Something Blue Part III: Michelle & Kevin’s Wedding

An engagement and wedding are extra special when a couple can say they were childhood sweethearts. To top it off, Michelle Burda (née Heflin)—an event producer—and Kevin Burda, twice weathered the challenges that a long-distance relationship presents, doing stints in Las Vegas and downstate Illinois.

The Engagement

With the waiting-to-be-together over, it was time to plan an engagement. To pop the question, Kevin arranged a fall trip to California wine country for Michelle, his dad, and other family members. During the months leading up to the trip, Michelle couldn’t be sure if Kevin was going to propose, though it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Under the auspices of “a family photo shoot” at Kendall Jackson Winery, Michelle was encouraged to pick out a special outfit and be ready to take some pictures. With all of the careful plans and logistics falling into place, Kevin took the photographer’s cue to propose and they captured the moment in photos and on video. Through surprise and tears, Michelle said, “Yes!” and the couple did a private photo shoot on the spot to capture their engagement. It was the perfect autumn day in the vineyards and orchards of Sonoma.

Michelle + Kevin’s Big Day

When you’re in the catering and events industry, you have a leg up on trends, vendor contacts, and, of course, access to ideas from Blue Plate team members. Drawing on weddings and events that she had produced and with the goal of incorporating some of Kevin’s and her favorite things, Michelle set to work on planning.

Some of Our Favorite Highlights from the Wedding

Michelle and Kevin’s dog, Nike, was an integral part of their big day. Nike was invited to get ready with the groom and eight groomsmen and served as ring bearer in the wedding. The hotel, venue and vendors were all very accommodating when it came to letting Nike take part in the wedding.

The heavy, summer rains held out, and Michelle and Kevin were married on the rooftop of Loft Lucia—a modern-industrial space with exposed wooden beams, built-in bars with white marble countertops, and contemporary fixtures. The couple also incorporated a wine ceremony into their vows as a nod to their engagement.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a “Rosé All Day” bar, “his and hers” signature cocktails, and a poké action station, which was light and refreshing on the warm day. The bride found an artist on Etsy to create a hand-painted sign for the “Call Me Old Fashioned” and “You Make Me Blush” cocktails.

For a fun twist on a traditional bread basket, the couple opted for individual French baguettes at each place setting with the dinner menu printed on the bread sleeves. Each table also received a “trio of butters” – garlic and herb, honey pecan, and goat’s milk.

After dinner, Michelle and Kevin participated in a traditional Filipino money dance where guests line up to pin money on the dress or suit and then dance with the bride or groom for thirty seconds.

For Michelle, “It was truly the best day ever. I loved taking photos with our bridal party, families, and dog on the trolley; it was such a fun way to explore the city. The ceremony was a very special part of our day, due in large part to our officiant. Our wedding planner was incredible, and she was such an important part of the planning process that Kevin and I missed talking with her daily after the wedding!”

For more details on their big day, take a look at the bride and groom’s vendor list below.

Michelle + Kevin’s Vendor List – 8.31.2018

• Venue: Loft Lucia, 125 guests
• Caterer: Blue Plate
• Officiant: Nicole Zenner of Zen Events
• Wedding Planner: Jennifer Crouch of Detaljer Events
• Photography: Jennifer Kathryn Weddings
• DJ: Matt Roan
• Floral & Décor: Exquisite Designs
• Linens: BBJ
• Cake: Nicole Santiago
• Hair: Amanda Soltwisch from Blohaute
• Makeup: Makeup by Kasey Surges