Wedding Recessional - Michigan Elopement

The pandemic may have made things a lot harder to plan special events, but it certainly can’t stop the union between high school sweethearts Chris and Kim.

Due to the times, the young couple decided to move their big wedding to July 3. But in the meantime, they went on to have a small elopement at St.Paul’s Lutheran Church in Temperance, Michigan. They invited only a handful of family members and their wedding entourage to be part of their intimate wedding.

Getting Ready in the Back Room of the Church

Kim and her bridesmaids prepped for the ceremony in a makeshift dressing room where their dresses hung on a bookshelf. The room had one mirror which they had to move around to do their own makeup. Everyone shared memories with Kim before helping her into her lovely flowy gown and heels. Despite the circumstances, the room was filled with so much laughter and joy. The lovely bride glowed in excitement to finally say ‘I do’ to her longtime sweetheart.

It may not be the most elaborate or ideal setup, but that wasn’t a big deal to any of them. This was a special day, and all the love in the room was all they needed.

A Ceremony to go with the Times

The Sommers and wedding guests made sure to follow every safety precaution in the ceremony. Family and close friends, after walking down the aisle, sat one seat apart. The bridesmaids, looking gorgeous in their violet dresses, and groomsmen, who are just as dapper in their suits, stood a couple of feet away from each other at the end of the aisle.

Among the small guest list of immediate family members were the bride and groom’s parents, siblings, and 3 of their adorable Dachshunds. One of them even played the role of ring bearer with the rings attached to him.

Blushing bride Kim finally goes down the aisle to meet her soon-to-be husband Chris.The high school sweethearts then unite, say their vows, and share their first kiss as husband and wife!

Mr. and Mrs. Sommers then posed for the post-ceremony family formals with their family, wedding entourage, and all of their three delightful little dachshunds.

A Toast to The Newlyweds

Just like the ceremony, the reception was sweet and simple. After a few words from the family, the couple shared their first dance together with one of their dogs. When Chris then hits the dancefloor with his mother, Kim decides to let their furry little pets lay down comfortably on her wedding dress. When they’re that adorable, it’s understandably hard not to let them do so.

The bride and groom then cut the simple wedding cake and share their first slice. A few slices of cake and some pastries later, the reception came to an end with a quick few photo ops at the parking lot.

No matter how difficult things are in times like this, Chris and Kim Sommers’ wedding was still as special as it could be. The planned full celebration on July 3 will be at Nazareth Hall in Grand Rapids, Ohio.

Venue: St.Paul’s Lutheran Church in Temperance, Michigan

Cake and Cookies: DaCapo Coffee

Catering: Sidelines Italian Grille