Location: Holland, Michigan, US
Setting: Estate
Wedding season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1,5 years
The number of guests: 170
Wedding theme/style: Classic, romantic, elegant and timeless.
Monica and Ricky met in the fall of 2017 at Calvin University, both living in the Rooks-VanDellen dormitory. Despite being from different states, they hit it off over a printout for the same class. They quickly started talking, eventually becoming a couple after a month of getting to know each other.
Over the past five years, Monica and Ricky have shared countless memories together, from road trips across the country to beach days and starting careers in nursing and accounting. Ricky proposed to Monica in 2022 during a vacation in Tampa, Florida, and they decided to move to San Diego together in pursuit of new opportunities. They both looked forward to their upcoming wedding day, surrounded by their closest family and friends.
Monica’s wedding morning started beautifully as she shared an emotional first look with her bridesmaids. She went for a romantic and elegant style for her hair and makeup, opting for an updo to complement her low-back dress. She chose a simple, long cathedral veil to highlight the beading on her dress, making it the focal point of her look. Reflecting on finding her dream dress, Monica shared her experience, saying, “The dress was picked for elegant beading and a unique square neckline to match the romantic theme of the wedding. Going into dress shopping, I picked a completely different dress that was satin and simple. Before we left, my sister pulled out another dress for me to try on. After trying on that dress, I ended up saying yes to the elegant, square-necklined dress! It was completely different than what I had gone in for but was exactly what I wanted.”
Monica and her dad also had a first look. Monica is the youngest of two other sisters, so this was such a special moment between them.
Ricky had a fantastic time with his groomsmen on the wedding morning. They had drinks together and got ready for the big day ahead.
Monica and Ricky opted to have a first look together, where they shared private vows and gifts. It was such a memorable moment for the couple.
The wedding took place on a beautiful summer day in Michigan. They chose to have their ceremony outside by the chapel, with nearly 200 guests to witness their beautiful exchange of vows and celebrate their love.
The sunny and warm weather created a romantic and intimate atmosphere for Monica and Rick’s wedding day. They selected photographer Lindsay Elaine to capture all the memories of their special day. Lindsay skillfully documented authentic moments from their sunny Michigan wedding, creating unique pieces of art they will treasure for a lifetime.
The inspiration for Monica and Rick’s wedding was to create a classy and timeless feel that complemented the historic mansion where the wedding took place. Monica took a lot of inspiration from the uniqueness of the mansion to incorporate into her wedding vision. The focus was on using lots of flowers and candles to let the true beauty of the mansion shine. The couple chose a neutral, classy color scheme with white flowers and greenery. The bridal party wore black, while important family members were dressed in various shades of blue and navy. Monica’s aunt was given creative freedom to arrange the floral decorations, using white flowers and greenery to enhance the elegant atmosphere.
Monica and Ricky were truly surrounded by the people who loved them most, and the feeling of love was so tangible. They also enjoyed a three-tiered minimalist cake with their guests.
For dessert, Monica and Ricky had a shaved ice truck come so their guests could get custom shaved ice desserts!
The couple also rented a classic car for some photos and their send-off, resulting in beautiful golden hour photos captured by Lindsay Elaine.
The evening finished with Monica and Ricky dancing to lively tunes with their guests, taking Polaroids, and enjoying the wedding evening.
Advice from couple:
• Do what you want when it comes to your wedding planning and what makes you and your spouse happy! Also, enjoy the little moments and take time with just you and your spouse during the wedding day – it goes by so fast!
PHOTOGRAPHER Lindsay Elaine Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Trevor Yeater | VENUE The Felt Estate | HAIR STYLIST Riley James | MAKEUP Tori Sides | BRIDAL BOUTIQUE True Society | RINGS Manly Bands, Brilliant Earth, William and Sons Del Mar | MENSWEAR Gentleman’s Tux Club | INVITATION SUITE Truly Engaging | CATERING Martha’s Catering | DJ Peter Truong
