Mynorth Weddings 2019

wedding FOR COUPLES WHO LOVE NORTHERN MICHIGAN » 2019

WEDDINGS WE LOVE GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT & SPA WILLOWBROOK MILL THE HOMESTEAD BAY VIEW WEDDINGS AT GALLAGHER FARMS

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2019 MYNORTH WINE & WEDDINGS! DESTINATION (WEDDING) TRAVERSE CITY 5 TIPS FOR YOUR FAIRYTALE WEDDING STUNNING UP NORTH SETTINGS

MYNORTH.COM/WEDDING

A supplement to $3.95

Accommodating up to 150 guests.

staffords.com

• 800-737-1899

editor's note

NOTE TO BUSY BRIDES In the 10 years I have been editing MyNorth Weddings, I can say that the brides I interview for this magazine are as joyful, articulate and organized as they were when I started. But it does feel like one thing has changed: These brides have gradually gotten busier. And I’m not saying that they just have to get out those thank you notes. Nope, they have big jobs with demanding hours and loads of responsibility. They are engineers, personnel officers, designers, retail consultants, teachers, attorneys. Yep, these are sharp, bright, super-busy women. Most of them don’t even live in Northern Michigan and planned their weddings from another state. Gratefully, accompanying this trend is another one: a rise in talented, creative, efficient wedding professionals, including wedding planners, photographers, venue event coordinators, florists, bakers …

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EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR WEB EDITOR PROOFREADERS

ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

COVER PHOTO BY ASHLEY SLATER PHOTOGRAPHY

Theresa Burau-Baehr

Breanne Kerner

WEB DIRECTOR

Jen Berigan

SALES DIRECTOR

Julie Parker

OFFICE MANAGER CONTROLLER

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT & SPA

WILLOWBROOK MILL Married by a Sikh, serenaded by an Italian singer, along with a floral-crown making station ... couples who get married at this Northport venue are just plain cool.

Gail Snable

JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

MYNORTH TICKETS ACCOUNT MANAGER

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Caroline Dahlquist Elizabeth Aseritis

Rachel Watson

MARKETING DIRECTOR

THE HOMESTEAD

Surrounded by trees and at the edge of rolling golf greens, this couple staged a wedding blushing with romance (and that was as much pink as the groom wanted!).

Elizabeth Edwards

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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Emily Tyra

Carly Simpson

DETAILS

When a hops grower in Leelanau County proposes to an ER nurse from Chicago, where should they marry?

On a mountain overlooking Lake Michigan, of course.

A MyNorth Media Publication

Deborah Wyatt Fellows

ELIZABETH EDWARDS MANAGING EDITOR, MYNORTH WEDDINGS

Small touches make big statements. Check out some of our favorites from the 2018 Northern Michigan wedding season.

FOR COUPLES WHO LOVE NORTHERN MICHIGAN » 2019

PRESIDENT/ EDITOR IN CHIEF

you name it! Honestly, the brides I speak with rave about our Northern Michigan wedding industry.

Getting married or helping someone who is? Meet some of the best of these wedding professionals at our second MyNorth Wine & Weddings event on Saturday, April 27. Read more about this traveling planning party on page 53 of this issue. Grab your friends and join us! It promises to be a blast. Get your tickets at mynorth.com/wineandweddings.

Ann Gatrell Jill Hayes Chris Hunt Meg Lau Cyndi Ludka

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WINE AND WEDDINGS 2018— OH, WHAT FUN IT WAS! Wine and Weddings Saturday, April 27, 2019— Oh What Fun it Will Be!

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5 TIPS TO A FAIRYTALE WEDDING Hey, Cinderella. Here’s how to throw a storybook wedding Up North.

Libby Stallman Chris Ruszel

DESTINATION (WEDDING) TRAVERSE CITY From Old Mission peninsula to Leelanau (and the Cherry Festival in between) this couple’s out-of-town guests got a first-class tour.

Rachel North

Hannah Malinowski

BAY VIEW WEDDINGS AT GALLAGHER FARMS One of the primo places to see the sunset over Grand Traverse Bay is also one of Northern Michigan’s newest venues. Our couple couldn’t say enough about it (or each other).

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UP NORTH SETTINGS Beach, barn, Lake Michigan resort and a cidery. We have the inspiration you need for planning your big day. wedding 2019

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Edgewater Inn suites are modern and well appointed, making them perfect for family, friends or just the two of you.

