Planning & Parties Blog
A Simply Elegant Autumn Celebration in La Porte, Indiana: The Real Wedding of Paige and Izak Bounds
Allyson Hutchison | January 7, 2026When Paige and Izak were seniors in high school, they worked the same job at their local supermarket. When Paige told a co-worker that she thought Izak was cute, the co-worker encouraged Paige to send him a message on Instagram. Eight years later, they were engaged and ready to get married!
Fall Romance in Full Color: The Real Wedding of Madison and Trenton Secor in Niles, Michigan
Allyson Hutchison | December 31, 2025Even though Madison and Trenton met in middle school, they didn't rekindle their friendship and start dating until college. They actually reconnected on a dating app!
This Desert-Inspired Celebration in Illinois: The Real Wedding of Jessica and Jake Esposito
Allyson Hutchison | December 22, 2025While in college, Jessica and Jake moved in the same social circles. Jessica first noticed Jake as a friend of a friend, and the connection quickly grew into something more.
Dreamy, Romantic Opulence in Chicago: The Real Wedding of Natalie and John Lozeau
Allyson Hutchison | December 10, 2025Despite crossing paths when they were children, Natalie and John didn't know each other very well. Their friend groups changed in high school and college, so they drifted even further apart.
This Vintage Vineyard Celebration is Fairytale Material: The Real Wedding of Chelsea and Spencer Kearney
Allyson Hutchison | December 3, 2025Despite orchestrating Spencer's first kiss with someone else when they were a mere 11 years old, Chelsea had a crush on Spencer from the moment they met at Emerson Middle School.
12 Romantic Proposal Locales in Downtown Detroit
WeddingDay | November 21, 2025The 12 most romantic proposal locations in Downtown Detroit, curated by the team at The Wedding Shoppe, just in time for peak engagement season.
Autumn and Elegance Meet in this Rustic Illinois Celebration: The Real Wedding of Maddie and Ben Ross
Allyson Hutchison | November 19, 2025While it started as a dream for Maddie and her best friend to be lucky enough to marry brothers, it ended up coming true! Maddie met Ben because he was the younger brother of Maddie's best friend's boyfriend.
Before You Say “I Do,” Ask Yourself These 11 Questions
WeddingDay | November 17, 2025Self-reflection is a good practice to maintain, especially after you get engaged. If you think you’ve found your forever partner, ask yourself some foundational questions.
Love, Marriage and Mortgages: How to Afford a Wedding and a Down Payment
WeddingDay | November 17, 2025Getting engaged is a thrilling step in your commitment to the rest of your life, and the post-engagement bliss is an amazing feeling. You may feel eager to organize your wedding, choose your dress and even look for a forever home.
Simplistic Elegance on the Shores of Lake Macatawa: The Real Wedding of Taylor and Andrew Ciesliga
Allyson Hutchison | November 12, 2025After meeting on a dating app in 2021, Andrew asked Taylor out on a date. They landed on one of their now-favorite Chicago restaurants. After dating for a few years, Andrew proposed during their summer trip to Italy! Taylor recalls, "He planned the perfect night with a beautiful view in Capri.