How Michael popped the question (from the couple’s wedding website):
“Michael had a childhood friend getting married at the Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga, CA and thought it would be a perfect excuse to visit wine country. If you know us, you know we love wine! After work on Friday we flew to San Francisco and drove up to Sonoma Valley. Mike had a list of wineries he wanted to visit on Saturday before the reception, so we woke up early and hit the vineyards!
We had a private tour of the wine caves at Gloria Ferrer scheduled for noon and we were so excited to walk the grounds, see the caves and learn about winemaking. When we got there the host set us up on a beautiful terrace overlooking endless rows of vines with blooms of yellow mustard flowers. It was a perfect day in wine country and it was about to get even better!! Our tour guide brought us a plate of cheese, crackers, and spiced almonds (which Mike didn’t touch…not the typical Mike) and later came back with the first tasting of the tour. It was a bottle of their brut, a yummy sparkling treat! As I swirled the brut in my glass and listened to the woman tell us about how this specific vintage was made, Mike was acting a bit strange. He clearly had something else on his mind 😉
The women left to grab the next wine for tasting, but oddly left the entire bottle of brut on ice at our table. I picked up on that right away and thought we were lucky to have the whole bottle to ourselves. Little did I know it was there for a celebration! Just moments later, Michael got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. YES!!!!! I was overwhelmed with joy and almost instantly began crying. After calling and sharing the good news with all our family and friends I looked at Mike with my red dried up eyes and told him I was going to look awful at his friends reception. Mike laughed a little, grabbed my arm and a spilled the beans.. there was no wedding! Come to find out, his buddy didn’t even have a girlfriend at the time! It was a huge ploy to get me out to wine country for the best day of our lives (thus far). Needless to say, I am marrying one very thoughful and romantic man!
The rest of the day was spent wine tasting the vineyards of Sonoma Valley. Later we ended with dinner at a cute mom and pop restaurant in the village of Sonoma. I’ll never forget this perfect day…”
And in June, the two were wed, and we got to be a part of it!
The day started at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The girls were pampered, getting their hair and make-up done before Katie slipped into her attire from Memories Bridal and Evening Wear. Her beaded, lace, trumpet style gown looked stunning partnered with a sparkly bolero and cathedral veil… not to mention her stunning jewelry and her Badgley Mischka peep toe pumps! Meanwhile, the boys suited up in their tuxes from Men’s Wearhouse, joked, and kicked off the big day with a toast of Aberlour Whisky.
Before leaving the hotel, Katie got to have the sweetest first look with her dad. If you know us, you know we’re suckers for daddy daughter moments, and this was one that was just too perfect!
Then, they were off to the Cathedral of Saint Andrew downtown Grand Rapids for a beautiful ceremony. We adore this church because not only can you tell it is a special place for the couples who get married there, but it is so cinematic to capture! As Katie’s father walked her down the aisle, Michael was overjoyed, and the two said “I do” before a kiss as husband and wife.
The two had a sparkler exit from the Cathedral and were whisked away in their limo for a photo-session with Karyn May Photography before they headed back to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for their reception.
Modern Day Floral totally outdid themselves on this white and gold wedding… filled with orchids, candles, hydrangeas, textured linens, gold rimmed stemware and chargers… every little detail was perfect. Not to mention the table numbers by Lola Grace Calligraphy, which we loved! Katie + Michael cut their cake, had a moment alone on the dance floor, enjoyed phenomenal toasts, and then were joined by all their friends and family on the dance floor to celebrate!
We had a blast at this gorgeous wedding, and we are so happy for Katie + Michael. We wish you two all the best on your journey together as husband and wife!
