1. Real Weddings

Lara & Jerome: A Modern Wedding in Rochester, MI

Even though Jerome spilled an apple martini on Lara when they met at a Halloween party, they still hit it off. Jerome invited Lara to have dinner ever

Even though Jerome spilled an apple martini on Lara when they met at a Halloween party, they still hit it off. Jerome invited Lara to have dinner every night the following week. One evening, Jérôme, who’s from France, played his guitar and sang to Lara in French. They were officially a couple soon after. The Bride Jerome Maitre, 30, engineer The Groom Lara Donaldson, 34, graphic designer The Date October 18 A year-and-a-half later, the two went to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic for her birthday. After a romantic dinner on the beach, they took a walk along the shore. Jerome drew a heart in the sand and wrote Marry me inside. He placed the ring on a starfish. Lara’s response? Oui. The couple only took four months to plan an intimate wedding near Lara's hometown, incorporating oranges and yellows for a warm, earthy feel. They also planned a second wedding, which took place in France the following summer.

Arrangements of orange and yellow circus and spray roses decorated the reception tables and matched the bridal bouquet. Orange and ivory lanterns with LED lights hung from curly willow branches and added a warm glow to the centerpieces.
Lara originally wanted a bouquet of poppies or ranunculus, but they were out of season for her October wedding. Instead, she carried orange and yellow circus and spray roses accented with eucalyptus leaves for a similar warm, earthy feel.
Lara and Jerome chose the Royal Park Hotel’s conservatory for their 6 p.m. ceremony because the room got lots of light. During the ceremony, they exchanged gifts and lit a candle to symbolize their love.
Chocolate shavings created a unique (and tasty!) border around each tier of the couple’s buttercream-frosted cake. Fresh orange and yellow roses finished it off and fit in with the color scheme.
Jerome wore an orange rose boutonniere to coordinate with his orange tie and Lara’s bouquet.
To pay homage to the groom’s French upbringing, guests took home French chocolates and candied almonds. Orange boxes and yellow ribbons coordinated with the rest of the day’s details.