1. Real Weddings

Michelle & Rod: A Fall Wedding in Belmar, NJ

You could say fate drove this couple together -- Michelle Vasilikis and Rod MacKenzie have a car to thank for ever having met. The Bride Michelle Va

You could say fate drove this couple together -- Michelle Vasilikis and Rod MacKenzie have a car to thank for ever having met. The Bride Michelle Vasilikis, 34 The Groom Rod MacKenzie, 30 The Date September 26 Even though Rod and Michelle grew up in the same small town, it took one car and a few bumps in the road to bring these two together. It all started when Rod bought a car from one of Michelle's friend's, James. James and Rod became fast friends, and Michelle was introduced to Rod at a party at her house. After one evening of festivities with Michelle and friends, Rod hit a deer and totaled the fateful car. The next day, Michelle called to check on him, and they've been together ever since. While in Jamaica for Rod's birthday, he got down on one knee and asked Michelle to be his bride.

Rod and Michelle's first dance, to At Last by Etta James, showed off their skills from dancing lessons, which Rod took as a gift to Michelle.
The Couple
The mango Jim Hjelm separates of spaghetti-strap bodices and A-line skirts were accented perfectly with bouquets of mini orange calla lilies, red roses, and hypericum berries tied with iridescent orange ribbon.
The bridesmaids carried bouquets of mini orange calla lilies, red roses, and hypericum berries tied with iridescent orange ribbon.
The Reception Decor
The Viennese pastry four-layer yellow cake with chocolate filling was decorated with silk flowers and berries.
The Invitations
Each table was decorated with silk leaves, crimson berries, and cylinders floating candles. Guests nibbled Hershey morsels from silver leaf-shaped candy that were personalized with the wedding date.
I had always wanted a fall wedding, Michelle says, and after a short six-month engagement her wish came true via a September date and a palette of foliage-inspired oranges and reds. Michelle decorated the white wedding arch with a garland of tulle and an assortment of leaves and berries.
The Couple