Wedding packages with hospitality suite and rehearsal dinner facilities.

Group discounts available.

· 800-748-0424 rlevoix.com 231-547-6044 • 800-748-0424 • edgewatercharlevoix.com

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the details

Small touches can make the wedding. Find inspiration here!

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1. Attach flowers to a curtain for a dreamy backdrop.

LUX LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

2. Step out of the traditional altar box with a hexagon—a shape known for its strength, just like your relationship.

3. Sometimes the best ideas are looking you right in the face—at your local doughnut shop! A perfect late night treat.

LUX LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

THE WEBER PHOTOGRAPHERS

4. Local products with your names and wedding date make fabulous party favors.

NORTHERN ART PHOTOGRAPHY

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Pin It!

Browse hundreds of gorgeous wedding ideas.

Pinterest.com/MyNorthMedia

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6. Rice and birdseed are messy. Invite your guests to send you off with wishing wands— ribbons attached to sticks, often with bells on the end. LUX LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

AT THE REVEL ROSE // FLORAL DESIGN AND STYLING: LINDSEY PRITCHARD, OWNER AND DESIGNER AT WINDFLOWER DESIGN CO. // LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: ALLEN-KENT PHOTOGRAPHY // SECOND SHOOTER: JOSH HARTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY // DESSERTS: THIRD COAST BAKERY

9. Get acquainted with a party bus company.

Are they going to make your bridal party comfy, safe and be a part of the memories?

7. It’s going to be your favorite cake, EVER. So why not frost it in your favorite color?

8. We love the soft water-colored forest on these invites. Very modern; very Up North.

10. A floral crown is romantic, natural and unique to you. LUX LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

5. Make your menu part of the décor.

DAN STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE DIRECTION, DESIGN, AND STYLING: KENDALL ROSE, OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

LUX LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE DIRECTION, DESIGN, AND STYLING: KENDALL ROSE, OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT THE REVEL ROSE // TROLLEY: TRAVERSE CITY BEER AND WINE TOURS

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You found your perfect match to marry; now it is time to find your perfect gown.

Let us give you that perfect experience.

630 Cottageview Dr. Suite 70 Traverse City, MI 49684 231-922-9333 • www.tohaveandtoholdtc.com

SU RRO U NDED BY

AT T IM BERLEE HILLS

10484 S Ti m ber l ee D r, Tra ve rs e C it y, MI 4 9 6 8 4

TIMBERLEEWEDDINGS.COM

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© Photography by Root & Arrow

the homestead

wedding WEDDINGS WE LOVE

STORY BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY

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A classic beauty herself, Marta chose classic touches for her wedding including her trumpet silhouette gown by Adrianna Papell. The gown originally had sleeves but Marta has a seamstress cap them. No altar needed when the backdrop is a stunning view of Lake Michigan. The invitations, place cards and programs by Lindsay Green Weddings and Events reect the colorful combo of hydrangeas (Marta’s favorite), garden roses, uproar rose zinnias, dahlias, and spray roses used in the bridesmaids bouquets and other arrangements. Classic navy bridesmaids dresses don’t detract from the incredible natural setting.

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the homestead

Marta & Alex

MARTA HITCHCOCK & ALEX WIESEN | JULY 29, 2018

This love story begins in the ER at Loyola Hospital in Chicago where Marta Hitchcock (who is currently the STEMI Coordinator at Munson) was a nurse. Or, more precisely, it begins with Marta’s mom, Mary, and her best friend, Carol Clark, who were scheming to set Marta up with Carol’s daughter’s brother-in-law (got it?)—Alex Wiesen, from Northern Michigan. The woman had told Marta a teeny white lie: That Alex had seen her on Facebook and was interested and she should friend him. Hesitant to friend almost a complete stranger, Marta was showing his FB page to fellow nurses one day when a doctor walked by and asked what Alex did for a living. “He’s a hops farmer,” she told him.

The doctor smiled and said, “That’s awesome—you have to friend him, he practically grows beer.”

So she did. And after three weeks of messaging each other, Marta made the trip up to visit him. That was in 2016. The next summer, Alex proposed on the beach (after a drive there in his grandfather’s old baby-blue convertible Cadillac).

