One of the sweetest perks of what I do is becoming friends with other talented colleagues and wedding artists I admire. Such is the case with the incredible Alex of Alexandra Nicole Make Up. For the past few wedding seasons, Alex has been making some of my HGE brides look their very best on their big day and has also done my make up before for some different projects like this personal photo session here and this HGE team day we had back in 2015. When Alex told me she had a feeling her longtime boyfriend Josh would be proposing sometime in the fall of 2014 I was on the edge of my seat waiting for her to call or text with the exciting news. In due time she did just that and thus gave me the honor of being involved as her florist and coordinator.

Since Alex works in the wedding industry and has seen her fair share of weddings, she had a pretty good handle on the planning process and how she would bring together her and Josh’s wants and needs. She wanted the day to be special and meaningful but also realistic and focused on what matters most. I would lend a hand here and there but for the most part simply stepped in when it came to the floral side of things and helping bring her hard work and vision to life. Alex made all of the wood painted signage for the big day, her graphic designer girlfriend created all of the stationery, the wedding was held in the backyard of her childhood home and friends from all over helped fold napkins, string hundreds and hundreds of string lights throughout the tent and trees, and make her and Josh’s celebration special and sacred. It really took a village to make this milestone come to life!

Alex and Josh, seeing you two become husband and wife was such a sweet highlight of my 2015 summer. You are so treasured and loved by so many and your big day was such a testament to this outward pouring of love. Thank you for letting Andrew and me be a part and for being so gracious with our dual vendor-guest roles.

The celebration was captured so beautifully by Brad and Sam of Bradley James Photography. Enjoy!

This photo below was taken when Alex’s dad walked in to see her as a bride for the first time that day. Alex was such a joyful bride; that smile stayed on her face all day long. As for her gown, she selected it at Bianka Bridal in Grand Rapids the winter before her August wedding. I actually went with her to a couple dress appointments and when she came out in this sparkly yet classic number she knew it was the one for her. It has a slight Gatsby feel to it but fit her body in the most perfect way. Her chic hair and gorgeous make up (by Julie Strating who is good friends with Alex) were the perfect finishing touches to her look.

As Alex got her finishing touches in place, guests began to arrive to the house for the afternoon outdoor ceremony. The escort board was a wood display Alex made herself with seating arrangements created by her graphic designer friend. Andrew and I added some bay leaf and seeded eucalyptus greens to the board along with some blush and ivory florals to tie in with the simple and romantic color palette Alex really wanted. You’ll see this wedding was all about simplicity as you go through this post but don’t mistake that for anything less than special. I wish I could adequately explain how much love was prevalent at this wedding.

This moment. Always my favorite.

I also have to give a shout out to Josh who is such a friendly guy. I can see why these two make a perfect pair. Alex and Josh actually live about ten minutes from Andrew and me and we went on a double date before these two got engaged so the guys could get to know one another better. We had too much fun over Mexican cokes, tacos and churros that night and have been talking about making it happen again sometime soon!

As for the florals, the centerpieces were created with bay leaves, seeded eucalyptus, snow on the mountain and jasmine vine, then we added in some beautiful white ranunculus, black center anemones, majolika spray roses, quicksand, alabaster and o’hara roses and finally some beautiful cascading variegated ivy. We designed everything in silver mercury glass compotes and it was a refreshing change from the all trendy gold last wedding season. Simple silver rimmed plates and blush napkins finished off the understated yet beautiful placesettings.

Remember those string lights I mentioned above? Magical!

To happily ever after, Blacklers! May your marriage always be as sweet as it was on this day. We love you!

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Photography: Bradley James Photography / Florals and coordination: Hey Gorgeous Events / Bridal gown and accessories: Bianka Bridal (gown designer: Cristiano Lucci)/ Groomswear: Baryames Tuxedo / Make Up: Julie Strating / Hair: Blair Cook (friend of the bride) / Venue: private residence / Rentals and linens: A Complete Rental / Catering: Morton’s Catering / Cake: Cake Art / Stationery: Katie Brinks (friend of the bride) / Entertainment: Prestige Sound and Entertainment / Chairs: Chiavari Chairs of Michigan / Officiant: Scott Embree (friend of the couple)