Two Shops, One Vision By Rebecca Voigt   |   Photos by Dominika Stypula-Nawrocki Beloved Bridal in Ann Arbor has been a favorite with Michigan brides since its opening in 2019. With a second location now open in downtown Detroit, we caught up with founder Ashley Sheehan to learn about Beloved’s next chapter. Nearlywed: What inspired you to start Beloved Bridal? Ashley Sheehan: Our Ann Arbor boutique was born out of a simple wish: that bridal could [...]

Let the Games Begin By Kerri Molitor Newly opened in Grand Rapids, Silva is a “dinnertainment” venue ready to host your wedding, bachelor or bachelorette party, or any special event. Located in a historic 1921 furniture factory, Silva combines games and curated events with music and theater performances within their unique 1,400-person venue. “Our whole vision at Silva is for people to put down their phones and meet someone new,” explains event director Karina [...]

La Isla Bonita By Rebecca Voigt Peter Island Resort, the largest private island resort in the British Virgin Islands and a renowned honeymoon destination, is back — and better than ever. Since closing in 2017 when hurricanes Irene and Maria ravaged the Caribbean, the resort has undergone a complete reimaging that has transformed it to a new level of luxury. Now located on a spectacular stretch of Deadman’s Beach, the resort offers guests new [...]

Flowers That Pop By Kerri Molitor   |   Photos by Bryan Esler Photo/Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and courtesy of Niksi Home & Floral Nicole Ludema, the artistic mind behind the new boutique Niksi Home & Floral, loves to create floral arrangements that are intentionally designed. Her downtown Grand Rapids shop features pre-made bouquets and carefully curated artisanal and vintage home goods. The store also sells gift cards ideal for bridal showers or thank-you gifts. Ludema also [...]

Chapeau de Mariage By Giuseppa Nadrowski   |   Photos courtesy of Boswell Millinery In the early 1990s, Boswell Hardwick, the founder and owner of Metro Detroit-based Boswell Millinery, was doing hair and makeup for editorial photo shoots for both local and national publications. It was during this time that he saw legendary rap artist LL Cool J don his iconic bucket hat — a hat that would inspire Hardwick to begin his millinery journey. “I really [...]

Let Them Eat Cake By Rebecca Voigt   |   Photo by Ellie Frances Photography Whether you’re planning an elaborate bachelorette party or a last-minute elopement, a sweet treat from A Bite More Bakery’s Quick Order cake menu is the perfect addition to your celebration. Launched in early 2025, the quick order line features cakes that are beautiful, timeless, and highly detailed. From designs curated to match their flavors — think Triple Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, and [...]

Photo by Keepers by Kelly Planning and designing a wedding can be both complex and expensive — however, Amy and Doug Collins have launched Blue Sky Event Rentals to offer couples an affordable way to plan the weddings of their dreams. The duo combines decades of wedding planning and design experience with trendy and affordable rental products, all chosen with their couples in mind. Amy and Doug are the couple behind The Collins [...]

Looking for a sustainable — but beautiful — option for your wedding stationery? West Michigan stationery designer Kayleigh Dumond has created a line of eco-friendly invitations printed on seed paper that blooms into wildflowers when planted. Available in her Etsy shop alongside traditional stationery, Dumond’s seed paper offerings were inspired by a book she read in college, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart. “It explained the [...]