Marta was still living and working in Chicago, a city she grew up near and adores, so obviously she wanted to explore a venue there. Alex was willing and made the trip down to check out a venue with a view of the Chicago skyline. However, he was, shall we say, underwhelmed, telling Marta: “Hey, I grew up in Northern Michigan where we have mountains and lakes.”

So the couple turned their attention to The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor where the ceremony venue is on the top of a mountain (the ski hill in winter) that overlooks both Lake Michigan and the Glen Lakes. “We knew it would be a great way to show our friends and family who aren’t from here my new home,” Marta says. With its vast buffet of lodging that ranges from lodge rooms, to condos, to homes, the resort was more than capable of housing out-of-town guests onsite.

The event’s relaxed vibe was set the day before the wedding when the couple set the rehearsal at noon so that the wedding party could spend the rest of the day boating on Glen Lake. The ride up the mountain on chairlifts to the ceremony also helped the fun factor—especially as several of Marta’s bridesmaids had never ridden a chairlift.

A white floral and greenery bridal bouquet, navy bridesmaids dresses and gray suits for the groomsmen set a simply sophisticated tone that harmonized with the gorgeous Lake Michigan view from the top of the mountain. Guitarist Mike Moran played for the ceremony and during the mountaintop cocktail party that followed. Guests nibbled on butlered hors d’oeuvres that included shaved tenderloin on toast, whitefish pâté and shrimp cocktails while a spirited game of Closest to the Pin commenced at the resort’s beautiful hole #7 on the resorts on-site par-3 course, Mountain Flowers.

From there it was back down the mountain aboard chairlifts for a beautifully catered sit down dinner followed by a wildly fun night of dancing to music provided by Two Bay DJs. Guests left happy and armed with a nod to that other beautiful city down Lake Michigan’s coast: bags of Chi-town’s famous Garrett Popcorn.

The next morning Marta’s mom texted her this: “We thought this wedding was our gift to you and we now know it was your gift to us.”

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The Homestead’s Sleeping Bear Bay beachfront feels made for photo ops. Marta chose rustic woodblocks to showcase table numbers as a nod to the Michigan northwoods. The cake was white almond four-tiered with a thin cherry filling and a white frosting. It was served with chocolate-espresso sheet cake.

The newlyweds first dance was to Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love. The Homestead’s Mountain Flowers Lodge was the setting for the reception.

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resources

Venue |The Homestead Photography | Dan Stewart Photography Flowers | Field of Flowers North Cake | Aunt B’s Cakes & Desserts Music | Mike Moran, Two Bays DJ Hair & Makeup | Lilyjade Salon, The Homestead Bridal Gown | Complete Bridal, Illinois

See more photos at MyNorth.com/TheHomestead Friend getting married? Get them a copy at ShopMyNorth.com/Wedding19

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Wedding Notebook The Homestead

Accommodations You’ll feel at home in one of our resort hotels or in the spaciousness of a privately-owned condominium or a home. Rates span a wide range but all are available on attractively priced wedding specials. So you can choose a level of luxury that suits your mood and your means.

Bay Mountain Ceremony

We invite you to visit a special place where generations of lovers have shared whispered promises, their faces caressed by Lake Michigan breezes, hearts touched by the vision of shimmering

A Suite at Little Belle

islands, souls stirred by watercolor sunsets over a vast bay and towering dunes. Here, at The Homestead, you’ll feel waves of emotion wash over you, as you discover the most wonderfully romantic setting in the place chosen by Good Morning America as the "Most Beautiful Place in America". You'll choose one of three wedding venues with unmatched style and beauty. Each promises a succession of memorable moments you’ll treasure forever.

To learn more, please call us. We will send you information filled with wonderful photos and warm reviews from recent brides. And, we will invite you to come for a visit. When you do, you’ll see that your perfect wedding, like Memories

your love, can begin with a look and a touch.

Catering

We’ve carefully paired our menus with our community. They include seasonally fresh food from local farms and awardwinning wines from nearby vintners. To that we add sparkling table settings and seemless service for fabulous dining on the most important day of your lives.

Event Facilities

Destination Services

Mountain Flowers Lodge

Almost touching the sky, and fresh as the flowers that scent its terraces, Bay Mountain offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake. Your ceremony and cocktail reception can be there, dinner in the valley below at Mountain Flowers Lodge where you'll find the warmth of stone and pine logs with country gardens and a sparkling waterfall. Accommodates 170.

