We might be headed into the cold months of winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream of summer days spent on the water. In fact, that was exactly the idea behind Maryal and Chris’ wedding – who you might recognize are the bloggers behind Love and Specs – that played out as a small town, Americana-style celebration in Petoskey, Michigan. Pop to the gallery shot by Ashley Slater and don’t miss a look back at their desert chic engagement.
From planner Sarah Rhodes Boyce with Sincerely, Ginger Weddings… When I first spoke with Maryal, I knew I hit the bridal client jackpot! She’s enthusiastic, witty, smart, stylish and a little spitfire! This made planning with her and her lovely mother, Anna, all the better. After understanding Maryal’s vision for her big day, I couldn’t wait to get started!
At the very beginning of our planning together, she had some great ideas, but most importantly she was excited to show off her favorite place in the world to her family and friends: Walloon Lake in Petoskey, Michigan, the place where her family has had a home for almost 40 years and that filled her life with years of happy memories. Several of Maryal’s ideas and inspiration were derived from Petoskey, for it’s small town flair with local shops overflowing with cherry pie, fudge, local art and old-school soda pop – it all fit into her vision of a classic Americana wedding. With that vibe in mind, we went with a palette of soft white, blush, cherry lipstick red and royal blue.
The invitation suite really set the stage for for the theme the couple had chosen. The bride and graphic designer Ayofemi Creative Studio (who also happens to be Maryal’s friend) worked together to create a beautiful cherry-adorned, red, white and blue vintage-esque suite with watercolor details and blue gingham ribbon to tie it all together. The envelopes were addressed in red and blue watercolor by the insanely talented Michigan-based Sable & Gray to give guests a peek of what was to come.
The guys and gals in the bridal party chose their own suits and dresses with two rules in mind: stick with the color palette and have fun with it! To be completely honest? I wasn’t so sure it could be pulled off, but as you see in Ashley Slater’s photographs, everything was so classically perfect. Both parties got ready at the gorgeous Hotel Walloon right on Walloon Lake. Maryal went with a vintage wave for her hair and that iconic red lipstick we all wish we could pull off! And her shoes? Suede Carolina Herrera pumps in the same hue of red, of course. Her dress was a two-piece Monique Lhuillier stunner that incorporated a hint of blush in the skirt. Chris looked dapper as ever in a navy check Hugo Boss suit and a perfect chambray bowtie to top it off (that happened to match their dog Hamlet’s bowtie). They looked amazing.
After 8 months of planning together, the vision came together perfectly, the timeline was set, and Maryal and her fiancé Chris were more than ready to get married. We were all ready to pull off an amazing party. However, on August 20th the forecast was feeling a little less enthusiastic. We were looking at a 100% chance of rain for the entire day. Luckily, the bride and groom, their awesome bridal party and their amazing photographers walked into the day with a positive attitude.
We were lucky enough to get their first look outside when as the rain broke for 30 minutes, and my goodness are we ever thankful for that. The pictures were beyond perfect. From there, photos were taken inside and on the porch at the Hotel Walloon. Luckily, the interior designer and Maryal had a similar sense of style! Every detail in that hotel is incredible.
The ceremony took place at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey with Chris’s father as the Officiant, a string quartet and a surprise singer for Chris who played a special song on the guitar as Maryal walked down the aisle. As they kissed and hugged their friends and family as a married couple, Maryal’s father’s classic car in that glorious lipstick red was waiting for them. Maryal’s parents surprised the couple and adorned the car with tennis shoes and soda cans just like the good old days. The car also had a stunning floral display because, well, every detail matters!
The couple chose to have their reception at the Walloon Lake Country Club, where Maryal’s family have been members for many years and where they spend every summer of Maryal’s life. The space had been newly renovated which definitely worked to our advantage. Crisp white walls, tall ceilings and an out of this world wrap around porch overlooking the lake were definitely things we could work with! Even though the rain was still coming down, the guests were able to enjoy the Cocktail Hour underneath the porch listening to live music, enjoying a few fun signature cocktails and a stunning display of charcuterie and passed appetizers. Guests found their seats via the classic Coke bottle display adorned with the sweetest royal blue gingham ribbon.
Upstairs, for dinner and dancing, the Country Club has never looked better. La Tavola linens dressed the tables in white and blush and local florals from Bloom Floral Design knocked guests’ socks off. The dinner was as locally sourced as possible, with Whitefish from the Great Lakes and produce from farms just 10 miles away. Even the drinks were local: Mawby Sparkling, wines from Walloon Lake Winery and Michigan made Bells Brewery beers. Once dinner was finished, it was time for dancing! One of their must-haves on their big day was a killer live band and that killer band had to play Motown. Well, let me tell you – Soul Xpress was even more amazing than the couple had dreamed! Everyone was out on the dance floor dancing to Otis Redding, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye and more. It was the perfect ending to the most perfect day.
Maryal and Chris’s day was so perfect because they allowed it be perfect. They trusted their vendors and when clients can let go and trust that everything will go well, an unforgettable day is bound to follow!
Photography: Ashley Slater | Cinematography: The Compass Points Here | Event Planning: Sincerely, Ginger Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Bloom Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cakes: Simply Sweet By Jessica | Invitations: Ayofemi Creative Studio | Ceremony Venue: Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Petoskey | Reception Venue: Walloon Lake Country Club | Bride's Shoes: Carolina Herrera | Engagement Ring: Trumpet & Horn | Rings: Sedgwick Design | Hair + Makeup: Vogue Salons | Calligraphy: Sable & Gray | Band: Soul Xpress | Favors: Murdick's Fudge | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Ceremony Music: Festival of Strings | Accomodations + Getting Ready Venue: Hotel Walloon | Ceremony Music (Bridal Entrance): Dylan Holmes | Dog's Bow Tie: Rover Boutique | Groom's Bow Tie: The Tie Bar | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Pies: Jesperson's Restaurant | Place Settings (Flatware, Glassware, China): Gigi and LaClede | Vintage China: Vintage Place Settings
