Journeyman Distillery Wedding – Matt and Anthony

Matt and Anthony’s stunning winter wedding took place at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan.  This location was extra special to them because it is where the two got engaged.

The day started off relaxed and easy with Matt and Anthony getting ready at The Marina Grand Hotel before heading to Journeyman for the big event. After consulting you tube to ensure a properly tied bow-tie, the went around the space to take some portraits with their photographers from Sally O’Donnell Photography.  Meanwhile, the Five Grain Team was making sure everything was going well with set-up.  The space looked stunning in perfect afternoon light surrounded by breathtaking views of the snowy Michigan fields outside.  As guests started arriving, our good-looking grooms headed to the VIP room at Journeyman to hide out before the ceremony started. Excitement was in the air and everyone was so happy to celebrate the love that Matt and Anthony have for one another.

The flowers and décor were provided by Flower for Dreams.  The centerpieces included delicate florals surrounded by luscious greenery and succulents that perfectly complemented the venue and the couple’s aesthetic.  Matt and Anthony purchased airplane-sized bottles of Journeyman whiskey which served as both escort cards and a fun takeaway for their guests.

Matt and Anthony were so pleasant, wonderful, and thoughtful.  Throughout our entire setup, the grooms popped in to see how everything was going. Their smiles and fun loving attitudes definitely made the wedding day feel alive for the vendor team and guests alike. We couldn’t wait to hear them finally say “I Do”!

Wedding guests started trickling in shortly after a mini bus from Windy City Limo transported them to the venue.  The grooms had an amazing vision for their day and they wanted guests to really enjoy themselves, so they held a brief wedding cocktail before everyone sat down for the service.  The anticipation of the ceremony was building, and once cocktails were over guests were encouraged to take their seats.  It was incredibly touching watching Anthony and Matt’s glowing mothers “give them away” after marching proudly down the aisle together.  The wedding was officiated by the legendary Chicago Breakfast Queen Ina Pinkney, who brought the house down with her personal anecdotes and touching ceremony.

After the ceremony, our newly-married grooms returned to the VIP room for a moment alone as our guests transitioned to the cocktail hour.  The Beverage Specialists and Journeyman Distillery helped make sure both wine and spirits were flowing all night long.  The Five Grain Team, accompanied by Journeyman’s staff, hustled to flip the ceremony space into the reception area for the evening.  Each table was dressed with rentals from Classic Party Rentals, a charcuterie board from Pleasant House Bakery, and all the flawless florals from Flowers for Dreams.  

When (2nd) cocktail hour ended, we opened the drapes to reveal the newly-transformed reception space.  Anthony’s attendant, Monica, gave a very touching toast on the history of their friendship. Anthony and Matt are huge foodies, so it was no surprise they brought some of the best Chicago cuisine with them to Michigan.  Each guest enjoyed a famous Royal Pie from the acclaimed Pleasant House Bakery and a piece of one of their decadent cakes from Café Selmarie.  Anthony’s father, Michael, gave a heart-warming toast before everyone dug into their delicious dinners.  After the meal was over, Anthony and Matt thanked everyone for coming and celebrating their big day and invited everyone to join them on the dance floor for their first dance.

It was a joyous and lively dance floor throughout the evening, and the party ended perfectly with the apropos song “The Dog Days are Over” by Florence and the Machine.  At the end of the evening, guests were all smiles when they saw the thank you gifts from the grooms, a bag of custom-blended Sparrow coffee branded with a photo of the grooms on the front!

We feel incredibly lucky and honored to take some part in executing such a momentous occasion with such wonderful people.  We enjoyed every trip to Michigan and hearing about (and seeing!) your wonderful love story.  Matt and Anthony, you are a shining embodiment of the idea that “love is love” (….and love and love and love!) and we appreciate the opportunity to have a glimpse into your forever story.  We wish you many tiny airplane bottles of Whiskey in your future.  Cheers!