Emory and Zephan planned a wedding day that felt deeply personal in the best way. Earthy, family-oriented, packed with meaning, and full of little details that were not just “decor,” they were pieces of their story.
Their day was at Marion Magnolia Farms in Cassopolis, Michigan. They originally wanted an outdoor ceremony and an outdoor reception, and even though the rain showed up, the backup plan still kept everything feeling warm, connected, and very “them.”
Why They Chose Marion Magnolia Farms
When Emory and Zephan were searching for venues, they had a few things that really mattered. They wanted to be within about an hour of South Bend, and they wanted lodging nearby so their families could stay together. Marion Magnolia Farms checked both boxes, especially with the big lodges near Stone Lake that they rented for the weekend.
They also paid attention to the practical stuff that makes a wedding day smoother, like the bridal suite, bathrooms, parking, accessibility for a wheelchair, and having a solid rain plan. And once they met Brittany from MMF, Emory was sold. Organized, kind, and the type of person you instantly trust with your day.
The Dress Find That Finally Felt Right
Emory found her dress at Eva’s Bridal International in Chicago. It’s an Ashley and Justin gown (style 10804), and after trying on a bunch of dresses over multiple outings, she knew she wanted Mikado or satin.
The funny part is that “the one” ended up being on the sale rack. She put it on and it clicked immediately.
Then Peggy at Greta’s Bridal in South Bend worked some serious magic on alterations, including a big size change. Emory could not say enough good things about her, and honestly, we love hearing that because a great seamstress is basically a wedding-day superhero.
The Pre-Wedding Nerves
Zephan’s biggest stress was making sure everyone had a great time, and also finishing all the paper goods like menus and signage. Emory’s nerves were mostly weather-related, which is extremely relatable. She kept reminding herself that it would be beautiful either way, and that mindset carried the whole day.
First Look And Private Vows
Both of them said this was one of the most meaningful parts of the day, and we totally get why. A first look with private vows gives you a quiet pocket of time where it’s just the two of you, before the day turns into a joyful blur.
And when the rain shows up, those private moments matter even more. They ground you. They remind you, “Cool, we’re married. Everything else is just extra.”
A Ceremony Built By Their People
This ceremony was full of intentional choices and family involvement, and you could feel it in the room.
Emory’s father, Jeffrey, officiated. Emory’s mom, Bridget, walked her down the aisle, and Zephan’s mom, Michelle, walked him down the aisle.
Charlie, Emory’s stepfather, played “The Power of Love” by Celine Dion on flugelhorn for their procession, which is the kind of detail that makes guests go, “Okay wait, this is awesome.”
They also included readings and blessings from family, including an excerpt from The Little Prince (read by Zephan’s sister, Sarah) and a reading from Romans (read by Zephan’s brother, Asher). The lazo was a family heirloom from Zephan’s paternal grandmother, and it was placed on a plate that belonged to Emory’s grandmother.
Even the altar table details were layered with meaning, like the tablecloth made by Bridget and the red floral handkerchief from Emory’s great-grandmother.
Handmade Details Everywhere
If you love a wedding where the details actually mean something, this day was a masterclass.
The flowers were arranged by Emory’s aunts Tracy and Kris, including the florals on the arbor. The arbor itself was built by Jeffrey. Emory and Jeffrey built giant Jenga. Jeffrey also made custom cornhole boards with a routed monogram.
Zephan created all of the paper products, menus, and signage. He also built an audio guestbook using an old phone with a Raspberry Pi inside, which is wildly cool and very “them.”
They had an anniversary card guestbook where guests wrote a card for a specific future anniversary, plus a calendar guestbook so friends and family could add birthdays and anniversaries for years to come.
And a detail we loved: Emory, Zephan, and Bridget painted glass vases to look like terracotta. That is commitment, and it looked so good.
The Rain Plan, And The Moment That Hit Them Both
They would have loved to be outside, but the day still flowed beautifully. Honestly, the biggest wins are always the same, no matter the weather. Great people, a solid plan, and a couple who’s fully present.
One of the moments they both said will stick with them forever happened during Rae and Jeffrey’s singing, when the lyric “lucky I’m in love with my best friend” landed and they looked at each other like, “Yep. That’s it.”
Toasts, Dancing, And The Game Shows
The reception had a little bit of everything. Meaningful dinner conversations, Charlie’s toast (which both of them called out as a favorite), and the kind of dancing moments that make the whole room feel lighter.
They also built in game shows, and apparently they were packed with spontaneous, funny moments. That’s the sweet spot. You can plan the framework, but the best parts always happen in the little surprises inside it.
Also, Zephan’s shoutout of the night: everyone cleaning up insanely fast. If you’ve ever tried to do a venue exit with family help, you already know what a blessing that is.
Quick Planning Tip
If having everyone stay together matters to you, choose your venue with lodging logistics in mind, not as an afterthought. Emory and Zephan nailed this by picking a venue close to large lodges, which kept the weekend feeling like one connected experience, not a bunch of separate moving parts.
And if you want an outdoor ceremony, pick a venue with a rain plan you actually like. Not one you tolerate. You’ll feel the difference if the weather pivots.
Emory and Zephan’s Wedding Day Vendors:
Photography: Westley Leon Studios // Venue: Marion Magnolia Farms // Florals: Viavi Flower Farm (Suzi Batdorff) // Rentals: Aays Event Rentals (JJ Szulczyk) // Hair: Lauren Kelly // Makeup: Lauren Hybels (Arcane Beauty) // Attire: Eva’s Bridal International (Ashley and Justin 10804), Alterations by Peggy at Greta’s Bridal // Catering: Classic Catering & Events // Dessert: Macri’s Italian Bakery (tiramisu), Chef Glenn at The Flatiron at The Point on Penn (flourless chocolate cake), family-made carrot cake
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