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<< Back to Blog Home Golden September Romance at Blue Dress Barn String lights, bonfires, burgers, and unforgettable fall romance Photography Credit: Bailey Hill (@blackbird_and_rye) There’s something especially magical about a late September wedding in the Midwest — the warm golden light, cool evening air, and the first hints of fall color settling into the trees. Sarah and Daniel’s wedding at Blue Dress Barn in Benton Harbor captured all of that perfectly! Nestled in the countryside of Michigan, Blue Dress Barn provided the perfect backdrop for their celebration. The venue is known for its charming rustic character, open property, and beautiful natural surroundings, and Sarah and Daniel fully embraced everything the space had to offer. Guests spent the evening walking beneath towering trees and glowing string lights, and making s’mores! The day was captured by Bailey Hill of Blackbird & Rye. Photography Credit: Bailey Hill (@blackbird_and_rye) Photography Credit: Bailey Hill (@blackbird_and_rye) Sarah wore a stunning gown by Martina Liana from Diana’s Bridal in Skokie, IL, that perfectly matched the romantic feel of the day. Daniel wore a custom suit from The Knot Standard in Chicago, adding a polished and tailored look that elevated the entire wedding aesthetic. Nestled in the countryside of Michigan, Blue Dress Barn provided the perfect backdrop for their celebration. Sarah’s bridal beauty look was soft and romantic, perfectly suited for the outdoor setting and September weather. Hair styling by Samye Nagle of Hair by Samye and makeup by Allee Gushwa created a look that felt very natural and complemented her attire well. Photography Credit: Bailey Hill (@blackbird_and_rye) The wedding party wardrobe tied everything together seamlessly. Bridesmaids wore olive green dresses from Revelry, which looked especially beautiful against the early fall landscape and rustic barn setting. The groomsmen wore classic grey suits from Macy’s, creating a cohesive palette that […]

How to Successfully DIY Calla Lilies Should you go Fresh or Faux? Calla lilies have long been a favorite in wedding bouquets, but their popularity grew exponentially in 2025 and continues growing into 2026. Their trumpet-shaped blooms have a smooth, sculptural shape and timeless elegance that can make even the most casual backyard wedding feel sophisticated. But while fresh calla lilies are beautiful, they aren’t always practical for a long, busy wedding day, and they certainly aren’t the most budget-friendly option for those watching their costs. In this article, we will talk about the cost of fresh calla lilies compared to the cost of faux lilies, and we will review some of the other critical things to think about if you are planning to DIY your calla lily bouquet, in faux or fresh. Fresh Calla Lilies How much do fresh calla lilies cost? Calla lily stems can run anywhere from $3-$8 per stem at wholesale pricing, and your florist will charge three to four times that to cover their labor costs and account for damaged stems. The price of fresh calla lilies can be affected by: Color – unique colors cost more than traditional white blooms Season – prices go up around major holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc. Stem Length – longer stems are considered premium and will increase cost. A standard calla lily stem is 20-25 inches, and mini calla lilies may have stems of only 12-15 inches. For a bouquet, shorter stems may be fine, while for large floor arrangements, longer stems are needed to get an appealing height and visual volume. Size – surprisingly, mini calla lilies often tend to be more expensive per stem than larger calla lilies because they are typically sold in smaller quantities. Extra large blooms will also run you a