1. Real Weddings

Elizabeth & Michael: A Formal Wedding in Farmington, MI

From the loving ceremony to the raucous reception, guests felt right at home at Elizabeth and Michael's wedding at a Detroit-area mansion. THE BRIDE

From the loving ceremony to the raucous reception, guests felt right at home at Elizabeth and Michael's wedding at a Detroit-area mansion. THE BRIDE Elizabeth Chytil THE GROOM Michael Vaughn THE DATE August 3 Elizabeth Chytil and Michael Vaughn met through a friend -- sort of. Elizabeth's pal, Davang, often had told her that she should meet his great friend Michael, who lived in New York. Elizabeth never took Davang seriously. One night, Elizabeth was out dancing with some friends including Davang. She caught the gaze of a very attractive man, and, she says, Our eyes locked for longer than is appropriate. Moments later, Davang was introducing her to that guy -- Michael. After their first date, Michael sent Elizabeth a bouquet of orchids, her favorite flowers. At Christmas, less than one year later, he presented her with another orchid, this one potted. On the pot, Michael had glazed the words: Elizabeth, will you marry me?

The Bridal Bouquet
The First Dance
The Centerpieces
At the end of the evening, the newlyweds returned to their own home. It was special when Michael carried me over the threshold into our house, just like I had always dreamed, says Elizabeth. A path of red rose petals and hundreds of votive candles led the way to the bedroom. Someone had surprised us by getting into the house earlier to set it up, she says. It was magical.
The ceremony was outdoors in a stone amphitheater surrounded by tall pines trees. The bride and her dad met her stepdad halfway down the aisle, and she arrived at the altar with both men. The wedding party stood behind the minister, facing the couple. With our guests behind us and our friends and siblings in front of us, we were surrounded by loving faces, Elizabeth says. The mood was reinforced when the minister asked the guests to bless the couple's union by standing and saying I do in unison.
The Flower Girl