The Wedding Story of Livia & Ryan Cook

Photos ByThe Jon Hartman Photography Co.

Written By

Date

October 12, 2016

enchantment meets elegance in a Secret Garden Wedding

Ryan and Livia Cook found their forever after meeting online. Planning an event of epic proportion proved to be a challenge as Livia was finishing law school and the couple was living in Arizona while planning a Michigan wedding. Face-to-face vendor meetings and appointments were difficult to set up so the couple sought the assistance of Cassie Celestin of White Dress Events, an event planning firm in Grand Haven, Michigan. Livia desired a “Secret Garden” theme and trusted her planner to connect with vendors to bring her vision to fruition.

THE FLORAL

Posh Petals truly designed the mystique and elegance for the garden theme. Enchantment was found at every turn with arrangements of cherry tree branches, hydrangeas, stock, lavender, ivy, coral charm peonies, soft pink spray roses, apricot parrot tulips, blush pink astilbe, silver brunia and Vuvuzela garden roses.

THE venue

Both Ryan and Livia liked the location and the historic feel of the CityFlats Ballroom in Grand Rapids. The historic architecture paired with modern style attracted the couple with marble flooring, brick accent walls and sky-high ceilings.

THE DÉcor

Tables were set with coral and rosette linens and Elizabeth from Posh Petals was enlisted to turn each guest table into a garden experience. Each one was designed to be its own little garden with fluffy peonies, lavender topiaries, chunky moss pieces, branches and tiny rose buds. Each place setting became complete with a plate charger, a custom menu and homemade cookie favor topped with a vintage key. Events by I Candy provided accent pieces throughout the reception including moss-covered butterflies, miniature chairs, table numbers, menus and other special touches.

THE Cake

A weathered arbor framed the three-tiered cake from The Cakabakery. Posh Petals hung tiny vases of flowers and vines, accompanied by moss-covered butterflies. The display took on a presence of its own as it was placed on a rosette linen-covered table and adorned with a “Happily Ever After” topper.

What We Love

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with seating cards tucked into miniature topiaries and with the couple’s signature drink. The signature drink was called Caipirinha which is the national cocktail of Brazil, where the bride was born and raised. Another personal touch was the homemade cookie favors that were laid on the plate chargers. The bride’s grandmother used an old family recipe to make each and every cookie!