A Whimsical Formal Wedding in Pale Blue and Fuchsia Hues in Michigan

Frances and Andrew

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When Frances and Andrew tapped planner and Martha Stewart Weddings contributor David Stark to plan their big day, they gave him just two directives: Use the colors in Frances's favorite D. Porthault fabric pattern (blue, fuchsia, orange), and make the day feel just like her mother's did: "joyous and family-oriented." The result? A fanciful setting on family property filled with live music, whimsical details, and larger-than-life landscaping.

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The Fashions

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Aaron Delesie

Andrew, sporting J.Crew, embraced Frances, who wore a vintage gown purchased by her grandmother at Saks Fifth Avenue in the 1950s. The dress, which was also worn by the bride's mother, was updated with a dyed-to-match paper veil commissioned from Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave.

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Groomsmen Gifts

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Aaron Delesie

Andrew gave each of his groomsmen a tie in a keepsake lacquered box.

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The Ring Bearer

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Aaron Delesie

The ring bearer was decked out in a J. Crew seersucker suit playfully paired with Converse.

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Eclectic Elements

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Aaron Delesie

A golden egg was one of the many whimsical surprises that guests encountered.

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The Welcome Gifts

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These canvas welcome baskets were packed with a list of cultural activities and snacks, including homemade granola.

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The Ceremony

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The stunning ceremony space was nestled in a courtyard between the garden and the house.

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Father Daughter

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Aaron Delesie

Just outside the greenhouse, Frances and her father began the processional march into the garden as a seven-piece string orchestra performed henry Purcell's "Chaconne."

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The Recessional

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A judge and friend of the bride's family served as officiant.

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Family Time

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Aaron Delesie

The bride and groom, flanked by her family on either side, pose for a picture.

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The Sheep

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Lalanne sheep statues were grazing in a meadow of daisies, while nearby in a tree house, a lute, flute, and cello trio greeted guests.

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Cocktail Hour

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Cucumber martinis helped keep the 150 wedding-goers cool, while Lalanne dove chair-sculptures kept them amused.

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Giant Chickens

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Larger-than-life "chickens" crafted from boxwood stood tall.

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The Hors d'Oeuvres

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Hors d'oeuvres included wild mushroom arancini with fontina Val d'aosta.

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Elegant Bites

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Aaron Delesie

Truffled grilled-cheese sandwiches with celery relish were served in tiny bites.

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The Tablescape

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Custom pale blue linen napkins with fuchsia trim from D. Porthault topped each setting, and bamboo-inspired cutlery lent a casual sensibility to the Paola Navone plates.

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The First Course

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Aaron Delesie

Frances's favorite part of the wedding decor was the place settings, which coordinated with the Porthault fabric tablecloth. The first course: a slow-cooked farm egg, fennel puree, artichoke crisps, and morels.

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Colorful Staff

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Aaron Delesie

Servers sported in-palette jackets that were custom-made in Milan.

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The Pool

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A reflective pool was set for guests to hang out around, creating a lounge area.

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A Custom Crest

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Aaron Delesie

A crest above the stage in the tent echoed the design on the stationery.

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The Guest Book

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Aaron Delesie

A quill-like pen using paper rather than a feather accompanied the D. Porthault fabric-swathed guest book.

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A Slice of Cake

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Dinner (during which Parisian sister act Les Nubians played under a paper moon) was capped by the cutting of a chocolate cake. the family recipe was prepared by the bride's family's chef and decorated with fresh flowers from the garden."We just had to share it with everybody," says the bride.

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Desserts

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Aaron Delesie

A selection of mini treats matched the Porthault fabric.

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Sources

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Photography: Aaron Delesie

Event Planning, Decor, and Flowers: David Stark Design & Production

Catering: Olivier Cheng Catering & Events

Stationery and Calligraphy: Bernard Maisner

Custom Crest: Happy Menocal

Guest Book: Boutique by Cypress

Music: Apollo's Fire; Les Nubians

Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.

Lighting: Bentley Meeker Lighting & Staging

Tents: Partytime-HDO Productions

DJ: DJ Pirahnahead

Audio: Aerial Enterprises (810-231- 2500)

Additional Rentals: Special Events Rental

Draping: Show Supplies

Hair and Makeup: Emile Salon & Spa

Bride's Earrings: Taffin

Groomsmen Ties: Salvatore Ferragamo

Transportation: 4 Star Inc. (248-682-1800)

Fabric Basket Bag: VintageJamie

Paper Bag with Window: Plastic Bags for You

Colored Tissue Paper: Paper Mart

Tube: M&J Trimming

Caramels: Knudsens

Lacquer Box: West Elm

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