Lauren + Trevor Autumn Wedding The Vault Holly, Michigan

Michigan in the Fall.

Trees are making their magic transition from vibrant green to blazing orange, red and yellow.  The scent of apples mingle with wafts of smoke from burning wood fires.  Fields of hay sway in the cool breeze their fronds glowing amber in the afternoon sun.  Apple orchards laden with fruit ready for the picking greet visitors with fresh cider and cinnamon doughnuts.  Hayrides, bonfires and pumpkin patches.  Football games and sweaters.  The air is crisp and cool and puff out in wisps of fog with every breath.

A season of change and new beginnings.  And the perfect time for an Autumn Wedding.

This wedding was especially important to me, as I have known the bride since well, before her birth.  You see, her Mother and I have been friend’s since WE were in elementary school!  Yep, a long, long time.  I get close to all my couples but these two hold a special place in my heart.  That, and it really ups the pressure when you are documenting the wedding of one of your lifelong friends daughters!!

The couple met while attending Dakota High School.  Their friendship grew over time and soon, they both knew they had found “the one”.  Lauren graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and works as a behavioral therapist and respite caregiver for adults with Autism.

Trevor entered the Army after high school and served his tour in Iraq.  He is currently attending Macomb College as part of program with Fiat Chrysler of America working towards an Automotive Manufacturing and Production Degree.

Lauren and Trevor were to be married outdoors in historic Battle Alley but, rain showers blew in and we switched to Plan B.   The Holly Vault Chapel is beautiful with its bright white walls and gleaming wood floors that welcome you into the inner sanctum, accented by hanging crystal chandeliers and stained glass windows.  A tin, hip roof  ceiling soars above the wood oak pews as the afternoon light dances up the wall reflected through the period case windows.  Potted Mums in harvest Gold and Rust decorated the alter area along with a custom created green folding door screen.  The backup location was just perfect!

The bridesmaids wore varying shades of Merlot and the groomsmen looked dapper in deep charcoal suits.  Trevor’s tux is from the Calvin Klein collection at Lord & Taylor.  Lauren’s gown is a unique ivory lace creation from Madison James Collection.  Her veil was cut from her Mother’s veil and she wore a heirloom sparkling tiara her Grandmother wore at her wedding.  Lauren had the something borrowed, something blue, something old thing covered!  Her engagement band is a custom creation from Crown Jewelers in Rose Gold with two blue topaz gemstones, one on each side representing both of their birthdays.  How creative!

Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed to cocktail hour at the Holly Vault, a historic bank transformed into a new wedding venue from the beautiful Cari from Cash & Cari of HGTV fame.  The venue boasts period details, hard wood floors, ship lap white washed walls, with a slight industrial feel.   Fairy lights twinkled from the poles and rafters while bright orange pumpkins, gourds and greenery adorned each table keeping with the Fall theme.  Guests were asked to sign a unique guest book made from the old wood fence pickets and painted with a family tree.  Each person signed a fall color leaf and affixed it to the tree’s branches.  How unique and clever!

Kosch Catering served a wonderful meal and the couple chose a small cake for the traditional cake cutting and guests were treated to scrumptious sweets of cupcakes and personal cheesecakes from Cupcakes & Kisses.

The DJ  had the crowd on their feet and kept them dancing all night long.  For fun, glow bracelets, necklaces and led swords were handed out to guests to keep the party hopping.

Luckily we had a short break in the weather and took to Battle Alley for fun portraits with orange smoke bombs.  The rain held off for only 5 minutes, but the wedding party was up for the adventure, beside the rain looks awesome blowing through the lights in the images.

Lauren and Trevor are planning on Honeymooning in Frankenmuth, Michigan a historic German influenced Christmas themed town.  If you haven’t ever been there, you need to check it out!  Do not miss the chance to visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.  It’s all the Hallmark Movie channel movies rolled into one location.

Congratulations Lauren & Trevor!

I am so honored to be part of your Big Day and wish you a lifetime of adventure and happiness!

 

Ceremony Venue:  The Holly Vault Chapel

Reception Venue:  The Holly Vault

Officiant:  Ren Harder

DJ:  Mike Staff Productions

Caterer:  Kosch Catering

Cake and sweets:  Cupcakes & Kisses

Bride’s gown:  Madison James Collection

Bride’s Shoes:  Hotcakes

Groom’s Tux:  Calvin Klein

Grooms shirt & Tie:  Men’s Warehouse

Florals:  Bride’s mother Rachelle Hawk

Engagement Ring:  Crown Jeweler

Groom’s Band and wedding bands:  Fred Meyer Jeweler

Toasting Champagne:  Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque

Styling ribbon:  Hey, its oh so pretty

Wedding Invitation:  Minted

Custom Wood Guest Sign:  Michael Labadie

Hair & Makeup:  Stephanie from Mirror Mirror Salon

Smoke Bombs:  G.R.C.  Holi Powder

Ring Box:  Flowers & Bliss

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed the images from Lauren & Trevor’s Historic Holly Wedding.  Feel free to leave me a comment or like and follow my blog for more great content!

 

XO  Sue