spoken for -- nonetheless, both noticed a spark. After they became officially single, Alishan “flirted shamelessly” with Michael; her technique worked and the two officially coupled up. They chose her engagement ring together when they still lived in Manhattan, and when they moved to Atlanta together, Alishan waited (impatiently, she admits!) for his proposal. The Bride Alishan Fields-Hopping, 28, student The Groom Michael Hopping, 30, high school teacher The Date June 14 On their first attempt to climb to the peak of the mountain near their new home in Atlanta, Alishan was devastated when she couldn’t reach the top. On their second, successful attempt, they started with the goal of finishing together. Midway through the hike, Michael asked Alishan to grab a water bottle out of his bag. When she saw the ring, Michael dropped to one knee and told her he knew they could conquer anything -- together. They planned their classic, elegant wedding in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they both grew up and where their families still live.

The lofty arches and wide wooden pews of this traditional nineteenth-century Romanesque Catholic cathedral exemplified the wedding’s elegant, classic feel. The florist dressed up the site by attaching long garlands of white and pink peonies, pink hydrangeas, and curly willow to the columns.
To offer a more unique gift than a traditional flask or pocket watch, Mike personalized pairs of black Chuck Taylor low-tops with each groomsman’s nickname and the couple’s wedding date in red stitching.
A bundle of oversized pink and white peonies tied with peach and white ribbon was all Alishan’s florist needed to create her simple but romantic bridal bouquet.
Delicate round buttons trailed down the back of Alishan’s strapless, white, silk gown, which featured a long, flowing train.
Alishan and her mom used a template from TheKnot.com to design the ceremony programs. They printed the couple’s monogram in pink on white paper, and attached it to shimmery brown card stock. The same monogram was also featured on their save-the-dates, invitations, and menu cards.
The bridesmaids’ flattering black satin dresses featured spaghetti straps and ruched Empire waists, mimicking the shape of the bridal gown. Junior bridesmaids wore a more age-appropriate V-neck version with an A-line skirt.
Michael and Alishan’s band played “Lay It Down,” by Al Green, for their first dance because they consider themselves “old souls at heart” and felt the song perfectly encompassed the wedding’s timeless style.
Circular vases filled with giant pink and white peonies, delicate ferns, and tall branches added height and color to the square, ivory tables. Shorter round vases filled with fuchsia peonies and pink orchids flanked each centerpiece.
A sparkling rhinestone monogram, which Alishan purchased on Bella-Tiara through eBay, crowned the couple’s white buttercream cake. A pink orchid and petals showered the three tiers, adding a touch of texture and color. Pink and white peonies and orchids peeked out from underneath the cake platter.