Lauren and Kyle’s love story began in the most rock ‘n’ roll way imaginable. They met at a Rolling Stones concert, their eyes locking as the band played Gimme Shelter. When it came to planning their wedding, they were influenced heavily by the band and had so much fun incorporating little references into the day.
The celebration took place at an impeccably decorated 1970s chalet in the woods of northern Michigan with 40 of their closest family, friends and three daughters. The decor included vintage rugs, disco balls, amber goblets and mind blowing florals.
“We skipped a lot of the traditional stuff”, the couple told us. “There was no wedding party, no speeches, no cutting the cake or bouquet toss. We wanted the focus to be on good food, good drinks, good vibes and spending time with friends and family that had all travelled to be with us.”
After an emotional first look where they exchanged vows privately and then with their daughters, the couple were married on the porch of the chalet. Their three daughters, dressed in pink, walked down the aisle before Lauren to an acoustic version of the Rolling Stones’ Wild Horses, performed by a close family friend. One of Lauren’s best friends, Rachel, who had been her ‘wing woman’ the night she met Kyle, got ordained to officiate.
Then came the party, kicked off with a toast of Ranch Water, the couple’s favourite cocktail, followed by their first dance to Take Me by George Jones and Tammy Wynette. “Because the backyard was a blank canvas, we brought in vintage furniture and borrowed pieces from the chalet to make the property feel like one big groovy lounge”, Lauren said. “Of course it wouldn’t be a Michigan backyard party without cornhole and a bonfire!”
“Almost a quarter of our guests were kids, so we were really intentional about creating a super fun area for them to hang. We set up a ‘kids only’ table under an apple tree, threw down butcher paper and coloured pencils, bubbles disposable cameras, light up hula hoops, jump ropes and a big colorful parachute. We wanted the kids to feel entertained and give the adults a break to enjoy themselves.” Their highlight of the night was when the kids went to bed and everyone gathered on the dance floor for a big dance party and karaoke session!
Lauren and Kyle’s advice to future couples is one we hear a lot, but that doesn’t make it any less important: “Traditions be damned!” they say. “Every second should feel authentic to you as a couple.”
