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

Updated on February 2, 2022

Frances and Andrew

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

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

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

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The Ring Bearer

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

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Eclectic Elements

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

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The Welcome Gifts

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

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The Ceremony

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

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Father Daughter

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

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

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Family Time

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

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The Sheep

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

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

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Giant Chickens

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

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The Hors d'Oeuvres

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

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Elegant Bites

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

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The Tablescape

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

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

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

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The Pool

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

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A Custom Crest

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

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The Guest Book

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

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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