Camp Firefly captures the charm of the north woods with welcoming ponds, a pine-paneled great hall, covered porch with an outdoor fireplace and wildflower-lined patio overlooking a waterfall and pond. Accommodates 80.

A bouquet’s throw from the beach, Café Manitou inspires Thoreau-like vows in an intimate, shoreside setting with endless blue views of lake and sky from outdoor brick terraces a cozy café. Accommodates 40.

NEW! "Mountain Village" featuring an all new grocerant, restaurant, outdoor grill and bar, stage, dance floor and fire pits. And, a massive stone fireplace and curvilinear celebration table that's perfect for your rehearsal or brunch.

Lillyjade

You and your guests will enjoy the resort’s many amenities - beach, pools, tennis, golf, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, fitness center, skiing, and snowboarding. Your man and his groomsmen might enjoy golf at Manitou Passage Golf Club or Mountain Flowers Par 3.

You and your bridesmaids are sure to enjoy Spa Amira which overlooks Lake Michigan and offers lighthearted fun around a pool. Then, bathed in natural light beside Lillyjade Salon's reflecting pool, you and your bridemaids locks will be coiffed and colored, your nails and toenails buffed for the Big Day. You can welcome your guests with a beachfront bonfire–S’mores and sunsets are included! Your rehearsal reception, and brunch can feature sophisticated soirees or picnics to go.

Wood Ridge Road Camp Firefly

Glen Arbor, MI 49636 231-334-5000 231-334-5300 Events Phone thehomesteadresort.com Event Sales Veronica Diebold Sandy Luthardt

Café Manitou

Reception Capacity Up to 170

Event Rooms 3 Guest Rooms 225

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wedding WEDDINGS WE LOVE

grand traverse resort & spa STORY BY CARA MCDONALD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NORTHERN ART PHOTOGRAPHY, ANDREA BOGARD

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The couple knew an outdoor wedding could be a weather gamble, but felt confident knowing there were plenty of plan B event spaces at Grand Traverse Resort in case of rain. “We loved the site at the 55th hole because with so many trees, we didn’t really need much for flowers and decoration,” says bride Amy Vaal. Flowing dresses were a cool choice for a (very!) hot day, and the perfect weather meant guests could enjoy an outdoor cocktail hour before heading in for the reception.

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grand traverse resort & spa

Am & Jared AMY LOHSS & JARED VAAL | JULY 14, 2018

Her groom had only a few requirements for their impending wedding: No overwhelming amounts of pink. An open bar. And it had to be Up North.

For Amy Vaal, the last one was especially easy. She had grown up coming to Crystal Lake with her family, and her fiancé, Jared, had also fallen in love with the lazy days on the lake and the Northern Michigan lifestyle.

But planning a wedding from a distance isn’t always a snap. Especially when, as Amy admits, you might be a teensy bit type A. “I love weddings,” she says. “And I’m very detail oriented.”

The perfect solution? A destination wedding at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. The Indiana couple, who met at a New Year’s Eve party in college, had originally pondered a New Year’s Eve wedding, but scrapped the idea (too cold!) in favor of an outdoor summer fête.

The bride never wanted an outdoor wedding—she worried it’d be too hot, too cold, or rainy. But the setting at the 55th hole took her breath away. “Why travel Up North to have a wedding in a ballroom? You can do that anywhere. I liked that the site was surrounded by trees.”

As Liz Klondik, special events manager at Grand Traverse Resort explains it: “The 55th hole isn’t really on a course per se. Since we have 3 courses, we technically have 54 holes of golf. The 55th is just a cute play on words since it’s not such a thing in golf.”

Liz was Amy’s point person on the wedding, working her carefully through reassuring options and contingency plans. Amy talks about as if she has wings and a halo. “Liz did a phenomenal job,” says Amy. “It’s just provided as part of their services. It was so easy!”

The resort handled the site, event management and design, cake, bartender, caterer, timing.

Having those logistics in hand meant that Amy could focus on the fun stuff—the details.

Guests arrived to a casual welcome reception on Friday complete with comfort foods like barbecued ribs and cherry pie.

