Jenna & Ben and Tara & Nick: A Double Wedding in Leelanau, MI

With two separate ceremonies and a double reception, compromise was key in planning Jenna and Ben and Tara and Nick's celebration.  The Brides Jenna a

With two separate ceremonies and a double reception, compromise was key in planning Jenna and Ben and Tara and Nick's celebration. The Brides Jenna and Tara Paranick The Grooms Ben Belyea and Nick Valentino The Date June 4 When twins Jenna and Tara Paranick, 24, found themselves engaged at the same time, there was one element of wedding planning they were certain of: They did not want a double wedding. “All three mothers really wanted us to do it,” says Tara. “And the four of us were just as adamant about not doing it.” But when schedules collided and their preferred wedding dates were just a week apart, the two gave in -- and never looked back. “After we finally made the decision, everyone was happy,” Tara says. “Especially my parents since they only had to plan and pay for one wedding!”

The Accessories
The Couple
The Couple
Tara wore an ivory and gold lace vintage-style gown with cap sleeves by Christina Wu.
The Couples
Jenna and Tara decided to make it economical for their bridesmaids since half of the ladies were in both wedding parties. They wore empire waist, chocolate brown tea-length dresses by After Six.
While compromise was essential to pulling off their dream weddings, both brides agreed on something else: The day was less about the details, and more about sharing their happiness with those closest to them. “To have your friends and family all in one place celebrating with you is the best gift anyone can give,” advises Jenna. “So just enjoy your day, enjoy each other, and enjoy your family and friends.”
Both Jenna and Tara's bridal parties were able to hop aboard Mackinaw Trolley. “It was the most amazing time,” Tara says.
St. Joseph Catholic Church was the site of Tara and Nick’s traditional Catholic ceremony.
The First Dance
Jenna and Ben’s three-tier square vanilla cake was accented with a trail of pink sugar roses.
The Ring Bearer and The Flower Girl
Tara and Nick added an heirloom cake topper from her parents wedding to their three-tiered round, white almond-flavor confection.