1. Real Weddings

Kristie & Mike: A Traditional Wedding in Ann Arbor, MI

While out at dinner with her family, Kristie was introduced by her father to Mike. They liked each other from the start and a month and a half later h

While out at dinner with her family, Kristie was introduced by her father to Mike. They liked each other from the start and a month and a half later had dinner at the Pacific Rim, a downtown Ann Arbor restaurant. The Bride Kristie Martin, 30, works in government affairs The Groom Mike Martin, 31, self-employed The Date August 24 When he decided to propose, Mike thought Rabbit Bay, on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, would be the perfect spot. After all, it's where they both spent their childhood summers. He planned a weekend trip, and on their second night they took a stroll on the beach where he asked her for her hand. For their wedding, the couple decided on a late summer cocktail-style celebration at the Barton Hills Country Club in Ann Arbor.

An edible replica of the The First National Building, an Ann Arbor landmark owned by the groom's family, served as the groom's cake. Two flags, one representing the couple's Finnish heritage and another proudly showing off their love for all things University of Michigan were attached to the top of the building. The cake was displayed on a tray covered in edible sand and fondant pebbles in honor of Rabbit Bay where they were engaged.
Cylinder vases filled with orchids topped round tables covered in cream linens and surrounded by mahogany chiavari chairs. Other vases overflowing with cymbidium orchids and topped with white lamp shades decorated the long high-top table.
The bride carried a hand-tied bouquet of white cattleya orchids.
The maid of honor stood out in a saffron-colored dress by Siri while the bridesmaids wore strapless, cream-colored dresses by Nicole Miller with bubble-hemmed skirts. The guys looked sharp in classic black tuxes, white dress shirts and black bow ties
The ring bearer carried a green moss pillow topped with cymbidium orchids.
The couple shared their first dance to Better Together by Jack Johnson.
The couple exchanged vows at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, the same church that the groom grew up attending.
Each of the three bridesmaids carried hand-tied bouquets of mango calla lilies, while the maid of honor carried mango calla lilies and white cattleya orchids.
Hand-painted vines and fresh cymbidium orchids covered the four-tiered cake.