A picturesque French Normandy-style estate in Battle Creek, Michigan served as the enchanting backdrop for Lillian and Michael’s dreamy destination wedding.

“We met on a dating app while I was in medical school and Michael was working in Cleveland,” Lillian says. “Michael was my first date off of a dating app, and we immediately knew on our first date that we were meant to be together.”

As avid travelers deciding on a destination wedding to celebrate their love in a place that had a special meaning took little thought. Even though Battle Creek was a long drive from Cleveland, Lillian and Michael knew it was their dream location.

Lillian was a big fan of photographers, The Fourniers, and saw they had shot a wedding at Greencrest Manor on Instagram. “The photos of the venue were like paintings and it was love at first sight!” the bride says.

To limit exposure to the couple’s older family members, Lillian and Michael decided to have a smaller wedding with only family and close friends. “We then had a separate larger reception with friends but without older family members back in Cleveland the following weekend,” Michael says.

The couple drew inspiration from French gardens and paintings, creating a romantic and colorful wedding. Lillian says, “Our main colors were dusty blue and midnight blue which were worn by our wedding party.” The Modern Day Collective team brought the vision to life with stunning floral arrangements, while the bride’s DIY invitations added a personal touch.

The ceremony, officiated by Lillian’s brother, was a heartwarming affair. “Michael and I read our own written vows, which was incredibly sweet even though I may have sobbed my way through mine,” Lillian says.

Despite the distance, the couple found support in their team of vendors and planners. “We could not have pulled off a destination wedding without our absolutely incredible planners and vendors. Find a strong team with experience and a vision that matches yours, and wedding planning will not only be much easier but also a lot more fun!” the couple advised.

Vendors: Photographer: The Fourniers; Wedding Planner: Modern Day Collective; Venue: Greencrest Manor; Florist: Modern Day Collective; Cake: The Cakabakery; Hair: Samantha Setteducato; Makeup: Erick Gerson; Gown Designer: Ines Di Santo; Men’s Attire: Generation Tux; Bridesmaids: Revelry; Videography: Killer Creations; Catering: Millennium Catering & Events; Band: Blue Water Kings Band

As a bonus, here’s a window into the adventurous couple’s Paris engagement photoshoot!