It’s hard to put into words what it means to watch your brother marry the love of his life. It’s even harder to do this when that love has been unofficially part of the family for many years already. Add to that: having the chance to serve as a small part of their vendor team for their Eastern Market wedding. I pride myself on being a decent writer, but for this experience, I’m at a total loss for words. Mostly, it’s just a joy. Seeing the incredible photos from Jill DeVries Photography helps to relive such a beautiful day.

The Invitation

Jackie and Henry’s invitation set the tone for their modern and sophisticated, but laid-back Eastern Market wedding. The overall design was really simple and straightforward, but the details were thoughtful. The oversized square shape and the modern calligraphy/font combination were contemporary, but the blue-grey letterpress printing and edge painting on the triple-thick card were luxurious and timeless.

On the main invitation card, Jackie went back and forth about the attire. She was nervous to put the usual “cocktail attire,” knowing that everyone would show up in a black dress and metallic, strappy shoes. For the kickoff of summer on Memorial Day weekend for their Eastern Market wedding, she knew she wanted guests to have fun with their look. I think we nailed it with their ultimate wording!

My favorite detail was their “JH” monogram with the apple on the custom stamp. These two dated long-distance (like many states away) for the first many years of their relationship. In spite of this, they made it a point to go up north once every fall to pick apples. It was their tradition. So, when it came time for Henry to propose, he got down on one knee in the apple orchard. Swoon. Anyway, I knew that the apple would be a special detail for the two of them, and it also fit perfectly with the farmer’s market location for their day.

Getting Ready

Jackie and Henry met while co-staffing a teen backpacking trip out west. They’re camp people through and through. Naturally, their personal style is casual and laidback. So, when they both told me about their chosen attire, I was so excited for the ultra glam looks they’d picked!

Jackie’s dress was an all-lace Romona Keveza gown with a plunging neckline in the front and back. She opted to keep her hair curly for the big day, and tucked a small floral in her hair. The dress was such a stunner that she didn’t need to accessorize much.

Henry wore a custom-made suit from Joshua Gold with incredible details. He looked almost as good as Jackie… but let’s be real here.

The First Look

I’ll just leave this right here.

Portraits

After getting ready at the Westin Book Cadillac, Jackie and Henry (and the rest of us) headed to the site of their Eastern Market wedding to take some photos. Not pictured: “Old Town Road” and some bottles being passed on the bus en route.

Ketubah Signing

This Ketubah signing ceremony was one of the most emotional moments I’ve ever been part of. Jackie and Henry’s rabbis each spoke about the love they have for their families and then asked for both sets of parents to bless their child – and their new child. There was a lot of ugly crying and mascara-blotting, from all of us. Not a dry eye from anyone.

For me, it had added significance, because I had created the Ketubah for these two as their wedding gift. It was such an honor! Their Ketubah showcases the scene from our cottage up north, and it highlights a passage from the Book of Ruth that’s perfect for these two adventurous spirits:

“For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you lodge, I will lodge.”

The Ceremony

With cocktail hour before the ceremony, Jackie and Henry’s Eastern Market wedding ceremony took place in their reception space, with guests already seated at tables. I had never seen this done before, but it was perfect for them. They only had their immediate families walk down the aisle. They were married beneath a chuppah built by my husband Adam, which we also had used at our wedding. The chuppah’s canopy was adorned with an embroidered tapestry that’s been used in Jackie’s family for many different weddings.

The joy for this occasion was bursting! If you couldn’t tell their overwhelming happiness from their faces, Jackie yelled mid-walk with her parents, “BEST THING EVER!”. The room swelled with cheers for them.

After the incredibly heartfelt ceremony, the couple headed straight for the dance floor and had everyone follow suit, kicking off the most epic party of all time.

The Reception Design Details

Jackie and Henry’s Eastern Market wedding was chock-full of heartfelt details. Carlyn from The Bash Events designed an incredible evening, brought to life with decor from Gerych’s and active input from Jackie’s wonderful mom Phyllis.

Bare farmhouse tables, ghost chairs, full lounge setups, and an incredible installation over the dance floor… The whole event was modern without feeling stark, sophisticated without being stuffy. Casual elegance is hard to pull off, but this event certainly fit the bill.

I had a field day with their day-of-wedding items, most of which wasn’t on paper!

The escort cards were hand calligraphed on slate tiles, displayed on a boxwood hedge wall with shelves. Likewise, I handwrote the table numbers on zinc planter boxes, which were then filled to the brim with flowers and artichokes.

The menus placed at each guest’s seat were printed on acrylic, and they hinted at the amazing food options guests would have at the various stations.

Their bars were just as personal, with custom cocktail napkins printed with special phrases to the couple and coasters with an illustration I created of them with their sweet pup, Lulu. This same cartoon had been used on their save the dates – so fun!

The Reception

When I say this was the most epic dance party of all time, I really mean it. Their band, Sound House (booked through Elan Artists) played non-stop for hours on end, and the dance floor was full… the.entire.night. If it’s any indication, Henry brought a back-up shirt – and sweat through that one, too.

Late night snacks included s’mores on the patio, as a nod to their love of all things camping.

The Video

This epic video brought to you by Blue Racer Productions. Enjoy!

Jackie & Henry from Blue Racer Productions on Vimeo.

The Bottom Line

It is my greatest hope that every single couple is as joyous as Jackie and Henry on their wedding day – as just the start of wonderful lives together. I couldn’t have even dreamt of a partner so perfect for my brother as Jackie is for Henry. I’m lucky to be able to finally call her my sister. Congratulations, you two – I love you the most!

The Vendor Team

Venue: Eastern Market – Shed 5, in Detroit, Michigan

Design, Planning, Coordination: The Bash Events

Catering: Forte Belanger

Photography: Jill DeVries Photography

Floral and rentals: Gerych’s

Custom Invitation and Stationery: Leah E. Moss Designs

Bride’s gown: Romona Keveza, purchased from Roma Sposa in Birmingham, Michigan

Groom’s custom suit: Joshua Gold

Band: Sound House (Elan Artists)

Videography: Blue Racer Productions