Five years after they met tailgating at Michigan State, Evan proposed to Kari.
“She knew the whole time. I proposed to her at Upper Straits Lake, and our dog Lui escaped and was running around the beach, living his best life while I was proposing.”
It’d be a year and a half before the wedding, and they used that time to their advantage, working out the details together. In the process of pulling off their big day, Evan and Kari learned a lot, including: Never trust the weather to make sense if you’re getting married in Michigan.
“For those who aren’t familiar with midwestern seasons, 95 degrees is unseasonably warm for the Fall. Our dog lasted about 30 minutes.”
Evan & Kari
Table of Contents
Planning
Bachelor Party
Ceremony
Food
Drinks
Dancing
Honeymoon
Vendors
Kari and Evan went 100% DIY, putting Kari’s Pinterest addiction—and helpful, caring friends and family—to good use, allowing them to get creative and make it their own.
“We were pretty much on the same page. Most of the compromises we made were in the details.”
What percentage of those invited actually came?
“Exactly 77.15%.”
Did you stay on budget?
“Yes, right around our budget. Turns out weddings are a lot more expensive than anyone would want.”
Evan and crew headed up to his uncle’s house on Lake Charlevoix for a weekend of good drinks, good company, wakesurfing, golf, and some frisbee thrown in (boom) for good measure.
Who was your Best Man?
“I chose my two best friends from day one: my cousins Thomas and Anthony. Both have had a huge influence on my life, and honestly, blood is thicker than water. They will have my back for life.”
Groomsman Gifts: YETI Stainless Steel Colsters, Keychain Multi-tool
“The koozies were used pretty heavily pre-wedding/reception.”
Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux
Midnight Blue Tuxedo; Black Satin Diamond Bow Tie; Cotton Dress Shirt; Silver Onyx Cufflinks and Studs; Patent Leather Shoes
Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux
Notch Lapel Tuxedo; Black Satin Diamond Bow Tie; Cotton Dress Shirt; Silver Onyx Cufflinks and Studs; Patent Leather Shoes
While Evan and Kari handled the planning, they hired a day-of coordinator to manage the three days surrounding the wedding—a wise choice, as most newlyweds can confirm.
Who was your officiant?
“He was a family friend. It was very special to us to have someone we actually knew and had a relationship with up there with us.”
Any traditions you felt pressured to include?
“We are both spiritual/religious, but opting out of the traditional church ceremony met our needs and wants.”
What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone else planning a wedding?
“Don’t give a shit what anyone else thinks. This is your day. Also, hire a day-of coordinator.”
What did you eat?
“We started out with two charcuterie and cheese tables for an appetizer. Then a plated dinner consisting of a chopped farmers market salad, a duo of chicken and spiced short rib, caramelized butternut squash puree, green beans, and a four cheese potato gratin. Oh, and a table of assorted desserts.”
Did you have an open bar, a partially open bar, or a cash bar?
“Open bar all day. Who likes a cash bar, honestly? Plus, people dance a lot more when drinking.”
Did you hire a live band or a DJ?
“We had a DJ. Very happy with our choice. We were practically able to create our own playlist.”
What was your first dance song?
“At Last” by Etta James.
Best dancer at your reception?
“The owner of the greenhouse. We invited him onto the dancefloor and he killed it in his hiking boots.”
Evan and Kari left for their honeymoon two days after the wedding, traveling to Barcelona and Sitges in Spain, then Rome and Positano in Italy.
“It was amazing. We explored, ate amazing food, and lived like kings along the coast.”
If you could change anything about your wedding, what would it be?
“It was honestly perfect. We both wished we would had more time and energy to dance.”
VENDORS
Wedding Planner: Heather Renshaw; Caterer: Wandering Gourmet Catering; Baker: Dimples Cupcakes Company; Florist: Goldner Walsh Garden and Home; Photographer/Videographer: Michael McDermott; Band/DJ: CC King Entertainment; Venue: Goldner Walsh Garden and Home; Bride Attire: Sarah Seven; Groom / Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux