Kate + Mehre
Grand rapids, michigan
meet kate + Mehre
Photographer | Amy Carroll
Videographer | Rebecca Dexter
Florist | Sycamore Floral
Rentals | Special Occasions, Gigi and La Clede, Events by Icandy, Art Craft, Rewritten Rentals,
Music | Traditional Band
Dessert | Meijer
Hair and Makeup | Erick Gerson and Carissa Weller
Catering & Bar | Applause Catering
Transportation | Affordable Limousine
Venue | West Catholic High School
Ready for Day 2?
This day was all about embracing the warmer tones and rich traditions of Mehre’s culture — and creating something deeply meaningful in the most unexpected of spaces:
(drum roll, please)... the gymnasium of a high school!
To gain full flexibility with food and beverage options, this location was the best solution — but transforming it into a warm, elegant, and immersive space was no small feat. The work began Thursday, with ceiling draping installation that would rival any ballroom. Our team, alongside the incredible school custodian, hung over 600 yards of drape — turning a gym into a dream. It took two full U-Hauls to transport the materials, 25+ uplights, and countless candles, chairs, and tables prepped meticulously to maximize our setup time.
Coming off 16+ hour days from Meijer Gardens, our team was exhausted — but absolutely determined to make this celebration just as breathtaking and special. Every detail was crafted with intention. Ferns were placed at each guest’s seat, accompanied by textured neutral knotted napkins and custom programs to guide them through the evening’s traditions. It was essential to Kate and Mehre that all guests felt included, informed, and welcomed into the beautiful cultural customs, cuisine, and celebration.
A dramatic entrance installation set the tone for the evening, featuring palms (lovingly kept alive by Kelly for two months after a Costco haul!), rice hats with their centers cut out, floral repurposed from Day 1, and gladiolus for guests to wave in celebration. The hallway was lined with tall palms leading into the transformed reception space — a truly breathtaking moment.
The centerpiece of the room? A 14-rug dance floor meticulously taped into place, and a stunning overhead installation of 30 potted plants and wicker lanterns. Sycamore Floral was the MVP of the day, artfully reimagining Saturday’s florals in entirely new ways — exceeding every expectation. We worked closely to guide the vision, but she brought it to life with unmatched artistry. Stone candle holders, textured vessels, and actual stones grounded the floral design and gave the room a completely new aesthetic from the night before — earthy, romantic, and radiant.
The evening flowed with tradition and joy: a grand entrance, heartfelt dances, exquisite food presentations, a coffee ceremony, and dancing that didn’t stop until the very end. By 11 p.m., the whole team was running on pure adrenaline — but the satisfaction of creating something so meaningful kept us going.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime wedding. A once-in-a-lifetime design. And we are so grateful to have been part of it.
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