A crazy thing happens when gold and pink hues combine: I lose all ability to speak. And if you knew my gabbing abilities first hand, trust me, you’d know that’s kind of a big thing. Add in a gorgeous lakeside location and a bride and groom who know everything about throwing a pretty party and, well… happy Friday, lovelies. See it all captured by Kai Heeringa right here.
From the Bride… We are super proud and so very excited to share our Michigan lakeside wedding with you. Not many people realize the true beauty (and fun) that is Northern Michigan. From the day we got engaged we wanted to host a weekend getaway that encompassed the true spirit of “Up North.” Going “Up North” was something I had done majority of weekends since I was a child, and throughout dating, my husband couldn’t help but fall in love with the lifestyle as well. Celebrating great times with great friends, weekends were spent on the boat, in the woods, or lakeside by the campfire, or just inside enjoying each others’ company. We were so delighted to find The Inn at Bay Harbor and the Bay Harbor Golf Club to host our event on August 3, 2013.
The timeless elegance feel of Bay Harbor set the tone for the wedding, and the views of Lake Michigan and the beautiful sunsets did nothing but compliment the look and feel we were going for. We wanted every element to be custom for not only us a couple, but our guests as well. As if they were also enjoying their own special weekend away up north. Starting with the custom monograms on the invites & paper products, the sequin covered dessert table with all our favorite treats, to the individually chosen bridesmaid dresses and jewelry, right down to the hand-written envelopes and place cards, it was all about the details. We wanted everyone to be comfortable and leave the event just as happy as we were.
Lucky enough for us (and with lots of help from the Mother of the Bride) we were able to find a variety of vendors across the country that were able to take our visions (aka the brides random scribbly drawings) and make them a reality. It was amazing how they were all able to take the various pieces or projects and bring them full circle into one final perfect package. We both loved seeing the delight of our guests as they snapped pictures on the balcony in the sunset, pocketing their place cards, or leaving little mementos in our personalized guest book.
The weekend was spent with cocktails by the lake, relaxing by the pool, shopping downtown, basking in the sun, topped off with a lake lawn ceremony, pictures on the boat, and ended with dancing the night away to the best band with all our favorite people. The weekend was all we wanted and so much more.
Photography: Kai Heeringa Photography | Floral Design: A.R. Pontius Flower Shop | Wedding Dress: Kelly Faetanini | Invitations: Lucky Luxe Couture Correspondence | Ceremony Venue: The Inn At Bay Harbor | Reception Venue: The Bay Harbor Golf Club | Brides Shoes: Aldo | Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew | Calligraphy: designsgirl | Entertainment: The Jerry Ross Band | Grooms Attire: J.Crew | Bridal Headband: Tatishotties | Bridal Sash: Mimi's Bridal Boutique | Bridesmaids Jewelry: Net Exchange | Cake, Cupcakes & Shooters: Simply Sweet By Jessica | Decor Setup: Events By I. Candy | Dress Customization: Mimi's Bridal Boutique | Flower Girl Dresses: Tutus Chic Boutique | Monogram Design: Allison R. Banks Designs | Rentals: Events By I. Candy