For the Love of Love: Time to Party

With my dress converted, our guests enjoying cocktail hour, and all our formal pictures taken, it was time to head over to the reception! I would just like to take this chance to again thank the staff at Arcadia and, Diane, a family friend. They did all the set-up. I was so blown away at how clearly and beautifully they interpreted my vision. In just two hours, they turned the restaurant into the reception venue of my dreams!

Guest photo

They set up the candy buffet! I must admit, I had been a little nervous about green and blue candy looking too "little kid-ish" or unnatural, but I think it turned out great!

The staff even took the time to re-do the menu boards for our special day! That was a sweet surprise!

The cake got it's own table with heart streamers made from the left-over hearts from making the ring-book! (you can sort of see them in this picture!) Our little toppers looked so cute, and many people commented on how "us" they were.

Our sweetheart table was adorable! The Mr. & Mrs. signs I had made looked great! I had not thought about putting the doily banners on our table, in fact, when I was dropping off decorations, I think my exact words were, "put these where ever they look good." (Later in the evening, they were used by some guests as feather boas for...sexy dances...(?))

Our Jar/doily centerpieces were also a hit. The majority of guest tables at Arcadia are made out of old doors. The dark wood looked great with the doilies and the candle light everywhere gave the whole room a romantic glow (especially later in the evening). As a side note, one of Mr. Aardvark's cousins used a few of them (with different colored ribbon) for her graduation open house! I was so thrilled A) that they were used again and B ) to see a bit of my wedding pop up unexpectedly.

The scene was set it was time for our grand entrance! The best party I have ever attended was about to get started!

As a side note, the tray of cupcakes were for people who came to Arcadia for dinner but were turned away because it was closed for a "private event". The got a cupcake and a coupon. I had no idea until later in the evening that this was going on but, what a great idea! As a venue, they continued to impress me even after the planning was done! If you are ever in south west Michigan, you have to check them out!


All photos by Michael Terri Studios Unless otherwise noted.

Miss a recap? Don't fret! Here they are!

1.) For the Love of Love: Practice Makes Perfect
2.) For the Love of Love: DIY Flowers]
4.) For the Love of Love: Dudes Become Gentlemen
5.) For the Love of Love: The Girls get Fancy
6.) For the Love of Love: Final Moments as A Miss
7.) For the Love of Love: Before God & Everybody
8.) For the Love of Love: "Formals"
9.) For the Love of Love: A Stroll in the Park

10.) For the Love of Love: The Switcheroo