For the ceremony, Amy wanted things a little more elegant. “I love the trendy things on Pinterest, but I wanted something timeless, so everything we did was pretty neutral— champagne and white colors, classic flowers. I didn’t want to look back and think, ‘why did I choose that?’” They opted for a short ceremony set in the trees with traditional vows, and then a gorgeous white tent for the fun.

Guests were treated to gifts of tiny honey pots of whiskey barrel honey from Iron Fish Distillery. They sipped local wines from Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse and Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery (the couple loves their Naked Chardonnay). During the party, friends danced or relaxed at an outdoor cigar bar. For dessert, they noshed on a choice of white cake with raspberry filling or chocolate with Nutella creme. (“Liz saved pieces of it for me to eat later, I loved it so much!” the bride gushes.)

“All in all, the resort had everything I was looking for,” Amy says. The couple loved that they didn’t have to leave the property and just used locations all across the resort, from their welcome reception at the Pavilion, to first-look photos at Aerie Restaurant and Lounge, to their farewell brunch (also at the Pavilion)—even a golf outing for the groom and friends.“Every small detail—down to the type of chilled water we served at the reception—Liz took to heart,” Amy says. Which meant that Amy and Jared could focus on joining theirs.

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The couple took time before the wedding for a first-look photo at the Aerie Restaurant & Bar before heading down to the ceremony site. A spacious deluxe tent felt elegant and bright, set off by a palette of champagne, white and gold. The classic flower arrangements, a summery mix of roses and peonies, “were probably one of my favorite things,� says Amy.

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resources

Venue | Grand Traverse Resort & Spa Photography | Northern Art Photography, Andrea Bogard Flowers | Field of Flowers North Favors | Iron Fish Distillery Music | Two Bays DJs & Harpist Sylvia Norris Hair & Makeup | Makeup by Kori, Kori Martz & K. Noelle Artistry, Kirstyn Taylor

See more photos at MyNorth.com/GrandTraverseResort Friend getting married? Get them a copy at ShopMyNorth.com/Wedding19

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Wedding Notebook Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Event Facilities

86,500 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor function space gives you ultimate flexibility in selecting the venues for your special day. Our wedding staff is practiced at transforming the ballroom or outdoor venue of your choice into a truly unforgettable environment. You’ll appreciate the smooth, detail-oriented leadership of our event professionals, as they execute your vision to perfection.

Bridal parties delight in our spa and salon, while groomsmen typically prefer golf and our nearby Turtle Creek Casino. And with multiple wedding and reception venues, our planners create a brand of seamless perfection, regardless of scale. From intimate unions to grand affairs, your guests will feel every bit as loved, cherished and honored as the bride and groom.

Michigan’s Premier Resort Experience People often remark that the most appealing thing about the 900-acre Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is its sense of the genuine. So when couples choose to exchange their vows here, it feels especially romantic. Sincerity resonates among the trees, and love sparkles on the water. Simply put, it just feels right.

Our wedding staff is practiced at transforming the banquet room or ballroom of your choice into a truly unforgettable environment.

You’ll appreciate the smooth, detail-oriented leadership of our event professionals, as they execute your vision to perfection. Pre-event parties and rehearsal dinners are easily arranged.

From our convenient, centrally located Midwest location, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is easily accessible to all of your guests – just ten minutes by Resort shuttle from Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport (TVC).

Catering From 2 people to 2,000 people, our Catering department can make an unforgettable experience for your wedding. Our experienced staff can work with any budget and is committed to great guest service.

Weddings are a time for celebration, and our catering staff can work with you on any specialty menu to suit your attendees and their finer tastes! And special meals are no problem for guests with special food needs, and dietary considerations.

Accommodations

Recreation Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is renowned for many things, but the golf experience is among the best anywhere.

For each of our three signature courses, we sought out the finest designers the industry has to offer.

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The Bear by Jack Nicklaus.

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The Wolverine by Gary Player.

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Spruce Run by William Newcomb.

Our 100,000-square-foot Health Club offers something for everyone. Features include:

Whether you stay in the Hotel, the Tower or a Condominium, you’ll revel in the natural splendor of the outdoors, and the luxurious amenities and outstanding accommodations within.

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Fully equipped Cardio and Weight Room

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Fitness Classes

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15,000-square-foot Indoor Water Playground

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Recreation Pool

• The Hotel - Our six-story hotel offers 238 spacious guest rooms, many with gorgeous views and wireless high-speed Internet access. Conveniences include: color cable television, bathroom television speakers, hair dryers, and much more.

