August 10, 2024
By Alexis Bohlinger /Photography by Mike Staff Productions
Most people dream of feeling a spark when they meet the love of their life, and for Maranda and Dan Tollis, that spark was quite literal. It was the Fourth of July, and they found themselves at a town fireworks show with mutual friends. Upon meeting, the two were inseparable the entire night.
A couple of weeks later, Maranda decided to reach out. “I asked him if he wanted to go out sometime. Our first date lasted until four o’clock in the morning, just talking and laughing.” She didn’t know it at the time but this first date would be her last, setting the stage for what would later become a beautiful marriage.
Fast forward to October 2022, Maranda and Dan were still dating but their relationship had grown deeper. Thoughts of the future were beginning to take shape. “I dropped a subtle hint that he was my person—the person I wanted to spend my life with,” Maranda recalled. Shortly after, Dan surprised her with a trip to a jewelry store in St. Ignace. “He told me to pick out anything I wanted.
At the time, I didn’t realize I was picking out my future engagement ring, but I wanted to be certain he knew my style, just in case.”
A few days later, Dan made his move. While at lunch with his mother, he turned to Maranda and said, “Hey, I know you already have the ring on your right hand, but what do you think about wearing it on your left? I want to marry and spend the rest of my life with you.” Completely shocked and overjoyed, Maranda said, “Yes!”
On August 10, 2024, Maranda and Dan tied the knot in a stunning ceremony at the Emerald Theatre in Mount Clemens. For Dan, the venue was a natural choice—his uncle owns the theater. But for the couple, the decision was more than convenience. “We had our second date in the Rock Room at the theater, and I remembered how beautiful it was,” Maranda shared. “On our wedding day, we were actually getting ready in the same room where we had that date. It felt so meaningful and full circle.”
Maranda envisioned her wedding colors as lavender, cream and sage, and while she worried the bold tones of the theater might clash, the colors ended up contrasting beautifully with the venue, especially with the help of backlighting. The bridesmaids wore stunning lavender dresses in assorted styles from Birdy Grey, while the seven groomsmen donned classic black suits. “My mother actually sewed the men’s ties and pocket squares,” Maranda added.
After their exquisite and one-of-a-kind ceremony on the Emerald Theatre stage, Maranda and Dan ventured into town with their wedding party for photos while the theater was flipped for the reception. “The marquee at the front of the theater read, ‘Now Presenting Maranda and Daniel Tollis,’ which made for an incredible photo with the entire wedding party,” Maranda shared.
“One of my favorite parts of the evening was the sparkler send off in the front of the theater,” said Maranda. “Everyone was given a sparkler and created a tunnel for us to walk through. It was truly magical and made for an amazing photo,” she added.
Reflecting on the day, Maranda shared, “If I had to describe our wedding, I’d say it went too fast. I barely recall parts of it because it was so exciting. However, we were also able to remain stress free and really enjoy ourselves and we owe that all to our wedding planner, Jennie, who handled everything,” said Maranda.
Wedding Vendors:
Planner: Dreams2Vision Events, Eastpointe Dress: Bombshell Bridal, Shelby Township Photography, Video, DJ: Mike Staff Productions
Bridal Room Snacks: Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, St. Clair Shores
Dessert and Cake: Sweet Dreams Bakery, Warren Florist: Bellisario Florist, Eastpointe
Reception Venue: Emerald Theatre, Mount Clemens
