1. Real Weddings

Aryelle and Charlie: A Decadent Affair in Grand Rapids, MI

After Charlie Howe proposed to Aryelle Skidmore over coffee one morning, a palette of espresso, chocolate-brown and soft greens started to pull togeth

After Charlie Howe proposed to Aryelle Skidmore over coffee one morning, a palette of espresso, chocolate-brown and soft greens started to pull together the look of their summer wedding. The Bride Aryelle Skidmore, 26, pursing a career in criminal justice The Groom Charles (Charlie) Howe, 32, self-employed The Date August 27 Blind dates may rarely work out, but that wasn't the case for Aryelle and Charlie. Five years after being set up by his sister-in-law, Charlie got down on one knee as he and Aryelle were starting their day with a cup of coffee. It may not have been intentional, but the bride-to-be was soon picking out invitations and bridesmaid dresses in a very appropriate color –- espresso.

The Rings
The Ceremony
The Accessories
Aryelle's strapless, champagne-color satin gown had a full skirt with a tulle overlay that was trimmed in satin. The bodice was beaded with delicate pearls and sequins in a lacey pattern. For something old, the bride wore her great-grandmother's pearl necklace and earrings, along with a sapphire and diamond bracelet that Charlie made for her using gemstones from her late grandmother's jewelry.
Chocolate satin ribbons with clusters of green hypericum berries marked off each aisle of white garden chairs.
Aryelle and Charlie chose a natural outdoor setting for their ceremony.
The Cake
The Accessories
At the reception, clear glass bowls and vases were filled with Queen Anne's lace, chocolate hypericum berries and bells of Ireland. Chocolate hypericum berries could be found in the groom's boutonnieres and the mother of the bride's corsage as well.
CDs that Aryelle and Charlie made themselves acted as both favors and escort cards. A small white place card written in espresso ink was tied around each CD with a white satin ribbon, picking up the wedding-day hues.
The Couple
The Ceremony
Aryelle and Charlie said I do in the grotto at Nazareth Hall in front of an old stone altar surrounded by steep hills covered in greenery.
Showcasing the day's rich color palette, Aryelle's bridesmaids walked down the aisle in strapless espresso tea-length dresses.