• Real Weddings

A wedding is full of big moments; Seeing your love all dressed up, Saying "I do", and entering your reception as Newlyweds, just to name a few. But there are so many small moments that are just as beautiful. Our next couple was all about savoring every instant they could as it happened. Plus, Hilary, the bride, had some great insight for all of you teary-eyed contacts wearers out there! 

Keep scrolling to find out more and don't miss a single one of their sweet wedding day. We have a full gallery filled to bursting with photos from the talented Niki Marie Photography. 

Big City Love, Quaint Town Wedding

From JPB Design: Although from the Chicagoland area, Hilary and Ian wanted to get married a bit off the beaten path for most Chicagoans. They chose the darling town of St. Joseph, Michigan as the place to start their love story. With beautiful, natural details in the flowers, dresses, and detail shots, this wedding has us swooning! 

After getting married at a local church, Hilary and Ian took photos on the beach. They then joined their family and friends for a lively evening of memorable toasts, fun rides on the carousel, and of course lots of dancing at the Shadowland Ballroom.

Savor Every Moment

From the Bride: One piece of advice for future brides and grooms is to make sure that there is some time built into the day where it is just you two together. Even if it is 10 minutes. The whole day is an amazing whirlwind, but it is so important to remember the day is about the two of you. Finding those special moments were some of my most vivid memories. Right after the ceremony Ian and I snuck away to a room right in the church for about 10 minutes to be together. My husband and I also took a quick ride on the trolley alone together before the bridal party got on with us.

No Dry Eyes = Two Dry Contacts

There was no major disaster other than my contacts got very dry and I could hardly see. The day was full of emotion for me and when I am incredibly happy I tend to cry. After many tears and wearing contacts for a long time they became incredibly dry and uncomfortable. Thank goodness I had Stephanie from JPB Designs come to rescue! She drove to the hotel and grabbed my spare of contacts for the room for me. Once I got my new contacts in I could thoroughly enjoy the night!

Let's Stay On Budget

I will have you know that I married an amazing budgeter who is an account/in finance to start. We downloaded a template (in the credits) to help us stay organized and to give us an idea of how much of your budget each thing should cost.

Our planned budget was: $40,000
Our actual budget was: $41,823
Number of guests: 184

• Event Planning & Design: jpb designs
• Bridesmaid Dresses: After Six from Brideside
• Budgeting Template: Vertex 42
• Cakes & Catering: Mandy Krause
• Flowers: Crystal Springs
• Groom & His Men: Men's Warehouse
• Jewelry: Macy's
• Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: Drew Behringer
• Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Wedding Paper Divas
• Photographers: Niki Marie Photography
• Venues: First Congregational Church of St. Joseph
• Venues: Shadowland Ballroom on Silver Beach
• Wedding Dresses: Morilee by Madeline Gardner