1. Real Weddings

Maggie & John: A Formal Wedding in Grand Rapids, OH

When John proposed to his girlfriend, Maggie, he used lots of candles, flowers, and champagne. Months later, as Maggie was planning the wedding, she t

When John proposed to his girlfriend, Maggie, he used lots of candles, flowers, and champagne. Months later, as Maggie was planning the wedding, she thought it only right that their celebration include the same romantic elements to create an elegant, timeless event. The Bride Maggie Lisk, 23 The Groom John Decker, 24 The Date September 30 When Maggie and John started to plan their autumn nuptials without the help of a consultant, they didn’t realize how time consuming it would be. Luckily, they were surrounded by immensely creative women who were always willing to offer their ideas and abilities. “John and I were both so deeply involved in every single planning decision,” Maggie says, “and now we’re so grateful to be able to look back on all those moments.”

Maggie and John decided to incorporate many different types of music into their wedding day to showcase their personalities and love for one another. The couple had speakers set up at the end of the ceremony so they could walk back down the aisle to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole. They later shared their first dance to “Crazy Love” by Ray Charles and Van Morrison and danced with their daughter to Martina McBride’s “In My Daughter’s Eyes.”
Together, Maggie and John decided on all the words that would be spoken during the ceremony. “We wanted it to encompass everything we felt for one another, and to describe our love perfectly,” Maggie explains. The couple also chose to incorporate their two-year-old daughter, Morgan, in a very special way. “She was the flower maid of honor,” Maggie says.
The Bridal Bouquet
Maggie and John showcased a three-tiered white wedding cake decorated with wine, plum, and lavender roses. Maggie added a little flair by scattering crystals on the cake table and topping the confection with a sparkling “M” and “J.” “Each layer was a different flavor and they were all delicious!” Maggie says.
Maggie and John’s reception in the window-lined ballroom exuded romance. The tables were draped in white linens with damask overlays and the chairs were all tied with ivory satin bows. Silver chargers and trumpet vases filled with flowers adorned each table. Scattered rhinestones and votives cast a beautiful glow over the room. “The guests really loved all the extra touches,” Maggie says.
To end the night, guests could stop at the candy bar to create their own favors. “There were Chinese takeout boxes with our monogram so guests could take the assorted white and cream-colored candies home,” Maggie explains.
The pews of the chapel were decorated with wine, plum, and lavender roses surrounded by seeded eucalyptus and tied with hanging ivory ribbons. The chapel was lit by warm candlelight and filled with the sounds of a string quartet.