I met Mandy & John through former clients, which just means the world to me! Since they had never planned such a large event, they were nervous about making the right decisions and frustrated that wedding vendors weren’t returning their messages. (Come on, industry peeps, do better!) Most of all, they were nervous because they did not have a good vision of their wedding day. I was so happy to help with all of that!
They had already scheduled their late summer wedding at Meadowbrook Hall in Rochester, MI. They appreciated that they would be the only wedding on the property that evening. They fell in love with how beautiful the estate is and that they offered a climate-controlled tent. (I am so impressed with their tent! It’s really more of a permanent extra room outside of the building. It’s gorgeous.)
Before we get to the venue photos, I need to talk about Monday & John’s rehearsal dinner. The night before the wedding, we all met at The Meeting House in Rochester. They chose to have close friends & family give their toasts in this more intimate setting instead of at the wedding reception. These toasts were the funniest and most entertaining toasts I have heard in several years of listening to toasts! LOL Bravo, friends! You nailed it!
Okay, back to the venue. Meadow Brook Hall has so many gorgeous spaces for photos. Take a look at just a few:
And here is the tent that is located behind the main house, adjacent to the cocktail hour space and in between the two ceremony space options.
Mandy had a sweet first look with her dad before John got his chance to see his bride!
Mandy & John chose their brother & sister to be co-officiants. I LOVE asking someone close to you to be your officiant. It makes the ceremony so much more intimate and special, in my opinion. Tom & Kim knocked it out of the park!
After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed drinks and appetizers on the patio before moving into the tent for dinner and dancing.
Mandy & John wanted to celebrate that they found each other. They are so grateful for each other and try to express that every day, but it was a truly special day where that sentimate shined through in every aspect.
Mandy & John, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such great clients! You were always genuine, understanding, and trusting. I couldn’t have asked for anything more!
Event Team
Planner | Christa Graham Weddings & Events
Venue, Catering, & Bartending | Meadow Brook Hall
Officiants | Tom Ball (Bride’s Brother) & Andrea DiDomenico (Groom’s Sister)
Photographer | Stintography
DJ & Videographer | Mike Staff Productions
Transportation | Rockstarz Limousines
Floral | M. Dawn Floral
Linen | BBJ LaTavola
Chair Rental | Elegant Events
Hair | Lola G Studio
Makeup | The Makeup Loft
Baker | Bakehouse 46
I realized wedding planning was my passion when, after working a 12-hour wedding day, I came home and was so energized that I couldn’t go to sleep. I had just worked an entire day, on my feet, and was ready to plan the next event instead of heading to bed! In former careers, an 8-hour shift would leave me exhausted. This new-found energy around my work was very welcomed! Now I plan weddings all around the Metro Detroit & Ann Arbor areas.