1. Real Weddings

Marisa & Jonah: A Modern Wedding in Birmingham, MI

It was a blind date that brought together Marisa and Jonah. Neither one was excited about being set up, but after meeting they realized they had a lot

It was a blind date that brought together Marisa and Jonah. Neither one was excited about being set up, but after meeting they realized they had a lot in common. Both were raised as vegetarians and were the eldest of four children. The Bride Marisa Russell, 29, publishing account manager The Groom Jonah Stutz, 35, real estate investor The Date September 1 Their relationship quickly flourished, and one Sunday morning they woke up early to jog around the lake at Kensington Metro Park. After a six-mile run, Jonah coaxed Marisa to the water's edge and surprised her with a proposal. An even bigger surprise...Marisa's parents showed up at the park to congratulate them. Afterward, the entire family enjoyed a celebratory brunch.

Shimmering copper-colored pin-tuck linens topped tables at the reception. Yellow cushions on the deep brown chivari chairs added a pop of color, and complemented the bright yellow centerpieces.
Marisa and Jonah chose a white invite with a bright yellow letterpress-printed hibiscus to set the tone for a laid-back and fun atmosphere for their wedding.
Guests indulged in a variety of tasty treats including croquembouche, chocolate-dipped strawberries, creme brulee spoons, and fresh fruit and berries in martini glasses. Mini ice cream cones filled with banana, coffee, and vanilla ice cream were passed by waiters.
Low cylinder vases tightly packed with mini yellow calla lilies were simple yet stunning against the warmly colored tablecloths.
The couple married beneath a huppah made of vines and decorated with bright yellow flowers in the hotel's grand foyer. An ordained family friend performed the ceremony, in which Marisa and Jonah exchanged handwritten vows.
Marisa wore champagne peep-toe heels with a gold embellishment at the toe.
Jonah wore a single yellow cymbidium orchid.
Jonah chose Something by The Beatles for the first dance with his bride.
In lieu of a traditional tiered confection, the couple served a French croquembouche topped with sprays of yellow orchids. People could not stop raving about the cake, says Marisa.
Marisa handmade the escort cards using brown and pale pink card stock and Japanese print paper. The cards were displayed on tables topped with pale pink linens and tall vases of yellow orchids.
Each of Marisa's four bridesmaids wore yellow knee-length dresses with spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline. Gold heels, necklaces, and bangles completed the look.
Marisa's hand-tied bouquet was filled with yellow mini calla lilies and cymbidium orchids.
The tables featured glass cylinder vases with stems of full-sized orchids submerged in water.