2020 Castle Farms

wedding WEDDINGS WE LOVE

STORY BY CARLY SIMPSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH JOY PHOTOGRAPHY

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CORINNE BOYD & PRESTON SANFORD | JULY 13, 2019

Corinne and Preston have known each other since middle school, both attending Traverse City East. They were close friends throughout high school but didn’t become a couple until their freshman year of college, dating long-distance while Corinne studied at Central Michigan University and Preston was at Michigan Technological University. (Corinne confides she knew Preston was the one in high school ... but she was patient.)

In July 2018 the couple had moved to Boston so that Corinne could do her general surgery rotation. Preston suggested getting drinks with friends on a Friday night, meeting up first on a popular pier overlooking downtown. When they got there, Preston grabbed Corinne’s hand and got down on one knee. (Their friends were waiting nearby to capture photos!) The yes came easily and Preston surprised Corinne with a flight to Traverse City the next morning to celebrate with their families. Preston told both of their dads and siblings ahead of time, but their moms were greeted with the happy news during dinner at The Franklin!

Finding a venue was easy; they toured only one. The Knight’s Castle at Castle Farms had always been a dream of Corinne’s, with its cathedral ceiling and chandelier centerpiece.

A large sliding door opens to beautiful gardens and a dramatic stone arch in the Knight’s Courtyard, big enough for the couple’s wish for an outdoor ceremony.

“Since Preston and I currently live in the Boston area, we asked our mothers if they would tour the venue together,” Corinne says. “During the tour, one of the venue coordinators was kind enough to FaceTime us and provide a virtual tour. Afterward, we asked our mothers if there was anything they didn’t like about the venue. They didn’t even pause for a moment and both replied, ‘Nothing, it’s perfect.’ We put down our deposit within the hour.”

Also perfect for the out-of-state couple: an on-site venue coordinator. Alexandria Witulski made planning a 150-guest wedding from 931 miles away worry-free, Corinne says. “Alexandria went above and beyond for us and helped with every detail, big or small, the day of and beforehand. Having the Castle Farms’ team by our side was hands down the biggest benefit.”

The wedding day arrived with overcast skies, but Corinne just knew the sun was going to come out as she headed to Salon Beautiful You in Charlevoix with her bridesmaids for their hair appointments. In the meantime, the groomsmen and close family and friends met at the Charlevoix Country Club for a morning round of golf.

The wedding party met at Castle Farms at 1 p.m. so Corinne and Preston could have a first look before the outdoor ceremony. “I was facing out into one of the gardens waiting for Corinne. I told our photographer I had never been so nervous to see her in my life. When I turned around, I was in complete amazement,” Preston says.

Preston’s Uncle Scott and Aunt Terri performed Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” during the ceremony, one of the couple’s favorite songs. Afterward, guests enjoyed cocktails outside in the courtyard, a cool breeze blowing on the warm summer evening.

The plated dinner provided by Catering by Kelly’s featured garlic and herb crusted grilled beef tenderloin served with demi-glace, chicken Forestiere with fire-roasted leeks, smoked gouda redskin mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus. The couple offered Michigan-made wines from 1918 Cellars, Castle Farms’ tasting room.

“During dinner, the bride’s mother leaned over to me and said, ‘This is just perfect.’

The sun was shining through a large window and our friends and family were chatting and having a wonderful meal. I looked over at my wife, who gave me this slight grin she sometimes makes. I replied, ‘It truly is.’”

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resources

Venue | Castle Farms Photography | Beth Joy Photography Flowers | Thyme Hill Design (Sidnee Barrett) Caterer | Catering by Kelly’s Cakes and Desserts | Simply Sweet by Jessica Wine | 1918 Cellars, Castle Farms Music | Rusch Entertainment Makeup | ALH Beauty Aubrey Huyck Bridal Gown | Designed by Viero (dress name is Corinne!)

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Wedding Notebook Castle Farms

Wedding Venues

Historical Elegance & Unmatched Service

Jesse David Green Photography

Beth Joy Photography

Rockhill Studio

The Castle offers a reception room for every style and size of wedding. From garden rooms filled with light to regal stone walls and arched cathedral windows, each room presents a myriad of opportunities to create your own unique style.

All your basics are taken care of, including tables, chairs, white linens, as well as set up of your locations according to your specifications. Many couples rent colored linens or other dĂŠcor to help transform the spaces, but courtyards and arches look just as sweet with a minimal touch.

memorable. The century-old stonework provides a dramatic backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. Arches found around every corner offer endless opportunities for photographs while acres of manicured gardens attract butterflies and couples looking for a secluded kiss. Our goal is to help your wedding live up to your dreams, and our expertise means we can make that dream a reality.

E.C. Campbell Photography

Weddings at Castle Farms are often exquisite, frequently stunning, and always

Charlevoix the Beautiful

With over a decade of expertise, our primary focus is hosting weddings that create a one of a kind experience for you and your guests. Our Venue Coordinators, plus a dedicated team of set up staff, gardeners, housekeepers, and maintenance, ensure you will have a stress-free wedding.

Nestled in the resort community of Charlevoix, there are accommodation options to suit everyone. You will find your guests well taken care of in any of the local Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels & Inns, Motels or Rental Homes.

Wedding guests will be happy to explore our beautiful town. A scenic harbor, welcoming shops, manicured parks, enticing restaurants, wood chipped nature trails, and the perfect sunset view at the lighthouse are just some of the sights you’ll see in our area.

Lux Light Photography

Services

1918 Cellars Wine Label

A13 Studios

Always Photographic

New in 2018, Castle Farms has transformed a stone chamber into a wine tasting room serving 1918 Cellars wine, crafted specifically for the Castle. Couples and visitors alike will enjoy the ambiance of relaxing under the wood beamed ceilings while sipping Michigan-produced wine.

Wedding couples can enjoy a private tasting to select their specific combination that is pleasing to the palette and leaves a smile on the lips.

5052 M-66 North • Charlevoix, MI 49720 231-237-0884 • CastleFarms.com

Vendors We allow you the flexibility to choose your own vendors, including your caterer, as well as purchase the beer and liquor for your event. It’s a significant advantage for any couple interested in saving money, and allows you even more opportunities for creativity. Wine service is provided by Castle Farms and features our own brand, 1918 Cellars.

Venue Specialists Rebekah Moser Kayla Eggers Reception Capacity Up to 350 guests Varies by venue

Ceremony Locations 3 Reception Rooms 5 Unique Photo Opps 12 Courtyards & Gardens with countless backdrops