Wedding date: 09/15/2018
Venue: Parent’s home in Saugatuck, MI on the Kalamazoo River.
Dress: Mikaella Bridal, purchased at Mira Couture
Photographer: Absolute Photography Holland, MI
Catering: Gilmore Catering
Popsicles: Great Scott Ice Cream
Band: Bluewater Kings Band
Make Up: Angie Miller
Fireworks: Captain Boom
From their meet-cute on a kickball team to the eventual fireworks, newlyweds Anna and Ryan prove that true romance develops over time. They were kind enough to share their thoughts on their gorgeous Fall wedding with us below.
Tell us about your love story!
After moving to Chicago, Anna joined a random kickball team to meet new friends. After playing on that team for several years, Anna met Josh Fox, who lived across the street from Jonquil Park, the field Anna played on. Josh recruited her to play with his kickball team that upcoming 2013 summer season.
Ryan had already been playing on Josh’s team for a couple years, so he was close with everyone. At the time, both Anna and Ryan were in long-term relationships, but they always got along really well. They remained close friends. Eventually, when both relationships ended, they started spending time together without the whole gang. The relationship progressed slowly, but in August 2015 they began officially dating. It was off to the races from there! That year they spent the holidays together and introduced one another to their families, took several trips, went camping and hiking, and started looking for a home to buy. In December 2016 they bought a condo in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago and immediately started renovating. They call that time when they didn’t have hot water for 3 weeks or a functioning kitchen (making all their meals on a George Foreman grill or in the microwave) “urban camping.” The morning of March 3, Ryan asked Anna to go for a run. While Anna isn’t an avid runner like Ryan is, she reluctantly decided to go. They showed up to Brands Park, where they had originally met 5 years prior. After walking through the park they stopped at a bench, and Ryan got down on one knee and proposed.
On the run back to the house, Anna was afraid that she would lose the ring. She ran with clenched hands all the way home, where champagne was waiting for them.
What are three words that best describe your wedding style? Bohemian, chic, fun.
What specific moment took your breath away?
The fireworks blew us away. They were a tribute to my (Anna’s) grandfather who worked in pyrotechnics (he used to blow up mountains to create roads in Arkansas and Missouri). We knew they would be special, but we didn’t expect them to last as long as they did. It was a truly magical moment. The fireworks were also a surprise to the guests as they weren’t expecting such a big, impressive display.
If you could do it all again, what’s one thing you would change for your big day, if anything?
Not too much. The day was just perfect. Possibly add some additional timing in for photos, but the day was just wonderful.
What made you choose to work with Eastern Floral?
My mother had previously ordered flowers from Eastern Floral, but we liked that the operation was so large (meaning if someone got sick, we wouldn’t be left without flowers on the big day). We also LOVED our initial meeting with Jason. He made us feel comfortable and that we were in good hands. We knew that he completely understood our vision and would execute it flawlessly. He also worked with us on the pricing a little to make us feel more comfortable with the end price.
Tell us your experience with Eastern Floral.
It was amazing! The flowers turned out better than expected. We received SO many compliments on everything (centerpieces, bouquets, altar, boutonnieres). Every piece was individual and specific to my vision. They also dried beautifully, so we can keep them forever.
What advice do you have for future brides/grooms when planning your floral?
Do your research and make sure to bring inspiration photos and favorite flowers. Expect to invest in high-quality florals. Be open-minded to alternative flowers that may be more affordable.
Other details/comments you would like to share with us.
We worked with so many fantastic vendors (listed above). Each one of them made our day special and perfect!
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