There’s something incredibly special about weddings that reflect not just a couple’s love story but the people, passions, and little quirks that make their relationship unique. That’s exactly what made Torrey DeVitto and Jared LaPine’s Inisfree Estate wedding so unforgettable. It’s not just about the flowers, the timeline, or the perfectly placed décor (although those details matter). It’s about creating a day where the couple can step back, breathe, and fully soak in the joy of being surrounded by their favorite people. Hearing from Torrey about her experience planning with us and living out her wedding day is the best reminder of why I love doing what I do as a Grand Rapids Michigan wedding planner. Let’s take a peek behind the scenes at this unforgettable, New York Times featured, celebration!

How It All Began

Torrey and Jared’s love story started with a chance introduction that neither of them saw coming.

In April 2023, Jared, who had recently returned to his hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan, after spending several years in Los Angeles pursuing a career in entertainment, received a surprising Instagram message from Torrey’s cousin, Alexandra, who believed the two were a perfect match and decided to play cupid. Torrey, an actress best known for her role on Chicago Med, had been dividing her time between Chicago and a peaceful farm she owned in Fennville, Michigan.

After weeks of conversations over text, Jared made the 50 minute drive to meet Torrey at her favorite restaurant. That first date was filled with easy conversation, shared passions—like their mutual admiration for the novel East of Eden—and a spark that neither could ignore. By the end of the night, Jared’s face hurt from smiling, and Torrey knew she had no desire to meet anyone else.

By the summer, the couple had fallen deeply in love and in the fall, they were starting their future together in Kalamazoo!

The Planning Process From Vision to Reality

Torrey and Jared came to me with a clear idea of what mattered most to them—family, food, and creating a meaningful celebration. Their vision was rustic elegance, and they fell in love with a venue that matched their style perfectly. It featured intricate details like chandeliers, gorgeous furniture pieces, and intimate garden spaces. The venue also offered a bed and breakfast with ten guest rooms, a vineyard, and a pool. These amenities made it the ideal location for their wedding and a post-wedding brunch to extend the celebration.

When I asked Torrey what her favorite part of the planning process was, her response absolutely warmed my heart:

“Definitely knowing we had the best wedding planner helping us execute everything, keeping us on track with both budget and time, and enabling us to move through everything calmly because we just knew everything was being taken care of.”

This is exactly why I’m so passionate about what I do. I believe every couple deserves a stress-free planning experience so they can focus on what matters most—celebrating their love story with the people who mean the most to them.

Celebrating Connection

For Torrey and Jared, their wedding wasn’t just about the two of them—it was about the people and relationships that have shaped their lives. Their love for family, friends, and even their beloved farm animals was woven into every thoughtful detail.

One playful and personal touch was naming the signature cocktails after their pets. Each drink reflected the personalities of their ducks, goats, dogs, and cats, adding a whimsical nod to their small farm. Guests couldn’t get enough of this unique detail!

To honor their family’s history, we created a “family tree” display featuring photos of loved ones. This heartfelt tribute celebrated the deep connections that mean so much to Torrey and Jared, bringing their family stories into the day in a meaningful way.

“Just being surrounded by all the people we love and having the amount of fun we ended up having.”

At its core, their wedding was a celebration of connection—sharing their love story with the people who have been part of it all along.

Sustainable and Thoughtful Touches

Torrey was passionate about creating a sustainable wedding with minimal waste, and I was thrilled to bring this vision to life. Instead of traditional stationery, we designed a 3-in-1 keepsake for each guest: an envelope with their name in calligraphy, a handwritten thank-you note from the couple, and the dinner menu on the back. This thoughtful and eco-friendly solution saved on waste while adding a personal touch that guests loved.

The Wedding Day

When the big day arrived, it was a scorcher—85 degrees, to be exact. Despite the heat, the atmosphere was pure joy. Torrey and Jared were so ready to be married, especially with a baby on the way. Torrey was glowing in her long-sleeved lace Pierlot gown from Grace Loves Lace, which perfectly highlighted her bump. She paired the dress with a cathedral-length veil featuring floral detailing, creating a timeless and elegant look.

The bridesmaids wore stunning dresses from V Chapman, all in the same color but in styles that fit their personalities. Meanwhile, the groomsmen turned heads in emerald green suits. This bold and sophisticated choice tied perfectly into the day’s color palette.

