Ai and Jacob

East meets West...

After a celebrating a wedding in Japan, it was time for Ai and Jake to travel to Michigan for an American style wedding at Orchard Lake Country Club. An engagement ring from Tiffany's set the tone for this couple's celebration. The reception was as dazzling as any diamond could be! An all white palate was highlighted with subtle touches of that famous Tiffany blue appearing here and there.

Although an outdoor wedding was Plan A for this day, the torrential rain was responsible for implementing Plan B and the ceremony took place inside the club's ballroom. As with all outdoor events, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature, but none the less, the focus on what this day is all about doesn't change and the intimate setting allowed all to witness the vows that were  heartfelt and meaningful with or without sunshine!

The terrace at Orchard Lake Country Club overlooks a beautiful lake that is almost that same famous shade of Tiffany blue! The terrace was set with white lounge furniture sporting custom pillows that matched the Tiffany colors found in the table linens - all wonderful rentals supplied by Special Events Rental. The perfect floral touch, floating white gardenias, stayed true to the clean lines of the Tiffany look. Florals were created by Breath of Spring. White coffee tables were set with books of photographic essays about Japan and during cocktail hour, the photos of Japan were the inspiration for many great conversations...that is IF one was not at the sushi bar that even on a hot day was being kept cool with a custom carved ice counter keeping the sushi at the perfect temps!

In the dining room, everyone's attention was on the Tiffany Wedding Cake that was created by Sweet and Savory Bake Shop in Oxford, Michigan. Just like opening one of those amazing Tiffany boxes, cutting the cake was an exciting moment for the bride and groom!

Not only did Sweet and Savory deliver a fabulous wedding cake, but they also delivered cut out cookies and the cookie design was a Tiffany box with bow! The cookies were some of the best I have seen - the decorating was exact and fitting this celebration. Cookies were presented at the door for guests as they departed - it was the final surprise of the night!

Orchard Lake's chef created a special menu for this celebration. The guests began their dining experience with an Asian salad topped with wonton crisps. The duet entree was the perfect combination of a filet with a hoisin shitake demi glace paired with San Francisco sea bass with soy ginger vinaigrette. Haystack vegetables and oriental rice gave the plate both interest and color.

When it came to time to party, the excitement started with a display of fireworks over the lake followed by an explosive performance by the band, Rumplestiltskin, who was set on an all white stage with Tiffany blue uplighting. Baskets of flip flops made for some fancy footwork till the end of the night!

 

The evening was an ideal mix of eastern and western traditions, Everyone left this reception impressed with a bride and groom who were so eloquent in their speeches that one did not need a translator to know the depths of their love for their family and their friends!

Thanks to Ray Anthony Photography and 5th and Main for capturing these special moments on film...this celebration will be enjoyed for years to come!

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