Ben and Anna were introduced by a mutual friend an entire decade before they began dating. Life slowly and surely kept bringing them back to each other through the town of Culver. They both at various times moved to and away from Culver and then moved back before love finally united them. At any given time, this love story could have easily been derailed by a minor decision, a moment of doubt, or a tiny delay. Somehow everything lined up beautifully to bring Ben and Anna to each other. Because simply being in Culver at the right place and the right time was such a huge part of Ben and Anna falling in love, the town of Culver was like a supporting character in their love story. Culver charm and lore was featured heavily in all of their wedding celebration and Culver is where they will be settling down together with Annemarie to begin their life as a married couple.

Culver is a lake town. It’s built around 1800 acre Lake Maxinkuckee and is a mecca for midwesterners who want to row or sail. Because of that history and the couple’s love for the water, Ben and Anna’s Culver Academy wedding had a tasteful nautical theme and beautiful florals, navy, and gold united the entire day. Their wedding was formal and traditionally religious and by contrast the reception was outdoor lakeside casual.

A fabulous team of seasoned professionals helped this day to come together. I’d like to give them a huge shout out, especially to my favorite wedding coordinator/planner, Elizabeth, who is an awesome team player for weddings! I’ve worked with her several times now and she’s fantastic.

Wedding Coordination: Elizabeth of The Garden by Liz – Culver, IN
Wedding Party Brunch: Culver Coffee Co. – Culver IN
Flowers: The Garden by Liz – Culver IN
Makeup: Sta Glam – Valporaiso, IN
Hair: Michelle and Angie of Michelle’s Headquarters – Culver, IN
Trumpet: Craig Heitger – South Bend, IN
String Quartet: Culver Adademies Music – Culver, IN
Ceremony Venue: Culver Academies: Culver Memorial Chapel – Culver, IN
Reception Venue: Culver Marina – Culver, IN
Catering: Ever-Green Eatery – Rochester, IN
Dessert: Original Root Beer Stand – Culver, IN
Band: Midwest Dualing Pianos – Rochester, MI
Shuttle Service: Royal Excursion – Mishawaka, IN

Just in case you can’t read the card, it says: “Something new. Love, Ben” He bought Anna these pearl earrings for the wedding. Swoon…

Anna wore a pearl necklace that had belonged to her grandmother. The box they were stored in show their age, but the pearls themselves were timeless.

For the couple’s first look, Annemarie went out and got Ben to turn around and see Anna.

Ben lost it when he saw Anna, but then cried even more when he looked down and saw Annemarie.

No joke, Annemarie actually exclaimed “We’re a family now!” during the first look. (I’m not crying! YOU’RE crying!)

Annemarie took her job carrying the train very seriously… until her arm got tired. So precious!

What you can’t see in this picture is the sound of the 51 bell carillon ringing in the background.

After the ceremony, the guests were shuttled to the southeast corner of the lake to enjoy the reception under a tent at the Culver Marina.

This cutout cracks. me. up. The couple really does bare more than just a passing resemblance to Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Anna’s grandfather, Button, gave a stirring speech at the reception. He told a story about how Anna once saved her late grandmother’s life when they were on a shopping trip together. To call it moving seems like an understatement, I’m pretty sure he made the entire tent cry.

Instead of cake, the couple wanted to bring in an extra touch of Culver flavor. They had staff from the Original Root Beer Stand, a beloved local landmark, on hand to hand scoop root beer floats for all the guests.

Midwest Dualing Pianos ALWAYS brings down the house. I’ve had the pleasure of hearing this band at multiple weddings now. They’re so entertaining and fun!

Congratulations, Ben, Anna, and Annemarie on an amazing wedding day! This celebration was so unique and personal. I absolutely loved being part of it. Thank you so much for allowing me to document these precious moments for your family. I wish you many happy anniversaries!