June 20, 2009
Preserving True Love
It was a warm summer day in June 1999. Laura Wildeman and Joel Shine, high school sophomores at the time, picked out a perfect spot in the sand on Lions Beach in southern Michigan to enjoy their first date. As they took in the view and each other, they unknowingly began a romance that would evolve into a lifetime of true love.
After high school, college, and years of dating bliss, it was time for the next chapter in their lives together. In January 2009, Joel planned to surprise Laura and pop the question in Chicago on the Skydeck of the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower, however, despite the impressive view, a mixture of cold feet and a large crowd prompted him to change his plans. Joel then thought of the perfect location to travel instead--a place that also had a great view and meant a little more to their relationship. Despite the winter cold and blistering wind, the couple returned to Lions Beach and found the exact spot where their story began almost a decade earlier. It was here that Joel proposed to Laura, and filled with emotion and the warmth of memories, her answer was an unquestionable, but cold, "Yes!"
As they began planning for their June 20, 2009 wedding, Laura and Joel easily identified two main priorities: First, find a unique location, and second, hire an incredible photographer to capture every moment. The couple decided to investigate the Blue Dress Barn in Millburg, Michigan, a renovated space on the site of an old dairy farm. Before arriving, Joel was skeptical about whether this was going to be THE spot for their wedding, "A barn? Are you kidding me?!?" But upon touring the space, the couple knew that they found what they were looking for. Lush, beautiful gardens spilled out behind the barn, and inside there were balconies with twinkle lights and lanterns suspended above. With all the character and charm the Blue Dress Barn had to offer, Laura and Joel knew that they found a comfortable and cozy location for their wedding, perfect to share and celebrate their love with family and friends.
Once the location was secured, Laura explains, "Everything else just fell into place. Our planning was pretty stress-free!" All of their selections were local, including the ingredients and the recipes for some very special wedding favors. In honor of Laura?s grandmother, who passed away shortly after their engagement, the couple made dill pickles and jam from scratch using Laura?s grandmother?s tried-and-true recipes. Laura and Joel even hand-picked locally grown raspberries, cherries, and strawberries and preserved the fruit in 4-ounce jars for their distinctive wedding favors. "It was fun and really easy"
comments Laura.
Wanting to make their first dance a memorable one, the pair also took dancing lessons, but not everything went as planned on their wedding day. Joel happened to lose track of some of the moves three-quarters of the way through the routine, but the mistake never showed on his face or Laura's--their smiles were too big. Despite the small misstep, the first dance became a moment to cherish and, since no one noticed, the newlyweds' funny little secret. Laura and Joel remember many surprised reactions, "We didn't know you guys could dance like that!"
When asked about what has changed now that they are married, Joel gratefully responds, "Laundry gets done by somebody other than me!" What remains unchanged is the view from a sand dune on Lions Beach and the love that this young couple shares. And just as Laura's grandmother passed down the recipe for preserving pickles and jams, perhaps some day, Laura and Joel will pass down the recipe for preserving true love.
The Blue Dress Barn
Millburg, MI
Reception Location:
The Blue Dress Barn
Millburg, MI
Caterer:
CK Catering
Coloma, MI
Photographer:
Karen Hopkins,
Hopkins Studio
Berrien Springs, MI
Wedding Gown:
David's Bridal
Kalamazoo, MI
Hair Salon:
Salon 1341
St. Joseph, MI
Nail Salon:
Nail Loft
St. Joseph, MI
Tuxedos:
Alexa Claire Boutique
and Tux Shop
St. Joseph, MI
Rings:
JR FOx Jewelers
Mishawaka, IN
Flowers:
Crystal Springs Florist
Benton Harbor, MI
Wedding Cake:
Dee's Specialty Cakes
Stevensville, MI
Reception DJ:
Chuck Witaker
Mishawaka, IN