Real NK Bride Nikki and her husband, Fred, had the most breathtaking lakefront Michigan summer wedding, the perfect blend of natural beauty and heartfelt family involvement. With the serene waters of Pine Lake as the backdrop, every detail was thoughtfully curated to reflect the couple's love for the state and their loved ones. A standout element was the custom veil we had the honor of creating for the bride, adding a personal touch to her stunning look. Keep reading to discover more about this unforgettable day and the custom details that made it truly unique!

The NK Experience

Choosing NK Bride

Nikki was introduced to NK Bride by our friends at Desert Stars Vintage, who told her she just “had to go meet the people next door because they are amazing designers, and she would love them.” Thanks, Janelle! Nikki met Nathalie, Arthur our head tailor, and Ash our accessories designer, who showed her around and discussed our business. "That’s when I got very into this idea of a custom wedding accessory,” Nikki told us. NYC is all about making connections!

The Custom Veil

Being the tried and true fashionista that she is, Nikki told us, “If I had learned about NK Bride earlier, I definitely would have gotten a custom dress.” The concept of having a professional guide her through making a show-stopping piece was interesting and exciting for the future bride. Therefore, the custom veil became a “good happy medium.” An accessory always has the power to make an outfit! “I really wanted us to make a statement piece that would be very memorable because only I would have it, but at the same time, it'd be something that we created together.”

PXL_20240722_154222209.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg

The Design Process

One thing Nikki appreciated about working with Ash, our accessories designer at NK Bride was the accessibility of the design process. "One thing I really liked is that you don’t need to know all the crazy terminology," Nikki says. Even though she wasn’t familiar with the various types of veils and their specific names, we guided her through the options, explaining how each veil would lay and having her try on some veils in our studio to see what style would best complement her dress. From there, they collaborated to find the perfect lace and tulle color that would seamlessly match Nikki’s gown. “We went about designing the whole veil together, where I got to pick every detail.” The client’s voice is always heard at NK Bride!

Working With Nathalie

“One thing about Nathalie is that she is a perfectionist, and when someone's doing anything related to your wedding, you want it to be perfect. I felt like she took everything very seriously.” We don’t keep clients in the dark at NK Bride, so Nathalie made sure to periodically check in with Nikki and update her on the construction status. Meetings and fittings came with ease, and Nikki was always met with excitement whenever she entered the atelier because we really do love our jobs and our clients! “Every step of the way was seamless and perfect.”

The Final Product

The moment Nikki tried on the veil with her dress, she knew she had the perfect outfit. “It really brought the entire look together. The way the veil changed the overall look made me feel like a bride. It was so special," she said, reflecting on the experience.

An Heirloom Piece

Nikki describes herself as a non-sentimental bride who plans on selling her wedding dress and other bridal items, so we were happy to hear that she wants to keep her veil! "The veil feels different because I was involved in creating it, and that’s always going to make it super special,” she said. “It just goes to show that if you are going to spend money on something, maybe it should be the veil because it’s something that you can keep with you. It doesn’t take up space.” It’s all about striking a balance between sentimental value and practicality.

PXL_20240722_154329427.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg

PXL_20240722_153710784.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg

Dress Alterations

Nathalie also assisted with alterations to Nikki’s dresses, ensuring everything fit perfectly. The ceremony dress was a bit long, so Nathalie shortened it. For her second look, Nikki wore a vintage dress, an homage to her background in selling vintage clothing. However, it was sheer in the bust, so Nathalie worked closely with Nikki to find lace that matched the original fabric. "It was a super delicate vintage dress, and Nathalie was the perfect person to trust with it."

Nikki’s second dress was sourced from Desert Stars Vintage, the same store that introduced her to us. "It felt like a cool, local small business moment, having both of them play a part in my wedding looks," she added.

The Wedding Dress

When it came to choosing her outfits, Nikki’s selections were driven by more than just aesthetics—they were deeply tied to the experiences she had while shopping. Being surrounded by gorgeous vintage items in a cool apartment building, and picking pieces that will always remind her of the business owners’ stories was what she cherished most. She explained that this story-based mentality governed many of her wedding choices, including working with Nathalie in our beautiful studio.

Nikki ultimately aimed for a timeless and classic look for her wedding day. It came together perfectly with her custom veil, completing the timeless ensemble she envisioned for her big day. Keep scrolling to see the reception dress!

Finding Fred

Nikki’s journey with Fred began only six months after she moved to New York City at age 24, bypassing the unsavory NYC dating stereotypes. “Everyone says dating in New York is tough, but I got lucky,” she says, recalling their first meeting through mutual friends at a bar. “I always felt like I would meet someone in my 30s, but we've just grown up together.” Nikki quickly felt a natural ease and comfort with Fred that set him apart from her past relationships.