A Moment to Remember

One of my favorite moments was waiting with Torrey before she walked down the aisle. We used this time to attach her “something borrowed” pieces to her bouquet, calm her nerves, and remind her to savor every second. We drove her to a secret garden entrance, where her father joined her for a quiet moment before walking her down the aisle. Watching her take that first step toward Jared was pure magic.

When it came to the moment Torrey and Jared had been dreaming about—being pronounced husband and wife—it didn’t disappoint:

“It was amazing and perfect. It was everything I wanted and more.”

There’s nothing quite like seeing the joy on a couple’s faces in that moment, knowing that they’re fully present and soaking it all in. My goal is to take care of all the moving parts so you can be fully immersed in the magic of your wedding day, just like Torrey and Jared were.

A Rustic Dream Reception

The pavilion, where the evening’s festivities took place, was transformed into an inviting space with cozy seating areas, bistro tables dressed in pink patterned linens, and floral arrangements that tied the design together. The guest tables featured emerald green linens for the rounds and long wooden tables with runners, creating a mix of textures that complemented the rustic yet elegant vibe.

One standout feature was the custom signature scent we created at Wax Poetic, which was incorporated throughout the day. We used soaps in the bathrooms, candles on the tables, and tiny candles as part of the seating chart display. Each guest took home a candle as their favor, personalized with their name and table number. The display itself was a showstopper, complete with a slat wall and neon sign on the back side for fun photo ops.

The Perfect Wedding Menu

Food was a top priority for Torrey and Jared, especially since Torrey’s father, Liberty DeVitto—former drummer for Billy Joel—is a self-proclaimed New York food enthusiast. The couple wanted to wow their guests with an unforgettable meal, and The Everyday Chef and Wife delivered. The family-style menu featured citrus-cured salmon, beef tenderloin, mashed sweet potatoes, Michigan salad, and bread with butter boards. It was cozy, homey, and downright delicious—the best wedding food I’ve ever had!

Beautiful Surprises

Weddings have a way of surprising us, even when every detail is planned down to the last second. For Torrey, it was the realization of just how beautifully everything came together:

“I was surprised at just how beautifully and perfectly everything turned out. The space even looked more gorgeous than I envisioned, and everything went so seamlessly. I didn’t know a wedding could go off without a hitch like that!”

Hearing this just makes me smile because creating a seamless day isn’t just my job—it’s my calling. I want my couples to look around on their wedding day and think, “Wow, this is even better than I imagined.”

Post-Wedding Bliss

By the end of the weekend, Torrey and Jared were glowing—not just from the excitement of their wedding but from the fulfillment of knowing it was everything they had dreamed of:

“There was nothing I would have added or taken away. We both felt so happy and satiated.”

This is the dream, right? To walk away from your wedding knowing it was everything you hoped for and more. That’s why I’m here—to handle the logistics, timelines, and details so that you can soak in every beautiful, emotional moment.

Here’s the Advice Every Couple Needs

If you’re just starting your wedding planning journey, Torrey has some advice for you:

“Have FUN with the process. You are in GREAT hands!!”

This is the energy I want every couple to feel when they work with me—that planning your wedding can actually be fun and exciting. I’ll take on the heavy lifting so you can enjoy the journey.

A Wedding That Feels Uniquely You

This Inisfree Estate wedding was a reminder of why I’m so obsessed with what I do. I get to bring your vision to life, calm your nerves, and make sure you can fully enjoy every moment of your big day. If you’re ready to start your wedding planning journey with someone who’s as invested in your love story as you are, I’d love to chat and hear your vision. Let’s create something beautiful together—something that feels so you.

Inisfree Estate Wedding Vendors

• Venue: Inisfree Estate
• Rehearsal Dinner: Coast 236
• DJ: QC Event Sound
• Photographer: Leidy + Josh Fournier
• Catering: The Everyday Chef and Wife by Partage
• Bakery: Cakabakery West
• Bar Service: PUNCH
• Florist: Drifter Floral
• Transportation: Affordable Limo
• Officiant: Alexandra (cousin of the bride)
• Hair + Makeup Artist: Blushing Ivory
• Rentals: In the Details Rentals / BBJ La Tavola Linen / Pair a Docs Rentals (furniture) / Gigi and LaClede (dinnerware) / Events by Icandy
• Paper Products: Pretty Petal Papers
• Signature Scent: Wax Poetic
• Audio Guest Book: After the Tone
• Custom Seating Chart: Jake Devries
• Late Night Snack: The Little Store
• Wedding Gown: Grace Loves Lace
• Signature Scent: Wax Poetic
• Bridesmaid Dresses: V Chapman