Getting to work in my home town of Geneva, Illinois was enough of a stroke of luck, but meeting Alyssa, Mikey, Alyssa’s mom Stacy, and planning their incredible wedding was a true dream. Stacy lives next door to my mother in law, which is how we were connected in the beginning, but after meeting them for the first time, I knew they were my kind of people. The deep and decadent vision they had for Alyssa and Mikey’s day drew me in within a minute, and we spent the next year dreaming up every little detail together. As high school sweethearts - who were together for 10 years before they wed - Alyssa + Mikey knew each other, and themselves, better than anyone, and it showed in all the beautiful moments of their day.

The all start vendor team created another world at The Herrington Inn, one that we wanted to celebrate this sweet couple in forever! The Fox River provided the perfect backdrop for dripping florals, Victorian flair, and gilded moments that specked this sparkling evening. Designing the day alongside everyone was incredible, and I owe a special thanks to our Katie Fortney for coordinating the day perfectly while I started my maternity leave with my baby boy born only 3 weeks before. A team effort all around, and a stunning result.

Cheer’s to you, A+M! Your day was so special, and so are the two of you. Xo - Noelle

All photos courtesy of Loren Weddings.

The day began with Alyssa and her gals at Stacy’s house. A relaxed, stunning October morning filled with laughter and glam by the always amazing Tamara Hair and Makeup team. The boys got ready at The Herrington Inn, our venue and inn on the river in historic downtown Geneva.

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We worked with the ever amazing Emery Ann Design to create a stunning and decadent invitation suite that complemented the burgundy, plum, and midnight color palate we had selected for the celebration. These hues spilled over into all the details of the day, from Alyssa’s shoes to the ribbon that tied everything together.

Alyssa had a truly iconic moment getting into her black wedding gown and sharing first looks with her bridesmaids, and her dad, which brought tears all around. Jamie Loren captured every second from top to bottom, and every perfect moment in between.

Once at the Herrington, Alyssa + Mikey shared a first look with each other, before heading to the Fox River for portraits with their crew.

Meanwhile, the Life in Bloom team was building an incredible ceremony site in the Herrington Courtyard. When dreaming up the arch, we wanted it to feel like a magical backdrop, dripping with florals and surrounding the couple in winding vines and romantic blooms. This secret autumnal garden was a true showstopper, made even more enchanting with music from harpist Dawn Bishop.

Then, after so many years in love, Alyssa + Mikey walked down the aisle into their forever, surrounded by their favorite people.

Married!

Cocktail hour and reception took place inside the historic inn, where the beauty just kept on coming. Old world charm with sumptuous velvets draped the space, spilling over with Edwardian-esque opulence that took guests into a romantic candle-lit dinner. When designing the space and all its elements, we aimed for a vintage charm with Gothic elegance, and wow was it delivered.

Cake, grand entrances, speeches, and chatting over meals ensued - truly the most spellbinding dinner party we have been to!

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Before we knew it, it was time for Matt Roan to spin the tunes, visit the Fotio booth, grab a freshly rolled cigar, and dance the night away

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Congratulations, Alyssa + Mikey! Your day was one we will not soon forget, and one we’ll want to revisit over and over again. Your love is truly to die for!