A chic lakeside soirée redefines Up North wedding fashion.
This article first appeared in Traverse Northern Michigan. Find this story and more when you explore our magazine library. Want Traverse delivered to your door or inbox monthly? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.
Photo by Amy Carroll Photography
On a beautiful summer day in Northern Michigan, Riley Billingsley Juárez and Adrián Juárez celebrated their love lakeside at the private residence of Riley’s aunt and uncle, Brenda and Ross. Since Riley was a little girl, she dreamed of one day saying “I do” among their lush gardens, surrounded by the beauty of their one-of-a-kind Traverse City property.
Like many couples, Riley and Adrián wanted their wedding to reflect their own bold style. Long gone are the days of the “traditional” wedding planning approach; couples are redefining what it means to plan their big day and are more excited than ever to think outside the box.
For Riley and Adrián, that personalized approach involved sharing their story, including their family and honoring their culture.
When starting the planning process, they first focused on weaving their love story into their special day, and theirs began in a Los Angeles restaurant where they both worked. Riley and Adrián found creative ways to pay homage to their meeting wherever they could—from the invitations Riley designed to look like old-school guest checks, to the restaurant-themed table numbers.
It was also important to them to include their families’ stories. For Riley, that meant taking part in a time-honored tradition of riding in her grandmother’s convertible Oldsmobile Cutlass—the pride and joy of their family. Like many other couples in Riley’s family, Riley and Adrián cruised the streets of Traverse City post-ceremony in the beloved vintage sports car.
Photo by Amy Carroll Photography
The couple also honored Adrián’s Mexican heritage and culture on their big day.
“Traverse City is my hometown and a place that means so much to both of us, but honoring my husband’s Mexican heritage to show the melding of our two families was really important to us,” Riley says.
Photo by Amy Carroll Photography
“The inspiration for my suit was the iconic heroes of Mexico—the ‘charros’ that were movie stars, musical super stars, and the mariachi who would play at my family gatherings for celebrations,” Adrián says. “It’s about looking up to them and paying homage not only to my culture, but also to the spirit of celebration.” The fabric was purchased at B.Black & Sons, which has been open since 1922 in the heart of the Los Angeles Garment District, and custom made by El Charrito.
The groom’s mother, Angelica, sourced personalized papel picado banners from Mexico that are displayed in times of celebration, especially weddings. The banners adorned the ceiling of the reception tent, and colorful pom-poms lined the ceremony aisle way.
The couple’s love of vibrant colors and eclectic designs inspired their entire wedding vision. From jaw-dropping style (hello, babydoll pink tulle wedding dress and charro suit!) to the perfect finishing touches (Riley’s pink tulle veil embroidered with cherries), each choice the couple made reflected their creative, fun-loving style.
Photo by Amy Carroll Photography
On Trend
Bold Groom Fashion
Grooms are stepping away from the classic black or navy suit, and also opting for accessories that are a little less formal, like Adrián’s white and maroon Nike high tops that he wore to the reception.
Stylish Accessories
Accessorizing is the best way to tie your signature style together, much like Riley did with her embroidered blush-pink veil. “I knew I wanted to wear a bow veil à la Julia Roberts in ‘Runaway Bride,’” Riley says. “My mom found this pink tulle with cherries at EB2 in Traverse City and gave it to me thinking maybe I could use it for something wedding related. My friend Mason was able to make the fabric into a stunning veil with a pink bow on top. It seemed fitting to honor my TC roots!”
Dessert Stations
Couples are skipping the traditional wedding cake and requesting smaller, less conventional wedding cakes and/or offering an assortment of sweets for their guests to enjoy. Riley and Adrián chose an ice cream sundae bar from Moomers Homemade Ice Cream.
Personalization
In the modern-day wedding planning process, personalization is everything. The little touches are often most loved and appreciated by your nearest and dearest. Guests want to feel like they just walked away from an event that was uniquely you.
Photo by Amy Carroll Photography
Wedding Resources
Event Planning & Design: Conradie Event Design
Photography: Amy Carroll Photography
Floral Design: Bittersweet & Co Floral
Beauty: K. Noelle Artistry
Dress: Mac Duggal, Anthropologie Weddings
Suit: B.Black & Sons, El Charrito
Catering: Boathouse Restaurant
Bar: Mammoth Distilling
Dessert: Moomers Ice Cream
Entertainment: Chris Smith & DJ Marco
Rentals: Event Theory, GJ’s Rentals, Gigi & LaClede, BBJ La Tavola Linens
Transportation: Blue Lakes By The Bay
Photo by Amy Carroll Photography
Photo by Amy Carroll Photography
Photo by Amy Carroll Photography