The Wedding Story of Brandon and Shalmai Keim

Photos ByImagination Photography

Written By

Date

July 6, 2016

the meaning

Although we have tons of details to divulge about how this beautiful renewal came together, more importantly was the meaning behind Brandon and Shalmai's anniversary celebration. Shalmai says that although she wondered if they should just go on a vacation to celebrate their anniversary, looking back, she is glad they decided to celebrate with friends and family. "No amount of money can replace the memories created on that day. We announced our third pregnancy at the renewal which caught all of our guests by surprise, but a few weeks after, we lost our baby boy," explains Shalmai. "It was very hard to look back at the images of our renewal and feel joy. The images were a reminder of what hopes and life we were expecting to build and it was all taken away."

The photos that captured the couple's joy that day became a painful reminder to Shalmai about what could have been. A short time later, Shalmai's father passed away unexpectedly. He had been the officiant for their vow renewal. Shalmai explains that tragedy gave her a new appreciation for the photos. "Now this renewal and the memories attached are so very special to me," she says. "It was a beautiful event but the memories and the images are just so priceless to me."

the details

Shalmai has been in the wedding industry for years as she is the owner of sj2 photo. She also is the visionary and owner of Love, Shalmai Watercolor Art Studio (see stationery and signs above, plus stay tuned for the next cover shoot of WeddingDay Magazine—Shalmai is sharing her artistic talents with us!). She recruited her friends and fellow wedding professionals, Nicole Mehl (a photographer AND florist) and Janie Yoder of Imagination Photography to help her plan.

She used her own experience as a wedding photographer, her watercolor art and Pinterest to inspire her designs. "I knew I wanted nothing real traditional," says Shalmai. "I feel like I am sort of a free spirit with a boho/hippie soul, but with a degree in interior design, I am a lover of style and beautiful decor and design. I knew I wanted vintage pieces, lots of flowers, a laid back feel and lots of love."

To match the couple's free spirited personalities and vision, they looked for a venue that could offer both a ceremony and reception space outdoors. The Hidden Vineyard in Berrien Springs, Michigan caught their eye with the beautiful catalpa tree and vineyard in the background.

Using her watercolor art as an inspiration foundation, Shalmai selected soft colors like blush, pink and greenery for the decor. To match the soft, whimsical atmosphere, her florist used Silver Dollar eucalyptus, dahlias, O'Hara roses, Keira roses, white lavender, Queen Anne's lace, olive branches, cream hypercium berries and light pink astilbes in her arrangements.

Shalmai took D.I.Y. to a whole new level with their vow renewal celebration. She did all of the watercolor art, the invitations, the place cards and all of the chalkboard signs. She also dipped the ends of their wooden silverware in gold paint and created the centerpieces for the cake table.

what we love

As a wedding editor, I'm drawn to Shalmai's boho style and free spirit which became evident through the vision she had for her celebration. But as a wife and a woman, I admire her courage to search for meaning in the depths of pain. I am encouraged by her ability to see beyond her pain and to realize that there is still a beautiful life to live. Not to mention, I was thrilled to discover Love, Shalmai Watercolor Art Studio for our upcoming cover shoot!