A proposal out of fairytales, Mara and Joe’s love story has already lasted miles!
Of her Anise gown, Mara said “I loved many of their dresses but this one stood out. I tried it on with the nude lining but knew that I had to order the Ivory and it was everything I wanted it to be and more.”
Names: Joe and Mara
Wedding Date: 10/10/2020
Guest Numbers: 52
Wedding Location: Our Backyard – Jackson, Michigan
Photographer: Chelsea Lusk Photography
Tell Us Your Love Story
How did you meet?
We met through a mutual friend and quickly became close friends while living over 1,000 miles apart. We bonded over our love of sports, travel, craft beer, and new restaurants. Joe moved back to Jackson in 2017 and the rest was history!
How did he put a ring on it?
Joe proposed in June of 2019 in front of the Louvre Museum Paris, France. It was a dream proposal, most days it still doesn’t feel real. We were on an Evening Bike and Boat tour through the city thanks to BoutiqueBikeTours. Joe had planned a sunset proposal months prior with the owners of the bike company. We walked out towards the pyramid for a picture and he dropped to one knee. We spent the next 2 weeks celebrating throughout Europe!
Where did you draw inspiration from?
My wedding coordinator, Pinterest, past weddings I have attended/worked. I have done calligraphy and signs for many weddings in the past as well as bartended many weddings. As I look back now I realize I was constantly picking up small bits of information and inspiration for my own special day.
What made the wedding personal to you?
We designed the whole ceremony together with our officiant. We wanted it to represent us as a couple and who we are as individuals. We also had a major switch up when we decided to cancel our “Up North” wedding and have it in our backyard instead due to COVID. At first, it was stressful and heartbreaking but now more than ever, I am so thankful for our day. Every time I look out the window to our backyard I am reminded of some very special moments.
What were you most nervous or excited about?
I was honestly just very excited to be Joe’s wife. He is the most kind and caring man and it is such an honour and privilege to be his other half.
Now, the most important part – the Dress!
Tell us about your dress?
IT WAS PERFECT! It was the fifth dress I tried on back in November of 2019 at Spring Sweet in Holland. The location was recommended to me by Brooke Dumas of Stellaluna Events. From the moment I walked into Spring Sweet I knew my dress was there. I loved many of their dresses but this one stood out. I tried it on with the nude lining but knew that I had to order the Ivory and it was everything I wanted it to be and more. It didn’t need many alterations, mostly just a hem. I was so comfortable and relaxed in the dress the whole time. I am already dreaming up excuses and reasons to have to put it back on.
What stockist did you get it from?
Spring Sweet in Holland, Michigan
What was your most memorable moment from your day?
Seeing Joe for the first time walking down the aisle – leading up to that was all a little stressful but the look on his face was priceless and put me at ease. We designed the ceremony ourselves with our officiant and a lot of time and detail went into it. We pulled from some of our favorite songs with some of the most meaningful lyrics to us and connected them with some more traditional aspects of a wedding ceremony. We even incorporated a Traditional Celtic Hand-Fasting Ceremony.
Vendors to credit:
Photography: Chelsea Lusk Photography // Stockist: Spring Sweet // Planning: Stellaluna Events // Desserts: Bella e Dolce Desserts