When searching for a venue, high school sweethearts Abby and Jay were open to a number of locations. Jay was raised in Michigan and his family resides there while Abby has family in Dubai, the UK, and Canada. So Michigan and the Niagara/Toronto area were both area of interest. Along with planner Lustre Events, the couple toured some gorgeous properties but instantly knew Michigan’s The Valley at Frutig Farms, was meant for them. The destination celebration was elegant, romantic, and totally filled to the brim with florals by Ines & Marie. Artful details like custom stationery by Simply Sealed and epic display of the cake by Bella e Dolce added wonderment to the design. Christine Lim was on hand to capture all the moments and we’re thrilled to share her images.
What made the wedding special and unique?
Our wedding was a destination wedding for everyone that came, so it was important to us to make everyone feel included. We did this by having our rehearsal dinner be a “welcome” dinner for everyone who was already in town. Family and friends were able to meet before the big day, which made the evening of the wedding more fun and comfortable as the introductions were out of the way!
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
One year after our engagement and about 60 dresses later, I found my dress at a small bridal boutique in Michigan. Though I tried on lots of styles, it ended up being exactly what I had envisioned all along!
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
Personal touches included photos of the time we have been together (starting in high school) in frames for guests to look at, including pictures of our 4-month backpacking trip through South America last year. The biggest surprise were the llamas that were waiting for us at the end of the aisle! My husband and I fell in love with llamas during our travels, so my mom had the crazy idea to have some crash our wedding! They were waiting to greet us as we exited our ceremony. It was incredible!
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Though the whole day was memorable, moments that stood out were our first look, ceremony, and reception. The excitement of seeing other at the first look and the anticipation of what we were about to do was unreal! The ceremony was incredibly intimate and emotional, and it felt like there was no one else there but Jay and I. Nothing beats the moment we said our personal vows to one another. The tears wouldn’t stop flowing! To look around the beautiful tent and see all of our loved ones in one space was a moment we won’t forget.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Jay and I met in middle school in Dubai, and began dating in 11th grade. We managed to do long distance with him in the US and myself in Canada for four years, which meant a lot of planes and road trips! In the summer of 2016, we went on a canoe portaging trip in Algonquin Park, and it was there that Jay proposed to me! I still have no idea how he was able to hide the ring box from me (we shared a backpack) and have the guts to bring it on our canoe. Lucky for me, he recorded the whole thing with the GoPro so we have a wonderful memory of the day!
Wedding Design & Planning: Lustre Events // Photography: Christine Lim // Florals: Ines & Marie // Stationery: Simply Sealed // Venue: The Valley at Frutig Farms // Cinematography: James Frodyma // Bridal Gown: Doyle gown from Willowby by Watters // Bridal Boutique: Ella Bridal // Hair & Make-up: Studio 9 Salon // Cake: Bella e Dolce // Catering: Tavolina Events // Lounge Furniture: Fancy Fray // Tabletop Rentals: Gigi & Laclede // Event Rentals: Firefly Premier // Live Musicians and DJ: Christina Kateri Music // Bridesmaids: Show Me Your Mumu // Groom Attire: Ike Behar Dusk Blue “Lane” Tuxedo
