Alyssa & Kalani’s Fairytale Fall Wedding at Castle Farms | Charlevoix, Michigan

Alyssa & Kalani's Wedding Day at Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan.

Alyssa and Kalani’s wedding was nothing short of a autumn fairytale. Their fall wedding at Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan, was absolutely magical, filled with vibrant autumn color, heartfelt DIY touches, and the most romantic storybook-inspired reception. Every detail was intentional, personal, and beautiful.

How They Met

Their story began the way all great love stories should — with a little mystery and a lot of sugar. Back in high school, Kalani was working as a carhop at Sonic when she decided to bring a mystery slush to Alyssa, who had just finished soccer practice and stopped for her go-to drink, a cherry limeade. Kalani challenged her to guess the flavors — Alyssa got grape, her friend guessed cherry, and the one she missed was raspberry.

The next day, Alyssa saw Kalani at school, convinced her to exchange socials, and what started as a playful challenge turned into a lifelong love story — one that’s as sweet and colorful as that mystery slush itself.

(For their engagement photos, we stopped by Sonic to honor their adorable love story, then headed to Belle Isle in Detroit for some epic engagement shots!)

The Proposals

One proposal just wasn’t enough for this thoughtful pair. Kalani proposed first — in the fall, Alyssa’s favorite season — surrounded by twinkling tea lights and fallen leaves. Then, in the winter, Alyssa surprised Kalani during a snowfall, proposing with an ornament beside the Christmas tree.

Two seasons, two proposals, and two hearts that simply couldn’t wait to say “yes” to forever.

Why Castle Farms

When Alyssa and Kalani began venue hunting, Castle Farms quickly became their dream location. Even though it was far north, the fairytale setting was worth every mile. As they signed their venue papers, snow began to fall — a perfect sign for Alyssa, who believes in little moments of magic.

The castle architecture, peaceful pond views, and stunning fall foliage created an unforgettable backdrop. The colors were absolutely breathtaking — rich golds, deep reds, and amber leaves glowing around the castle grounds. Their ceremony overlooking the pond, with the castle in the distance, looked like something straight out of a romantic storybook.

The Theme: A Fairytale Storybook Celebration

For their reception, Alyssa and Kalani brought their vision to life with a storybook-inspired theme that blended elegance and whimsy. The tables featured books, candelabras, and warm candlelight, creating a cozy, romantic atmosphere inside the castle walls.

Guests were greeted by an incredible DIY seating chart made from Alyssa’s personal book collection, guest sketches drawn by Drawn On Your Day, and handwritten touches throughout the space. It felt like stepping into a living love story — every detail connected to a chapter of their journey together.

For their first dance, the two snuck away to the courtyard for a romantic moment alone to dance under the stars and take in the start of the first day of their forever together.

The Details That Made It Theirs

This wedding was overflowing with love and creativity:

• Alyssa’s grandmother made the chair bows.

• Her grandfather built a custom cake and dessert stand.

• Kalani’s sister customized their reception shoes.

• Their jewelry included sentimental pieces gifted by family.

Every detail had a story — each handcrafted with love and intention.

The Attire

Alyssa’s gown was the perfect reflection of her — timeless, romantic, and inspired by years of collecting ideas on Pinterest. The moment she put it on, she knew it was the one.

Together, they designed each other’s engagement rings and bands through CustomMade. Kalani’s ring for Alyssa included the colors from their first Sonic slush date — red for cherry, purple for grape, and pink for raspberry — while Alyssa’s design for Kalani incorporated family pearls and a custom mixed-metal bracelet gifted by her mom.

Kalani also carried a photo charm on her bouquet to honor her late grandmother. Kalani's sister, Bridy, also made both Kalani and Alyssa custom shoes for the reception showing their wedding date and a cute phrase, " It was always you" and "It will forever be you".

The Most Anticipated Moment

Their first look was one of the most emotional moments of the day. They had worked so hard to keep their dresses secret — even trying them on separately and coordinating fittings around each other — and it all paid off. The instant they saw each other was pure magic, the kind of moment every photographer dreams of capturing.

From there, the day unfolded effortlessly — laughter, tears, and all the joy two people can hold.

An All-Female Vendor Dream Team

Alyssa and Kalani were passionate about building an all-female vendor team — a detail that made their day even more meaningful.

“We really wanted to do an all-female crew because we love women and they rule the world!” Alyssa said. “It made the search harder for some categories, but every one of them was incredible — strong, talented women crushing it in the wedding industry.”

It was a celebration of love, creativity, and women supporting women — and it showed in every beautiful moment.

Vendor Team

🌿 Vendor Team

Photographer: Aubrey Elizabeth Photography

Florist: Jennifer at WS Floral

Dress: Lindsey & Madison at Mia Grace BridalJ

ewelry: Rings by CustomMade

Tuxes/Suits: Todd’s Menswear

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie and Birdy Grey

Band/DJ: Chrixtina Cateye at Northern Beat Entertainment

Caterer: Jessie May Murray at Yum & Yummer

Cake/Desserts: Jessie May Murray at Yum & Yummer

Wedding Coordinator/Planner: Kenzie Dallos at Castle Farms

Hair & Makeup: Sam, Katie, and Shirelle at BrieArtistry, @brieartistryllc

Shoes: Pashion Footwear

Invitations: DIY (Kalani did an amazing job!!

Videographer: Sarah at Flower & Oak, @flowerandoakfilms

Lodging: The Earl Hotel

Officiant: Marcello Shammami — Their good Friend!

Live Wedding Illustrator:Sarah Nisbett at Drawn On Your Day, @drawnonyourday

Sketch Artist: Hallie Leblanc, Guest Sketch Artist at Abundance Live Wedding Art, @abundanceartstudio

A Love Story Written in the Colors of Fall

From their high school Sonic beginnings to their fairytale wedding day, Alyssa and Kalani’s love story is the kind that fills your heart. Their Castle Farms wedding was overflowing with color, laughter, and connection — surrounded by the golden hues of autumn and the castle’s timeless beauty.

It was such an honor to capture every chapter of their day — a story of two women, one fairytale, and a love that’s truly everlasting.