Thoughtfulness, laughter and love were the main feelings in this beautiful weekend’s celebration and what a wonderful culmination of those three feelings that were shared for M+M, and they were definitely giving back just as much love and gratitude.
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October weddings can sometimes have unpredictable weather and chilly temperatures that bring out the warm layers and keep things inside. This weekend was an epic display of warmth not only in our forecast but also in the love that was shown for M+M. A beautiful ceremony on the deck overlooking the river and hearing Van Morrison played by @clintweaner as M+M walked arm in arm into their ceremony through guests surrounding them in happy tears and so much love.
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Natural tones with pops of color embellished @themillglenarbor from @indiegrowflower and candles and oil lamps set the mood for a late dinner. Guests found their seats with handwritten thank you notes from the bride and groom and more happy tears were shared as we regaled in speeches from their loved ones sharing stories and memories of their love story.
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The night was capped off by guests dancing while enjoying desserts and drinks then moved to a bonfire for those that couldn’t say goodbye yet. Such a wonderful evening and so much love shared. I’m anxious to see @jillianbowes photos and relive the whole weekend all over again. Cheers to M+M for giving us a chance to share in your next adventure as husband and wife 🤍
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Wonderful vendors tagged | Recap by Em
Cement dinner plates on floral linens. Smokey goblets of wine with a local whiskey sour on the side. Cocktail linens in sultry sequins dazzling on the lawn with a view of the bay. Romantic. Sophisticated. Northern Michigan with a Chicago edge. One of the most intentional compositions and one of the most anticipated designs of our season.
J has a lovely way of "slowing the train," of carving out time to be intentional to a beautiful end. I saw it over coffee when she asked that our first meeting be in person instead of on zoom. I saw it when she picked up linens in Chicago to bring to our third in a series of design mock-ups in Traverse City. I saw it most strikingly during the ceremony as she knelt to pray and the music of Ave Maria stirred the souls of onlookers (at least mine). The experience was beautiful in voice and imagery but especially in the way it beckoned all of us to slow down, to take in the moment, to acknowledge that marriage is one of those sacred experiences in life, worth pausing for, worth reveling in.
Two quoatable moments stick with me from this one. "Is this wedding for a queen? It's so beautiful."
This came from the kind older gentleman who had stopped in the church to pray while Lauren and I hauled 15 hydrangea trees, bushes and arbor vitae to the altar and Kelsey delivered glorious arrangements with a measuring tape to perfect their placement. I'm sure we were not the peaceful experience he sought on his travels but as it turns out, he had pastored at that church 50 years ago and his presence and well wishes made the preparations special.
"Take time for romance." came from the sweet lively guest who had just rallied all couples from the lawn to leave their drinks and conversations and get on the dance floor for a Louis Armstrong, "What a Wonderful World" slow dance. And then she stopped me with my lighter in hand to say what a fleeting thing life can be (her husband had already passed away) and that it's important to make ti
Taking sparkler exits to a whole new level.
Backyard test run for an epic season ahead 🎆.
Winter weddings are a rare treat for us, especially when the couple has a desire for a snow globe ceremony atop one of the highest points in TC. Well, Saturday didn’t bring us any snow for that ceremony moment, but what the day lacked in snow, it made up for in so much love for our wonderful couple. ❄️
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Our friends at @sensationaleventstc decked out the 17th floor with beautiful drape, a lovely chuppah arch and white chair covers to give us that wintery glow, while purple floral and candles down the aisle filled the room as an epic pink sunset adorned the sky as the ceremony was set to begin. Guests were able to have a pre-ceremony cocktail hour to enjoy with H & S before they said “I do” with a special moment for them to witness them signing their handmade Ketubah certificate with Rabbi Josh. H & S made their way up the aisle to the musical stylings of Zeke Clemons from @tcguitarcompany strumming a beautiful version of “A Thousand Years”.
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After H smashed the glass to announce their union, guests were able to grab a drink as they made their way downstairs to the Mackinac ballroom where beautiful chandeliers hung over the silver, purple and white decor set on the two king tables and a sweetheart table in between. The @gt_resort staff as well as Scott and team from Northern Michigan DJ were ready to continue celebrating, with a lovely dinner service and delicious desserts. The night was full of dancing and merriment to celebrate H & S, including a quick Hora to open the dance floor. Despite not having a snow filled day, I know that H & S felt the ‘snow globe of love’ for them as they were able to celebrate with their nearest and dearest loved ones. Congratulations to H & S and may you you always continue to find the beautiful moments to share together! 🤍
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So many thanks go out to our amazingly talented vendor team and so excited to see what epic photos @meg.paxtonphotography was able to capture of this beautiful day.
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Post photo cre
A peek at part 3 of the Alaskan Dinner Shoot featuring beverages from the 48th state - @hoarfrostdistilling @bearcreekwinery @blacksprucebeer @akgrownspirits and a hand-crafted birch shot glass holder from Sarah L.
