Jim & Tia
May 19, 2012
Knight’s Courtyard Ceremony
Knight’s Castle Reception
The saying “When you’re least expecting it, it will happen” was a true statement in my case. I gave up looking for my soul mate and decided I was going to let whatever happens, happen. A mutual friend of ours set Jim and me up on a “somewhat” blind date (having only seen a picture of each other). At first, I was unsure if I wanted to go on another blind date, due to previously failed ones. But I eventually agreed, figuring “What do I have to lose?” Jim and I met at Bravo in Lansing for dinner. Both of us were very nervous, wondering what one would think of the other. But as soon as we met, we were both very relieved! The two of us hit it off from the start and it turned out to be a great night! We both have children from previous relationships and we talked about them a lot. There was only one thing that made me wonder if this would ever work: Jim isn’t fond of dogs, and I have a dog. But I like Jim a lot, so I proceeded to date him anyway. After many dates, Jim finally met my dog, Mischa, and he fell in love! That’s when I knew for sure Jim was the one for me!
The day Jim proposed, I’d just got back from having a “Girl’s Weekend” with my family and a few friends up north in Charlevoix. When I got to Jim’s house, he seemed very nervous, but also giddy! First, he gave me a box and told me to open it. Inside was a beautiful Pandora bracelet, and on the bracelet were three charms. One was my birthstone, one was his birthstone, and the middle one had a heart. After boasting about that for a few minutes, he said, “Know what else I have?” Then he pulled out the ring and asked me to marry him! I’d been so tired after my long drive home, but the minute he asked me, I woke up, thrilled and excited… and of course I said “Yes!”
Jim has a cottage on Lake Charlevoix exactly one mile from Castle Farms. When Jim and I were dating, we spent several weekends at the cottage. Every time we visited, we drove by the Castle! So, of course, I really wanted to have our wedding there. I finally convinced him to just go and “check” it out. When we did, Jim fell in love, too! We picked the Knights Courtyard for our wedding ceremony and the Knights Castle for the reception. Even though the Castle has an inside chapel, I really wanted the ceremony outside in the courtyard, and I prayed for NO RAIN!! When our wedding day dawn, all my prayers were answered! It was sunny and 85 degrees, with not a cloud in the sky! It was absolutely AMAZING!
My hair and makeup was done by Melinda ( Fran Coy’s Salon , Ann Arbor), and Amy and Kara from Personal Images , Jackson. Jennifer, from BLOOM , did an amazing job with the floral arrangements, plus setting up the birch candle décor which my dad had made. Sheila, from Tableau Events, did all the linen and papery and helped decorate the candy bar. She also did an amazing job! Don and Stacy, from Dr Films , were awesome with the videography, and very professional! E’lisa and Chris, with E.C. Campbell Photography , were so sweet and patient, putting up with Jim and me all day! Our minister, Rev. Dr. Bob Hundley, was great! Hannah from All Cakes All Occasions made tasty cupcakes. Great food, bartending, and service was provided by Grey Gables Inn Restaurant & Catering. The best entertainment from Captain Steve from Pro DJ’s , with help from Theodore with the photo booth! We had so many compliments on how beautiful the Castle was for our wedding. Jim and I couldn’t have been more pleased with everything and the Castle Farms’ staff! Everyone truly helped make our wedding a fairytale come true!
