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Marie + Tyler
December 14, 2019
Checkrow Church | The Venue Canton
Let me start out by saying that Marie and Tyler are not only kind, generous, and genuine - they are a hilarious couple! They have some of the biggest smiles and laughs I've ever seen in so many of their photos. It brings me so much joy! Their whole day was a true reflection of their love for each other - a quiet morning, a packed church, and a truly gorgeous reception. A few of my favorite details were Marie's dress, the transformation of their reception venue, and the three (3!) different types of dessert. I had the best time working with Marie, Tyler, their families, and their vendors. Check out their rockstar vendor list, an amazing video by Ivory and Oak Films, and stunning photos by Danielle Stewart below!
Ceremony: Checkrow Community Church
Reception: The Venue
Florals & Table Decor: J. Blu Designs
Rentals: I Do Events
Photography: Danielle Stewart
Videography: Ivory & Oak Films
DJ: Conner Buenting, Friend
Planning: Greater Joy Events - Wedding Day Coordination
Caterer: Bistro 101
Invitation Suite: Courtney Kamm Design
Makeup: Leiana Hilton
Hair: Courtney Jo Wagenbach, Taylor Shirley, + Liz Freed
Dress: Schaffer's Bridal
Cake: Trefzger's Bakery
Pies: Gridley Common Grounds
Cookies: We Three Sweets
Hotel: Canton Harvester Inn
Marie, Tyler, and their bridal party got ready at the Canton Harvester Inn, a restored hotel in the heart of Canton. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and the giant Christmas tree in the lobby was the perfect backdrop for Marie and Tyler's first look! It took some very precise communication to get Marie and Tyler in place and ready without seeing each other. As I was walking down the stairwell with Tyler, I casually joked about whether or not Marie was expecting him to shed a few tears - "Yeah, she's expecting me to cry, but I don't know if I will or not." Well, if you watched Ivory and Oak's video, you'll know he definitely did when he saw Marie in her dress!
There was also a lot of talk about Marie's dress - Tyler knew she wanted to make a statement, so assumed she would be wearing a ballgown. Truthfully, that's what Marie thought, too! Until she tried on this STUNNING beaded gown from Schaffer's Bridal in Des Moines. Their first look was magical, and from there they took a few bridal party photos before their ceremony.
Marie and Tyler were married at Checkrow Community Church in Avon, IL. Their church was packed with all of their friends and family. We learned at the reception that Marie's dad cried through the whole ceremony. I even caught myself tearing up as they were saying their vows - sometimes you just can't help yourself!
Last, but certainly not least, Marie's vision for her reception transformed their venue from a banquet hall to a gorgeous wedding reception. Julie (J. Blu Design) did an amazing job with the florals and table decor, while I Do Events provided a gorgeous head table setup and table linens - all for 300 guests!
Marie's father's impromptu speech was the perfect start to the night, and the following speeches from their best man and bridesmaids made everyone laugh out loud - seriously! Marie and Tyler wanted to have a relaxed night with their guests, so there wasn't much attention on an actual dance floor, but they did share the sweetest first dance together. And talking about sweet - Marie and Tyler had desserts from three different bakeries at their reception! A small cake to cut from Trefzger's Bakery, a couple dozen decorated cookies from We Three Sweets, and 30+ pies from Gridley Common Grounds. And yes, we did have a few ladies from their church stop by to help cut and plate all of the pies - by the end of it, we had a small pie cutting production line going on behind the scenes!
I'll even go as far to say that I almost felt like a guest at Marie and Tyler's wedding! That's something that is so hard to achieve. I'm so happy Marie and Tyler's dream wedding day played out so perfectly - it is one that will be hard to forget. Although, I know the friendship that grew out of Marie and I's meetings, emails, and texts is one that I will truly never forget!
Interested in how hiring a wedding day coordinator or wedding planner can help simplify your planning process and help you enjoy your wedding day? Reach out to me here - I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!