Wedding Date: October 4th, 2025

Vendors
Venue: Shady Lane Cellars
Photographer: Kaitlynn Faith Photo
Hairstylist: Moira Dawley + Nicole Lyn Artistry
MUA: Faith Forcier Makeup
Rentals: TC Tented Events
Band: Ty Parkin
Gown: Pieras Bridal Designer: Justin Alexander
Suit: Mens Wear house
Tanning: Dreamed In Tan

“Our wedding day unfolded in Northern Michigan in October of ’25, a time and place that felt destined from the moment we first started dreaming about it. When we got engaged and began talking through possibilities—venues, seasons, locations—Christian had just two requests: “Up north, and in the fall.”

That was all I needed to hear. Instantly, one place came to mind: Shady Lane Cellars. Every summer I found myself wandering up to the Traverse City area, and without fail, that winery became my favorite stop. Something about those rolling hills warmed by the sun, the vineyards stretching endlessly in every direction, the floral-filled patio clustered around the fire pit, and the character of the rustic architecture always stuck with me. The little tasting room, which unbelievably used to be a chicken coop before it was renovated, only added to its charm. Somehow I knew—it had to be there.

We got engaged on September 1st, 2024, and chose October 4th, 2025 for our wedding day. Just over a year to bring everything to life. We made three trips to the winery in the months leading up to it, but when the actual weekend finally arrived, it still didn’t feel real.

With no wedding planner and no day‑of coordinator, everything came down to us, our families, and our bridal party. And somehow, that made the day feel even more personal—like every piece of it truly belonged to us.

The girls were up early at the on‑site house at 7 AM, getting ready with snacks and mimosas, while the boys stayed at a hotel in town. Planning a fully outdoor wedding in Michigan—in the fall—is not for the faint of heart, and I spent the entire week refreshing the weather app like it was my full‑time job. But in the end, we were blessed with the most perfect, unimaginable weather: 80 degrees and sunshine. A fall miracle.

Everyone tells you to take the day in because it flies, and I never understood that until it started happening. One moment it was morning, and the next it was 2 PM. Our photographer arrived, the groomsmen took their photos, the bridesmaids followed, and suddenly it was time for me to step into my wedding dress. I remember the sun sparkling through the pine trees, the soft hum of guests arriving, and the sight of our 85 closest family and friends finding their seats. In that moment, everything aligned—and nothing else mattered.

The ceremony was short and sweet. Somehow, without comparing notes, Christian and I had written nearly identical vows. We had each chosen to read four vows, a nod to our date—October 4th. The symmetry of our words felt like a sign that we were exactly where we were meant to be.

Cocktail hour featured cheeses and our favorite wines from the vineyard, followed by dinner at the top of the hill overlooking a glowing sunset across the vines. My brother gave a speech that people are still talking about—everyone was on their feet, cheering, and he wore the biggest, proudest smile.

After dinner came the dances. Christian danced with his mom first, and I made a last‑minute decision to split my dance—half with my dad, and half with my brother. It ended up being one of my favorite moments of the night.

From there, everything blurred into joy—dancing to our favorite country songs, surrounded by our favorite people, under string lights and the Northern Michigan sky. It all went by too quickly, but every second felt magical.

Our wedding day was everything we dreamed of and so much more.” – Taylor Wilks, Bride