• The Tower - Our newly renovated 17-story glass structure offers 186 large, luxuriously appointed rooms and suites each with wireless high-speed Internet access. You’ll relax amid breathtaking views of sumptuous forests and the rolling hills and orchards of the surrounding golf courses.

Deluxe amenities include: wet bars, Jacuzzi whirlpool tubs, bathroom phones, cable TV, refrigerators, and more.

• Condominiums - Sample fairway or beachfront living when you get away to one of our 161 condominiums.

Studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodations are available in a variety of locations.

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5 Indoor and 4 Outdoor Tennis Courts

Guest Services At Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, you’ll find nearly 600 rooms, suites, and condominiums plus a combination of services and amenities unmatched elsewhere. The expert hands of our spa professionals relax bride and attendants with luxurious treatments and massages, and can create perfectly styled hair and makeup for the bridal party. Groomsmen and guests will enjoy a pre-wedding round of golf on one of our three premier courses, a tension-releasing game of tennis, or a relaxing whirlpool. Pristine beaches and exciting water sports are additional options that will make your wedding a memorable mini-getaway for each and every guest. Winter weddings have a special allure with our crackling fireplaces, snow-covered views, and elegant lodge atmosphere. Your guests can also enjoy cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, and other winter activities.

100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd.

Acme, MI 49610-0404 231-534-6000 800-748-0303 weddings@gtresort.com GrandTraverseResort.com

Special Events Manager Liz Kondik

Reception Capacity 2,500

Spa Manager Dawn Olsen

Event Rooms 35

Spa/Golf Sales Managers Cara Goss Joann Hanafi

Guest Rooms 585

GOLF SPA SHOP DINE CASINO

GET UP AND GO Breathtaking scenery and unforgettable moments. The paradise of a Northern Michigan wedding is more than inspirational views, a flowerlined path, or sunset stroll on the beach. More than tee times with the guys or endless pampering for the girls. It’s having all of those things at your fingertips. You won’t believe it if you haven’t seen it. Get up and go at grandtraverseresort.com/weddings.

Owned and Operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

wedding WEDDINGS WE LOVE

willowbrook mill STORY BY CARA MCDONALD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSIE ZEVALKINK

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With a Lake Michigan beach setting for the ceremony, the bride and groom kept things breezy—a wildflower-studded bouquet, an earthy suit for the groom, a flowy dress with Bohemian details and a simple flower crown for the bride. All had hints of Jeff’s favorite lake-blue color. The pair opted for photos directly after the ceremony before heading out to a dinner reception in Northport.

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willowbrook mill

Tina & Jeff

TINA DOEPKER & JEFF NOWAK | AUGUST 25, 2018

Six years ago, Jeff Nowak was on a motorcycle road trip with his brother and the pair pulled over to explore the 140-year-old Willowbrook Mill in Northport. “I fell in love with the feel of it,” says Jeff, a metro Detroit–area designer who works in the automotive industry. “The feel. The texture. The character. All just felt...right.” He put it in the back of his brain that this would be the perfect location for a wedding. Someday.

Someday came in the summer of 2018, when Jeff and his fiancée, Tina, an art teacher, tied the knot in an eclectic, joyful wedding at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula.

To start, they gathered friends and family from all over the Midwest, who piled into cottages on the lake, shared beach rentals, and checked into local inns, adding extra days to make the destination wedding into one big, happy getaway.

“We wanted to do the ceremony in a very natural setting and keep it short and sweet,” says Tina. So the couple wed on a nearby beach. “The Lake Michigan shore is just very magical. Our draw to the beach was that it was far enough away from the hustle and bustle.” Their friend Manjeet, who is Sikh, became ordained just for the occasion and officiated with a heartfelt non-denominational ceremony. A few folding pews and an acoustic guitar rounded out the scene, and the two exchanged vows in front of a simple birchwood arch next to a field of flowers.

Post-ceremony, guests were shuttled to the Willowbrook Mill for an evening dinner reception and dancing. Instead of a traditional seating chart board, Tina created an assemblage with lots of found objects and listed names among wooden architectural details, scraps of maps and textured papers, and interesting shapes from up-cycled containers.

