A Cozy Snowy Indiana Wedding: The Real Wedding of Paul and Susan Alvey

Two of Paul and Susan’s six children grew up as best friends, and that lifelong bond ultimately led to their parents’ love story. It was their children who decided to set Paul and Susan up, changing both families forever. As Susan shares, "One evening, they decided to play matchmaker, and that simple gesture changed the course of our lives." Paul proposed to Susan after their traditional birthday trip to La Cantina in Paw Paw, Michigan. He suggested a walk on the beach after their dinner where he dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him!

Despite thinking she wanted a boho dress, Susan tried on three in that style and just wasn't feeling them. "When I put on my actual wedding dress, I immediately knew it was the one. It was perfect for me and the day we had envisioned," Susan raves. We couldn’t agree more—Susan looks absolutely radiant in this gown! The intricate lace sleeves paired with the fur coat for the outdoor portraits by KMP Photography add an extra layer of elegance, making the look just as stunning as she is.
 

One thing Susan and Paul knew from the beginning was that they wanted to get married on their property. "It’s a place that feels meaningful, peaceful and uniquely 'us,' so the planning process started with that simple decision," Susan explains. "Once we chose our location, everything else naturally fell into place around it." They settled on a color palette inspired by the season and when combined with the barn and the snow, everything came together into a intimate, rustic celebration!

What We Love

The vendors Paul and Susan chose were based on their reputations as well as how they treated Paul and Susan during consultations. One stuck out in particular. Susan gushes, "Burns Special Events provided our tablescapes, flowers and backdrop. Lauren was incredibly helpful. She made everything feel effortless and completely stress-free!" We love the way that Burns helped them create the rustic-chic wedding of their dreams!
 

Advice from the Couple

Paul and Susan advise, "My advice for others planning a wedding: embrace the unexpected. Weather, timing or little hiccups can feel stressful in the moment, but they often become the moments that make your day unique and memorable. Also, be intentional with your guest list, if you wouldn’t ask someone to go out for coffee, they probably don’t need to be invited. Keeping it meaningful ensures your day feels personal and full of people who truly matter."
 

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