Planning & Parties Blog
Simplistic Elegance on the Shores of Lake Macatawa: The Real Wedding of Taylor and Andrew Ciesliga
Allyson Hutchison | November 12, 2025After meeting on a dating app in 2021, Andrew asked Taylor out on a date. They landed on one of their now-favorite Chicago restaurants. After dating for a few years, Andrew proposed during their summer trip to Italy! Taylor recalls, "He planned the perfect night with a beautiful view in Capri.
8 Bachelorette Blunders to Dodge for a Flawless Fling
WeddingDay | October 20, 2025Bachelorette parties can be a blast, but planning them can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re the bride-to-be taking the lead or the Maid of Honor (MOH) leading the charge, it’s helpful to know what to steer clear of so everyone has an amazing time.
Bells of Ireland: WeddingDay’s Exclusive Detroit Cover Shoot
Kaitlyn Smale | October 15, 2025Samantha Wiser of Seamless Planning had a vision about embracing simplicity, calm and intentional design. Set against the charming white porch of Zingerman’s Cornman Farms, the aesthetic leaned into fresh, organic elegance with a soft, cool-toned palette of green and white. “I wanted to create a relaxing tone and understated aesthetic, with minimal color and intentional design,” says Samantha. Inspired by the idea of a secluded French countryside wedding—timeless, romantic and effortlessly elegant—Samantha found her muse in a bundle of Bells of Ireland at a local farmers market. Their tall, wispy stems became the centerpiece of the design, adding movement and serenity to the setting. “Bringing this vision to life was not only fulfilling professionally, but also incredibly nourishing for my mental health,” she shares. “It reminded me just how healing creativity can be.”
New Year's Eve Elegance in Carmel, Indiana: The Real Wedding of Lauren & Brandon Krieger
Allyson Hutchison | October 8, 2025Though Lauren imagined a sophisticated black-tie wedding with gold accents, Brandon, an Indiana University grad, vetoed the “Purdue colors.” So, they decided on black-tie elegance with mixed metals instead.
French Romance: A European-Inspired Style Shoot in Rochester, Michigan
Allyson Hutchison | October 7, 2025Inspired by romance and Michigan’s autumn magic, this creative team set out to bring a French-inspired style shoot to life—right in the heart of the Midwest.
Love in the Greens: Our Exclusive Chicago Cover Shoot
Kaitlyn Smale | October 3, 2025We worked with Walden's in-house planner, Krystle Erler, for our Chicago spring/summer cover shoot, to transform the modern, industrial aesthetic of the venue into something soft, romantic and unforgettable. Inspired by Walden's natural elements—like exposed brick and warm wood tones—we layered in dreamy draping and lush florals to bring a timeless elegance to the space. The design centered around a rich, organic floral palette that's versatile for any season. Krystle shares, "In my heart, I pictured a dreamy, timeless celebration where nature and romance come together seamlessly in an urban setting."
Natural Romance in Marcellus, Michigan: The Real Wedding of Andrew Thanos and Joseph Foy
Kaitlyn Smale | October 1, 2025Andrew and Joseph's wedding at Gable Hill was inspired by the venue's natural beauty, especially the serene lily pond and the freshly painted barn that set the scene for their day.
Wildflower Opulence in Holland, Michigan: The Real Wedding of Kelsey and Brandon McNeil
Allyson Hutchison | September 26, 2025Inspired by a light and airy color palette and Kelsey's love of flowers, Kelsey and Brandon set out to plan a wedding that was elegant yet natural. Once they had a theme in mind, they wanted to find a venue that matched that vibe and also made their guests feel comfortable.
Where Can I Find Affordable Long-Distance Moving Services? 8 Options for Newlyweds
WeddingDay | September 24, 2025Planning a wedding is stressful enough, so adding a long-distance move can feel overwhelming. Newlyweds need reliable and budget-friendly solutions. Finding affordable long-distance moving services doesn’t have to be complicated.
A Modern-Industrial Celebration in Valparaiso, Indiana: The Real Wedding of Jessica & TJ Reese
Kaitlyn Smale | September 24, 2025Jessica and TJ chose their wedding venue, Journeyman Distillery, while it was still under construction—drawn in by its industrial-modern charm and their love for whiskey.