elcome to the second issue of nearlywed — we’re so glad you’re here! Whether you’re at day one of your wedding planning journey or getting married next week, this issue is filled with ideas, inspiration, and resources for planning your one-of-a-kind celebration.

For this issue, we found inspiration in the glorious Michigan summers we all live for: long, sun-soaked days, fields of colorful wildflowers, and brilliant sunsets over a crystal blue lake. Michigan is rich in spectacular scenery, and in our opinion it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world to get married. Turn to our Real Weddings and you’ll see what we’re talking about. From the splendor of the Detroit Institute of Arts to the glittering shores of Walloon Lake, we bring you more than 40 pages of weddings that showcase what the state has to offer.

We’ve also curated a stunning array of stories to inspire your wedding celebration. Our cover shoot shines a bright light on some truly spectacular jewelry and manicures, and the sleek, minimal gowns and separates in this issue’s fashion story prove that less is more. In Something New, we hit the water with Retro Boat Rentals, introduce you to wedding content creator The Brunette Chick, spotlight some of the most unique new venues in the state, and more. To help you plan your picture-perfect bouquet, we asked four local floral experts for their favorite blooms for each season. And if all this talk of summer has you dreaming of the beach for your honeymoon, you’ll find some of the world’s most swoon-worthy destinations in our travel story.

Wherever you are in your planning journey, we’re honored you chose us to be your guide. And we hope this issue helps make your wedding dreams come true.

Cheers,