Elegant Northern Michigan Wedding

Kicking the winter blues has never been easier than with this Summer The Inn At Bay Harbor affair from Brad and Jen. Complete with a gorgeous Casablanca Bride and stunning Jim Hjelm Bridesmaids' carrying lush Nature's Garden bouquets, every detail is elegant and ethereal. The gallery is not one to be missed and you can soak in the sunshine with the Coastline Studios film below!
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From the Bride... Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, both Dustin and I spent our summers in Northern Michigan. He at his family cottage on Mullet Lake, and me at my family cottage on Otsego Lake in Gaylord. Sure, we live in Chicago now, but the unique inland lakes, quaint towns, and serene beaches of Northern Michigan will always have a piece of both of our hearts. Dustin even proposed while the two of us were boating together in Topinabee on Mullet Lake! We knew from the moment we got engaged that the waters of Northern Michigan would make the perfect backdrop for our summer wedding.

Our love affair with The Inn at Bay Harbor started from the moment we turned into the resort and the majestic white hotel first appeared from atop the cliff. Upon entering The Inn, you are greeted with the most gorgeous crystal chandelier and a view of Lake Michigan through the french doors. And the beauty doesn't end there! Step outside onto the terrace where a gigantic tent with twinkling lights makes a large space seem all the more intimate. Throw in the bonfire, the view of Little Traverse Bay, and the included event coordination, and you can see why two Michiganders were sold on this absolutely stunning "Up North" locale.

With Lake Michigan providing so much natural beauty, we wanted to keep the rest of the wedding decor simple, yet elegant, letting the venue speak for itself. The bridesmaid dresses, with their taupe hue, dictated much of the color palette. This same color was carried through to the wooden table numbers, the invitations, a custom corn hole game, and the guest seating board. Pops of coral and blush spray roses appeared in the flowers while white hydrangeas and roses filled out the look. A hint of mint was used in the paper products including the invites, ceremony programs, and menus. For the most part, however, we kept with simple white table linens, napkins, and chiavari chairs. We wanted an elegant "Up North" feel that included sophisticated decor, while also featuring classic lakeside elements including s'mores, a bonfire, and the sounds of waves crashing on the shore. The ceremony was held on the lawn of The Inn at Bay Harbor. For cocktail hour, guests were able to explore the beach, play corn hole on the lawn, or mosey on up to the terrace for a drink and passed hors d'oeuvres. Dinner took place inside The Inn at Bay Harbor in Sagamore's restaurant. Everyone then moved back outside onto the brick terrace where streams of lights covering the tent grew brighter as the night went on. Although the sky started grey and hazy, by the time the indoor/outdoor reception began, the clouds parted and gave way to the most incredible sunset. It was an absolutely amazing day and we honestly couldn't have asked for anything more.
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Photography: Brad and Jen | Videography: Coastline Studios | Coordination: Ami Klykken - Inn At Bay Harbor | Floral Design: Nature's Garden | Wedding Dress: Casablanca | Cake: Bella E Dolce | Invitations: Just Invite Me | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jim Hjelm | Hair & Makeup: La Dolce Vita | DJ: A Plus Digital DJs | Favors: Garrett Popcorn | Groom's Attire: Vera Wang | Groomsmen's Attire: Vera Wang | Ceremony Music: Bayshore Strings | Transportation: Bay To Bay Shuttle | Wedding Venue: The Inn At Bay Harbor | Bridal Earrings: BHLDN | Bridal Shoes: Glint | Programs & Menus: Paper Source | Seating Board: Paracosm - Etsy | Lanterns & Easel: Tableau Events | Custom Cornhole Game: Victory Tailgate | Table Numbers: Z Create Design - Etsy | Mercury Votives: Z Gallerie