As far as knowing when Fred was the one, Nikki had a different approach. “I feel like you don't really ever know anyone's the one,” she told us. Over time, their bond deepened as they navigated life’s challenges together, like the loss of her dad and starting her business. “You do start to have a point in your life where you look at the person and think, ‘How could I spend my life with anyone else?’” Nikki emphasizes that true partnership means being there for each other through all of life’s ups and downs.

The Proposal

Fred’s proposal was a beautifully intimate moment. He set up their apartment with roses, candles, and photos of their memories, coordinating with Nikki’s friends to keep her out of the house. Unfortunately, Nikki happened to forget her key that day, prompting Fred to have to let her in, slightly ruining the surprise, but it was a dream nonetheless. It was a sweet, private moment filled with heartfelt words. Afterward, they celebrated with family, including Nikki’s mom who Fred flew out for the occasion, and friends at a picturesque waterfront bar.

Nikki tried on rings with her mom and sister and used Pinterest to save designs she liked before sending the pictures to Fred. The ring features a large round diamond in the center flanked by two smaller diamonds, set on a delicate gold band. Fred almost backed out of getting his wisdom teeth removed, in fear of accidentally revealing the ring in his post-removal stupor! In the end, the ring turned out perfectly and matched Nikki’s style beautifully.

Wedding Inspiration

Nikki let the location of her wedding be the essence of the theme and inspiration. Specifically, reminiscent of the summers she spent growing up in her hometown because “nowhere in the world is more beautiful than northern Michigan.” She wanted a setting that showcased nature, so they chose Pine Lake, a venue with panoramic lake views that required minimal decoration. The focus was on classic elegance and simplicity, with a demure color palette and lots of candles rather than elaborate floral arrangements. Timelessness was key—being able to look back on the day and love the style regardless of how many years have passed.

Involving her friends and family in the process and showcasing their talents was an important aspect for Nikki. Her mom, a wedding planner, handled many details, while her illustrator friend designed the invitations and menus. They also enlisted a friend as the DJ, some as videographers, and one on her way to becoming a wedding coordinator for day-of logistics, reflecting her belief in the value of meaningful connections over material objects.

The First Look

With all the chaos and prep leading up to the ceremony, Nikki was anxious to see her groom, so the first look was the perfect opportunity to unite. “The sooner we could be together, the better because we just wanted to truly spend the day together.” The moment was not only filled with tears but also lots of laughter and joking just like a normal interaction between them. Nikki even had Fred guess what she was wearing, turning it into a fun game. “There are no words to describe exactly how I felt. It’s just us. We’re just so each other and so for each other,” Nikki explained. Sometimes the best moments can only be lived and can’t be retold.

The Bridesmaids

Nikki and Fred wanted to ensure everyone felt comfortable and confident in their own style. They provided a pastel color palette as a guideline, allowing the bridesmaids to select dresses that best suited their personalities and bodies. This approach ensured that each bridesmaid felt unique and beautiful, while still fitting seamlessly into the summery aesthetic of the wedding.

The Ceremony

Like all the planning and details, the family-centric celebration continued into the ceremony. Fred’s siblings officiated the wedding, telling stories and jokes about the lovebirds, taking away the pressure, while Fred’s aunt did a lovely reading. “It made everyone feel more comfortable. There were no nerves because our family was up there together,” including Nikki’s sister as her maid of honor and Fred’s brother as his best man. “I feel like family is what marriage is about.”

The Reception

“Our reception was a lakeside dream come true!” After the cocktail hour illuminated by hanging lights atop a balcony overlooking the lake, the reception began with a delicious candlelit dinner followed by a delectable dessert. “We had a delicious red velvet cake with a strawberry filling. It was the perfect complement to the summery vibe of the wedding.” As the night progressed, the party moved to a bar room where the couple’s DJ friend transformed the space into a lively club for late-night festivities.

As for the fashion, “I got my second look in this beautiful, small apartment where a bird was flying around. It was such a unique experience,” Nikki told us. It was a creation from Cinema by Panos Zinas.

Advice for Future Brides

“Embrace the beauty of the location that you choose! A Michigan summer wedding offers so many unique opportunities for outdoor activities and stunning backdrops. Don't be afraid to incorporate local elements into your wedding to make it truly memorable. For example, we had a Traverse City Salad to start which incorporated Michigan's signature fruits and vegetables. The beauty of the lake itself was enough to make the wedding memorable.”

The Favorite Moment

“Our favorite part was watching the sunset over the lake as we danced with our loved ones. It was such a magical and romantic moment. We’ll never forget it!”