SAUGATUCK, Mich.-- From reverends to cake decorators to DJs, the West Michigan wedding industry is big business, and it just got a whole lot bigger in light of Friday's historic Supreme Court decision allowing same sex couples to legally marry nationwide.
The wedding industry in Saugatuck is already seeing an uptick in business, including one florist who might expand and one reverend who says her phone has been ringing off the hook.
"It's been a whirlwind week, phones are ringing emails have been flying," said Cheryl Hooten, a local reverend and owner of Dream Day Wedding.
"I've already seen a business uptick since Friday, we've had five bookings of weddings that will be happening this fall," said Michelle Turner, the owner of VS Flowers in Saguatuck.
She says since the ruling, she's doubled her clientele. But it's not just Turner's business that's booming.
"I knew it would increase a little bit, but had no idea it was going to really explode this quickly this fast," Hooten said.
For 10 years, Cheryl Hooten has witnessed couples say 'I do,' and despite the surplus in business, Hooten says she'll gladly make time for anyone wanting to get married.
Hooten performs nearly 96 weddings a year, but since the ruling, she thinks that number could double.
" I am definitely seeing an increase. I had four couples contact me within the first 12 hours all wanting to get their ceremonies done and their licenses signed," she said. "It was something special being a part of history."
