A Glam Retro-Inspired Wedding at Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester, Michigan

With a long line of family members working in the antique business, throwing a vintage-inspired soiree for their later summer nuptials was a no-brainer for Amber Arnold (28 and works in sales) and Jared Spiller (29 and works in sales). Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester, Mich. couldn’t have been a more perfect fit for the affair, with it’s Tudor-revival architecture, early 20th-centur flair and enviable collection of old world treasures.

The estate’s Pegusus Garden played host to the ceremony, with its trickling fountain, bountiful blooms and picturesque statues providing a whimsical backdrop for Amber and Jared’s “I dos.” Little was required in the way of decor thanks to the already striking scenery, leading the couple to add but a few bouquets of baby’s breath at the end of each row and a vine-draped arch to the end of the aisle, under which they exchanged vows.

With the announcement of the newlyweds, the party kicked into full swing with a cocktail hour on the terrace. Hors d’oeuvres like empanadas, steak brochettes and smoked salmon and apple canapes made the rounds, while jazzy tunes filled the air with energy and upbeat vibes. Guests were even given the option to tour the mansion and learn about its history. “The best part about cocktail hour was that we took all of our wedding pictures prior to the ceremony, meaning Jared and I had a whole hour alone together to walk around the grounds of the mansion, and enjoy a glass of champagne!” says Amber.

The reception unfolded in a spacious tent overlooking the perfectly manicured grounds with the Simone Vitale Band packing the dance floor even before the newlyweds made their entrance. “This group knows how to throw a party,” says Amber. “They played Motown and oldies, which couldn’t have gone over better with our guests. They even did outfit changes, which included bubble gum pink jackets when they sand ‘Grease!’” The couple’s vintage vision came to life with an eclectic mix of antique trinkets, harvest tables, skeleton escort cards and stationery with a distressed aesthetic. Gilded dinnerware lent a note of understated glamour to the tablescapes, while bundles of hydrangeas, dahlias, roses, hypericum, succulents and more, all in pint-sized vases, infused the room with undeniable romance and a sweet, floral scent.

As self-proclaimed foodies, the menu was a big deal to Amber and Jared and Meadow Brook Hall didn’t disappoint. Dishes like gorgonzola-crusted petite filet, pan roasted chicken in sundried tomato demi glace and roasted vegetable strudel won over even the pickiest of palettes, while dessert samplers and strawberry shortcake wedding cake ensure the meal on a high note.

“There were many very special parts of our day. But our first look, where it was only Jared and I, was definitely the most exciting part of the whole day! We ended the evening sitting in our suite next to our fireplace with a bottle of champagne, eating room service, opening cards, and laughing about all aspects of our unforgettable day,” says Amber.