What I love most about Christopher and Mallory’s Spring Planterra Conservatory wedding is the depth of family and tradition that went into the planning. Christopher and Mallory just purchased their first home which is undergoing a remodel. They repurposed some wood that they pulled out of the house and used them for some of their table numbers. The wood was cut into blocks, stained a rich dark stain and gold numbers were then spray painted on them. These table numbers were mixed with gold die cut numbers to add interest. The guest favors were cute little glass jars of jam made from fruit grown right in the Woodrow garden. Her parents have a family crest. Shouldn’t every family have a family crest? It can be seen, proudly displayed, in a few different areas of the property. Mallory created, printed and assembled their wedding invitations and I was thrilled to see she included a crest of their own. Photographing her engagement ring using the invitations she created was a perfect fit. Mallory’s engagement ring is a family heirloom from the 1800s.

Planterra was a new venue for me. It was the only wedding day that I didn’t worry about the weather. Every nook and cranny of Planterra is so lovely and full of character. The coordinator kindly moved a planted tree for us which revealed the perfect location for their first look. It was a private corner that was blocked off from the wedding party and guests. As you can see in their couple portraits the space had darling display areas, interesting glass pieces, a vintage looking cart and more. The altar is a pergola fixture draped with white flowers. A natural wall using plants stands between the ceremony and reception areas to create intimacy and remove distractions. The aisles were lined with large lanterns and clusters of lush greenery were added to the end chairs. During the ceremony, my second photographer, Carrie Olsen and I found ourselves in all of the greenery to create unique images. The end result is stunning and worth the contortionists we had to become for a brief period to pull it off.

When I first entered the reception space I was surprised to see dark wood chairs. The tables were a variety of sizes and shapes draped in an elegant champagne linen so the dark chairs looked so lovely and chic. The tables were draped with full greenery from floor, across the table, to floor. Gold candelabras holding cream stick candles added warmth, height, and elegance. Glass bud vases in a variety of shapes and sizes along with a variety of gold votive holders filled in the rest of the centerpieces. The head table was left without linens. The florals were shades of green and cream for the most party with a little bit of soft pink and purple with just a tiny pop of cranberry.

Mallory had her hair draped to one side with a beaded headband wrapped around the crown of her head before her veil was placed on. Her elegant wedding dress was so unique that I asked if it was new because it looked like a timeless design from another era. Her dress was beaded in silver on top like her headpiece. There were no zippers or buttons. The closure was a delicate and complicated process of layers and bows. The end result was not only stunning but so very Mallory. Christopher wore a navy tux. There are few things I enjoy more on a wedding day than a navy tux, crisp white dress shirt and a black bowtie. His black patent leather shoes added the final touch. During their first look, because Mallory’s dress suited her so perfectly, I heard you ask Chris ‘can you believe how ‘me’ this dress is’? And I thoroughly enjoyed watching Christopher settle into his poses on his own all afternoon to ensure that his Shinola watch was seen.

Speaking of First Looks, Christopher’s reaction was one for the books. Two photographers and an assistant all awwwww’d audibly in unison when is jaw dropped. These two care more about the care of those around them, including each other, than they do about themselves. When a couple melds so easily together that photographing a mere conversation looks like magic you know it’s the real deal. And for the most part, Carrie and I did just that. We gave them space and very little direction while they enjoyed each other’s company on their wedding day. When I asked them to bring their heads together they both automatically leaned in together, so affectionately and authentically and closed their eyes. They just embraced and paused and let us do our thing while they took in their wedding day. Mallory greeted me upon arrival with a sweet gift. She checked in while I shot details to ensure that I didn’t need anything. And if more than ten minutes went by without us being in the same space she greeted me again as if it were the first time all day. And Christopher wrapped up our goodbyes at the end of the night with a big hug and a ‘you’re family now’. Mallory and Chris, you guys carved a little section of yourselves into my heart. Continue to love hard. Don’t lose your passion and tenacity for the things you believe in. And always stay quirky.

Vendors and Venues listed at the end of this post.

VENUE: PLANTERRA CONSERVATORY

FLORALS: PLANTERRA CONSERVATORY

CAKE ARTIST: SWEET HEATHER ANNE

BAND: BLUE WATER KINGS BAND

HAIR + MAKEUP ARTIST: DETROIT GLAM

SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER: CARRIE OLSEN

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: J CREW

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