Gervasi Wedding

-Jeff and Kari became acquainted through emails at work, but they finally met in person at the company Indian’s baseball game. It was a giddy, butterflies in the stomach connection that they both felt immediately. They dated for less than four years before Jeff proposed to Kari. For the proposal, Jeff arranged a romantic night in the Gervasi Villas to “celebrate Kari’s birthday”. After patiently and nervously waiting for the right moment, Jeff got down on one knee and asked Kari to spend her life with him. They then enjoyed an amazing evening at the Bistro Restaurant and had drinks at the Crush house and sat in their fancy robes by the fire, celebrating the start of an amazing adventure!

Kari grew up in Traverse City, Michigan which is filled with vineyards and gorgeous wineries all along the Peninsula surrounded by Grand Traverse Bay. When she moved to Ohio, she missed that beautiful backdrop until a visit to Gervasi Vineyard. Kari was able to get a small piece of that beauty back into her life and fell in love with the scenery all over again. When asked why she chose Gervasi, Kari said “I love the architecture and detail they have built into this property and wanted to have my wedding in a place that reminded me of home. Jeff loved the property as well and was a huge help in planning when it came to my frequent indecisiveness.”

For her gown, Kari chose a champagne Stella York dress with gorgeous illusion back lace detail and lace off-the-shoulder straps. A crystal belt was added for a little sparkle. And to fit in with the romantic Gervasi setting, Kari went with a handmade, ultra-romantic cathedral veil with lace detail all along the edges. For even more added sparkle, her champagne slippers were encrusted with crystals and her braided loose curls were held back with a crystal tiara headband. In her hands, she carried a bouquet filled with blush roses and greenery.

Jeff and Kari went with minimal flowers and instead created the centerpieces themselves. To bring a little of their roots to the day, vases were filled with lit branches and sand pulled from a beach in Jeff’s hometown of Long Island and Traverse City, MI where Kari grew up. Each centerpiece was accented with votives and floral accents. Escort cards were handmade with wine corks (these are sooo pretty!) and instead of a guestbook, guests signed a map (such a cute idea!). For favors, Kari and her mother made Kari’s favorite champagne jelly using Traverse City sparkling wines. And because Kari and Jeff are not really cake people and wanted something fun for their guests, they opted for cupcakes in a variety of unique flavors.

Gervasi Vineyard Wedding Gervasi Wedding