1. Real Weddings

A Garden-Inspired November Wedding at Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield, Michigan

Katina Omand (28 and a nurse) and Blake Movitz (29 and a physician) met when she was a server at a local diner and he was a regular customer. Blake fo

Katina Omand (28 and a nurse) and Blake Movitz (29 and a physician) met when she was a server at a local diner and he was a regular customer. Blake found her on Facebook and asked her out. Four years later, they were engaged. Their original plan was to have a destination wedding on Thanksgiving weekend. When they realized that wasn’t possible, they opted for the next-best thing: a venue that didn’t feel like they were in Michigan in November. The Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield delivered: With lush plants, exotic flowers and a greenhouse showcasing the sky, “you felt like you were in a tropical garden,” Katina says. Not only was the venue beautiful for an elegant, black-tie affair, but the nondenominational space was also perfect for combining elements of Katina’s Greek Orthodox background and Blake’s Hungarian Jewish heritage. The ceremony blended the two faiths: a Jewish blessing and the traditional breaking of the glass, plus an icon of the Virgin Mary at the back of the altar, painted in the village where Katina’s family had lived before immigrating to the US. The party flowed from the ceremony to the reception, also at the Conservatory, and featured ethnic appetizers, a classic Greek band, a Jewish hora and European desserts. “The whole day was personalized,” Katina says. “It was really a wedding made for Blake and me.” —Chrissy Sorenson

Simple yet classic invitations set the tone for an elegant celebration.
“I was open-minded when it came to my dress,” Katina says. She tried on several styles at different salons, instantly falling in love with a Martina Liana two-piece gown with a sweetheart neckline and a ruched corset tulle skirt.
The groom wore a velvet tuxedo in honor of the upcoming winter season (and to stand out a bit from his groomsmen).
Planterra provided the floral arrangements. “I wanted soft and deep colors to match my dress and contrast with all the greenery,” Katina says. The bridesmaids wore sparkling Sorella Vita gowns in blush gold.
“You felt like you were in a tropical garden," Katina says of their ceremony space at Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
Large candelabras created a romantic ambiance in the greenhouse. The glass ceiling—showcasing the night sky—added to the enchantment.
Katina's words of wisdom for future brides: “Walk slow down the aisle."
Planterra Conservatory in West Bloomfield, Michigan, provided the gorgeous arbor of white flowers over the altar. After the kiss, a gospel choir broke into a lively rendition of “Oh Happy Day."
With linen tablecloths, brown chiavari chairs, tall floral arrangements and lush greenery, the overall vibe of the reception was that of a sophisticated garden party. The glass ceiling—showcasing the sky—added to the feeling of being outdoors.
Escort cards were imported bombonieres from Greece, shaped as olive branches.
Gold napkins were tied with green ribbon, matching the menu card.
Katina kept her veil on during the ceremony, then removed the veil extensions for the reception but kept the veil in place. “You have only one day to wear it all, so I didn’t want to take it off,” she says.
A brie cheese cake wheel was set out during the cocktail hour.
Guests enjoyed sweet treats traditionally served at Greek weddings.
The elegant three-tier cake was gluten-free carrot cake.
Katina and Blake were lifted above the crowd during the hora, a traditional Jewish dance.
The couple's first dance was to “Higher Love” by James Vincent McMorrow.