Scott and Nicole's Wedding in Benton Harbor, Michigan

Prudy had compiled a list of preferred vendors that I found very helpful. We went with Cara Burrows from Cupcakes by Cara for mini cupcakes. She is creative, and everyone raved about how delicious they were. Our photographer was Anji from Anji Monique Photography. She is an amazing photographer with endless energy. Our bartenders were top notch, and the DJ kept us dancing all night long. Our caterer was Cindy DeFay from DeFay Catering. She was not on the list provided by Prudy and is spread by word of mouth. Her food was delicious.

We kept our decor very simple for the reception hall. Both Scott and I love to travel, so we went with a vintage travel theme. We incorporated old suitcases, family photos, and a typewriter. Our table decor was simple with battery-operated candles decorated with maps and travel themed scrapbooking paper. They were placed on a mirror borrowed from Stonegate Manor next to fresh flowers from the South Bend Farmer's Market. For the final touch, each set of flowers held a photo of Scott and I from a place we had visited together along a number to number the tables.

Scott and I got married after a one-year engagement. We were engaged in June of 2017 at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. I thought we were just there to spend time with our sisters and enjoy the rides. As it turns out, I was the only one who thought this. Because we were there with our sisters and their significant others, we had four photographers to capture the moment for us.

Scott and I knew that we did not want to get married in Dallas where we live as neither of our families live in the area. I grew up in Northern Indiana and had always wanted to get married in Southwestern Michigan. I spent a lot of time there as a child because that's where my mom grew up. I love the gently rolling hills, vineyards, and fruit stands that seem to be around every corner. The beaches of Lake Michigan are also a huge benefit. Scott didn't care where we married as long as it happened.

I originally wanted to get married in a vineyard. I thought it would be the perfect backdrop. In my quest to find such a place, I stumbled across Stonegate Manor in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Upon arriving and meeting the owner, Prudy, I fell in love with the venue and the easy camaraderie that I shared with Prudy. The Fairy Garden made my dreams of marrying in a vineyard disappear. With its towering trees and soft sunlight, I could easily envision meeting Scott at the end of the aisle.

Prudy had compiled a list of preferred vendors that I found very helpful. We went with Cara Burrows from Cupcakes by Cara for mini cupcakes. She is creative, and everyone raved about how delicious they were. Our photographer was Anji from Anji Monique Photography. She is an amazing photographer with endless energy. Our bartenders were top notch, and the DJ kept us dancing all night long. Our caterer was Cindy DeFay from DeFay Catering. She was not on the list provided by Prudy and is spread by word of mouth. Her food was delicious.

We kept our decor very simple for the reception hall. Both Scott and I love to travel, so we went with a vintage travel theme. We incorporated old suitcases, family photos, and a typewriter. Our table decor was simple with battery-operated candles decorated with maps and travel themed scrapbooking paper. They were placed on a mirror borrowed from Stonegate Manor next to fresh flowers from the South Bend Farmer's Market. For the final touch, each set of flowers held a photo of Scott and I from a place we had visited together along a number to number the tables.

The day of our wedding dawned hot and humid. Everything was set up and ready to go. The ladies got ready in the Carriage House with a hairdresser and makeup artist recommended by Anji, our photographer. It's a small space, so it made for an intimate and fun time. The gentlemen got ready in the Manor House. This is also where we had family that arrived early wait for the ceremony to begin.

My childhood pastor married us in a simple ceremony. Scott and I had a receiving line before disappearing during the cocktail hour for our photos. As I stated earlier, Anji had endless energy and worked hard to get the perfect photos. Our bridal party and families enjoyed interacting with her.

During our reception, Scott and I surprised everyone with a choreographed dance to Die a Happy Man by Thomas Rhett. I had seen a cousin do this as a child, and it was at the top of my must have list. We took lessons in Dallas. We practiced repeatedly in our house and garage to ensure we were ready. There were lots of spins and even a lift that left everyone clapping.

Gill, our DJ, kept everyone dancing until the lights had to go out. Our wedding was perfect in everyway that I had imagined. There is not a single thing that I would change if I went back to do the day over. Prudy and her husband, Tom, took care of everything I asked for. Our photographer captured the day beautifully. Everyone, including Scott and I enjoyed the food, drinks, and cupcakes.