ryan + jessica
When Jessica invited her date to Gull Lake High School’s junior prom, she had no idea that she would be asking her future husband. Jessica knew Ryan through mutual friends, and though he had already graduated, he agreed to accompany her to the dance. The couple sensed something special and began their relationship that night—never knowing it would last a lifetime!
After years of dating, Ryan began building the couple’s future home. On Christmas Eve, he invited Jessica to the site to see how far he had come on the house. As Jessica walked in, Ryan dropped down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. Jessica accepted the proposal in the very place where they would build a new life together!
The couple soon began planning a chic and classy wedding — its design scheme inspired by a black and white damask pattern with hints of deep purple. Rhinestone accents added sparkle to the ceremony and reception.
Jessica & Ryan tied the knot on October 16, 2010 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Augusta. Jessica had grown up in the Catholic faith and had attended St. Ann’s when living in the area. “The ceremony was everything I had dreamed it to be and more,” Jessica said.
Following the nuptials, the newly-married duo partied in style, along with their 175 guests, at the Gull Lake Country Club in Richland. Tracy Park of Park Place Design incorporated Jessica’s design theme by creating tall white and purple arrangements for the tables in addition to Jessica’s amazing bouquet of all white roses with picasso calla lillies and orchids with aspidistra leaves.
An impressive cocktail hour complete with wine, stuffed mushrooms and a breathtaking view of the fall colors surrounding Gull Lake started the affair; an elegant white 4-tiered cake and custom-made cannolis from Continental Pastries rounded out the evening. Stephanie Karen captured all of the intimate moments and fabulous surroundings of the day in her true, discreet style.
As family and friends celebrated, their well-wishes echoed what the couple had heard on their first date so long ago. At prom, Jessica had worn a white ball gown, causing some bystanders to mistake the pair as newlyweds! “People congratulated us thinking we had just gotten married!” Jessica reminisces, “Who would have thought six years later it would be true?”
Photography: Stephanie Karen Photography, Plainwell, MI
Reception Location: Gull Lake Country Club, Kalamazoo, MI
Flowers: Park Place Design, Kalamazoo, MI
Hotel Accommodations: Radisson Hotel & Suites, Kalamazoo, MI
Cake: Continental Pastries, Battle Creek, MI
Wedding Dress: Alexa Claire Boutique & Tux Shop, Portage, MI
Men’s Attire: Alexa Claire Boutique & Tux Shop, Portage, MI
Hair & Makeup: Idun Spa Salon, Kalamazoo, MI
Bridal Shower: Zazio’s, Kalamazoo, MI
