Sophisticated Summertime Wedding on Lake Michigan at Village Suites Bay Harbor

Lauren Megerdichian
August 16, 2024
Categories: Real Weddings, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

[section title=”The Planning”]

[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Green, grey, and white[/field]

[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Because of their love of summertime in Northern Michigan, Elizabeth and Sam decided to host their wedding day along the waters of Lake Michigan, choosing it over their hometown of Detroit. Inspired by their household decor, their wedding created relaxed spaces with a curated feeling of stepping into someone’s living room. Village Suites Bay Harbor provided elevated outdoor greenspaces for their event, as well as a private beach for the ceremony.[/field]

[field title=”Proposal Story”]While at a mutual friend’s party in 2010, Elizabeth and Sam first bonded over their shared passion for music. Years later, Sam proposed on a trip to Petoskey, Michigan, the same weekend as Elizabeth’s 30th birthday. The couple was planning to attend an outdoor festival in Bayfront Park before dinner and meet friends there. As they walked through the tunnel to enter the park, Elizabeth noticed candles and rose petals along the ground. Photos of the couple throughout their relationship were also displayed along the path. As Elizabeth realized what was happening, two of her best friends jumped out to join in the surprise. Sam proposed, and afterward, the group celebrated with a champagne toast at dinner. [/field]

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]

[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Liz wore a trumpet-silhouette Ines di Santo dress with a crossed bodice, purchased from Ultimate Bride in Chicago: “One of my dearest friends works there and knows exactly my style, and it was the first one I tried on! We went through many different styles and options but the way my face lit up when I was in my dress, I knew that had to be it.”[/field]

[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]

[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]Sam’s tux was purchased and tailored at a suit shop in Detroit, with a second white jacket that he put on for his performance after dinner and dancing were finished. “Sam is a musician, singer/songwriter who goes under the moniker Sam Be Yourself, and he hit the stage to perform with our band in his new look accompanied by a pair of shades and some fresh white Nikes!”[/field]

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]

[field title=”Food & Drink”]After a strawberry salad, guests dined on wagyu filet with parmesan-encrusted whitefish with grilled lemon, meunière sauce, garlic whipped potato, and broccolini with overnight tomatoes. Signature cocktails include a spicy paloma and old-fashioned.[/field]

[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The wedding aisle gently twisted down the sand beach, flanked by white baby’s breath, cosmos, and Queen Anne’s lace. Cocktail hour returned to the lawn, which had been decorated like an outdoor living room. End tables were set with lamps, and couches were set alongside neutral rugs laid out in the grass. Incorporating a touch of nautical decor, the reception tent included unkempt white floral arrangements paired with sophisticated black accents and moments of woven lanterns.[/field]

[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The couple’s wildflower-covered cake featured blood orange, olive oil, and vanilla praline. [/field]

[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #1″]To top off the night, the couple took a ride in a classic Amphicar, which drove straight from the dock into the lake for an unexpected and fashionable boat ride. [/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #2″]”Sam and I left three days after our wedding to Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens. Santorini is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen in our lives. The sunsets, the food, and the people could not have been more amazing. We hope to be back in the near future to explore more islands!”[/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The couple’s best wedding planning advice: “Hire a planner! Planning a wedding is an extremely stressful life event, and making sure you are dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s is pivotal! Hire an expert who knows what they are doing, can keep your timeline on track, and, most importantly, alleviate your stress! There are so many small details that can be easily missed, and the money spent on a planner is worth tenfold. It takes the pressure off you to enjoy your day & be present- which is the most important thing of all!”[/field]

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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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