Michigan Winter Wedding

We just love brides who are able to think far outside of the box. When bride Mariana fell in love with a little coffee shop, she wasn’t afraid to ask the owner if she had considered holding a wedding there. A few months and many creative projects later, Mariana and her groom Brian were exchanging vows at Circa 1843, bringing together Michigan’s charm and Mexican decor. Thanks to Jen Lynne for allowing us to share her photos!

From the bride, Mariana (who also owns Swell Papel on Etsy): The style was definitely inspired from the ideas that I found on Ruffled! I love the personalized feeling of DIY and vintage styles and I thought it would be great for the small wedding I was planning. I knew I wanted lots of luminaries hanging from the ceiling. I also wanted small, subtle hints from Mexico, where I am originally from. I accomplished this by having custom papel picado (cut paper) made by a group of artisans in Puebla, Mexico. The papel picado had our names cut out and were hanging over the reception area like banners.

My husband likes craft beers and so we had a wide variety of brews we enjoy for our guests! I am a total coffee snob so we also had “his and hers” coffee drinks that were prepared by Circa 1843’s barista. Delicious!

My color scheme was the colors of ice cream. I know it sounds silly, but I just love warm vanilla beiges mixed with mint, raspberry, and peach. I love ice cream and it kind of just translated into the colors that I ended up using.

I used the free downloads available on Ruffled and made by Carolynn of Two Brunettes to do the buffet signs, the wedding programs, and the table signs. I used my professional Epson printer that I use for my Etsy print shop, so it was super easy to get quality prints! They turned out great! I loved the little leaf designs. I also made the wedding wreath that hung outside the venue’s main entrance. It took some time and some help from my super creative mom to put the finishing touches on it. My amazing mom also made my bouquet.

View more images from this wedding

Wedding Songs:
Processional: Bach’s Suite for solo cello no 1 in G, prelude
Recessional: The Cure, “Just Like Heaven” interpreted in violin and cello
First Dance: Frank Sinatra, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”

Wedding vendors (Almont, Michigan):

Reception Venue: Circa 1843 / Wedding Photographer: Jen Lynne Photography / Wedding dress: J. Crew / Faux fur cover-up: Macy’s / Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs / Hair and makeup: Star Tallman and Stephanie of Runway Salon & Spa / Groom’s suit: Kenneth Cole Reaction / Ceremony musician: Panache Group / Catering: Victoria’s Delights / Wedding cupcakes: Rockin’ Cupcakes / Wedding invitations: Rachel from Benign Objects / Luminaries: Luna Bazaar