This Vintage Vineyard Celebration is Fairytale Material: The Real Wedding of Chelsea and Spencer Kearney

Despite orchestrating Spencer's first kiss with someone else when they were a mere 11 years old, Chelsea had a crush on Spencer from the moment they met at Emerson Middle School. Through several moves and a brief distance in their relationship, when Chelsea asked to meet up with Spencer in 2021, he didn't hesitate. After showing Spencer the invitation to his going-away party that she had kept for 18 years, the rest was history! Spencer proposed to Chelsea at one of their dance lessons at the end of a flawless Bachata routine.
 

Even though Chelsea could envision her wedding dress, it was a challenge to find the one. "I knew I wanted an A-line silhouette with whimsical, romantic details," Chelsea shares. "After trying on countless styles at boutiques across Chicago, I found my dream gown at a small shop in my hometown of Park Ridge." With the help of a seamstress to add delicate sleeve from additional appliqués on the skirt, Chelsea's dress was complete. We love the way she fashioned baby's breath into her hair to accent the dress and the cathedral-length veil! Chelsea also surprised her mom by putting on her original wedding gown before the putting on her own.
 

When it came to planning, Chelsea already had a clear vision for her wedding since she has worked in the industry. Chelsea explains it best, "Set against the rustic charm of Hidden Vineyard Wedding Barn in Berrien Springs, Michigan, our wedding unfolded in a palette of earthy greens and wild blooms, threaded with delicate vintage details. Surrounded by sprawling vineyards and weathered wood, the atmosphere was filled with warmth, authenticity and quiet romance." The way the couple combined vintage and whimsical in a way that emulates a fairytale is just stunning, especially with the picturesque scenery around the venue!
 

What We Love

As many couples do, Chelsea and Spencer weaved personal aspects of their lives into their wedding day. The signage and stationery was designed by Chelsea and brought the whole day together from their save-the-dates to the menus at the reception. Their signature drinks were inspired by their cats and Chelsea carried images of her grandmothers on her bouquet. Best of all was their first dance! They surprised their guests with a choreographed dance to an Otis Redding song from the dance studio where Spencer proposed. It was a true full-circle moment!
 

Advice from the Couple

Chelsea and Spencer advise, "Make sure you choose (or hire) someone you trust to take over the details so you can let go and be fully present. Do the heavy lifting early, then allow yourself to step out of the logistics and into the experience—not just on the wedding day, but in the meaningful moments leading up to it. It’s true what everyone says: the day moves faster than you can imagine. Throughout ours, our matron of honor would gently take Chelsea's arms and say, 'Take a breath and look around. Soak this in.' Those simple words helped us slow down long enough to absorb the beautiful enormity of each marrying our person."
 

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