Just prior to the toast, there was an unexpected wedding gift—a good friend from Italy serenaded the couple with a trio of opera arias. “It just shook you in your seat,” says Jeff.

“We hear that people throughout the town heard it.”

For dinner, Abundance Catering helped the couple come up with an out-of-the-box menu with filet mignon, pork loin, lake trout, and portobello mushroom. “We loved that most of the food was gathered locally,” adds Tina. “That was really important to us.”

The pair offered wines from Black Star Farms and L. Mawby, as well as craft cocktails.

Tina wanted to make the seven kids that attended feel extra special (and therefore allow their parents to have some fun too), so at each of the kids’ place setting was a sketch book with their name on it and a pencil. They also gave each kid an instant camera and a list for a photo scavenger hunt, and later they displayed their photos and got a huge goodie bag of treats, toys, and Michigan-themed books.

But the grownups didn’t miss out on the creativity. “We had a floral crown-making station, so anyone who wanted to join in on that fun could—the art teacher in me needs to make activity stations!” Tina laughs. The couple also had a large TV monitor where a live feed of guests’ photos were shown. They used a site called Tacboard to which people could easily text photos that could be shared with everyone on the spot. And to celebrate their friends and family, they collected and displayed guests’ wedding photos during the reception. Having two artists plan a wedding can have its challenges. “Sure, we had a Pinterest board,” Tina laughs. “We liked a little bit of everything. A little vintage, a little modern, a lot of nature ... we had to tie in all these styles. The whole setting and experience was dreamlike. We didn’t have a wedding planner, but I think we nailed it.”

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“Tina and I are in the arts—the color, the texture, the emotional feel of things, they were really important to us,” says Jeff. A local DJ spun a range of Jeff and Tina’s music faves, including a good mix of 80s, Beatles, Motown, and Rat Pack tunes. The couple got so into sourcing and designing some of the event accessories (like their gold flatware and glass chargers they’ve started a rental biz on the side called Nord; find their wares on Instagram. Photo taken at David Chrobak’s Pot of Gold, a resale shop located across the street from Willowbrook Mill that is full of similarly wonderful photo ops.

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resources

Venue | Willowbrook Mill Photography | Jessie Zevalkink Flowers | Christina Pfeufer, Field of Flowers North Caterer | Abundance Catering & 9 Bean Rows Favors | Full-size cherry pies, The Cherry Hut Music | Electro System Pro DJ Hair & Makeup | Emily Kolomitz Bridal Gown | Chic Nostalgia, The Wedding Shoppe, Berkley

See more photos at MyNorth.com/Willowbrook Friend getting married? Get them a copy at ShopMyNorth.com/Wedding19

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Wedding Notebook

E.C. Campbell Photography

Willowbrook Mill

Start your story at Willowbrook Mill There’s so much more to this rustically elegant destination wedding and event venue at the top of the Leelanau Peninsula. More than the fire places, and chandeliers; crystal and branch. More than the outdoor deck and creekside patio or the walkway bridge where couples take iconic photos of their grand entrance. And more than the special care taken by our staff to help you make this this best day ever. For Willowbrook Mill, the most important part of the story is you. All the joy that fills this beautiful old building outshines each and every meticulously crafted detail. We take the extra measures to make sure we always shine so the most important element of every event has a worthy setting. That element is love. Come. Celebrate your love with us at Willowbrook Mill.

Abundance Catering

Trinity United Church of Christ Serving Northport since 1863 Trinity UCC welcomes all people, whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, to be married here.

Contact Phil Garrison at phil.garrison14@gmail.com or 218-269-4466. trinityuccnorthport.org

Serving the catering needs of Leelanau County. From delicious barbeque to elegant faire, Abundance Catering helps you design a menu that suits your every need. Contact: George Twine at 231-432-0586.

Abundancecatering.mi@gmail. com. Abundance.catering

Dozen Roses & Blue Moon Cottages Yvonne Nordstrand operate 3 vintage rentals in walking distance of the amenities in the village of Northport. Original architectural details remain throughout the cottages. Furnishings are period correct with a hint of country French to create reminiscent charm.

Gardens, porches and private decks included for your relaxation.

Contact: Yvonne Nordstrand at 231-386-5465.

Nordstrandd@att.net

201 Mill Street, PO BOX 719 Northport, MI 49670 231-534-2142 www.willowbrookmill.com info@willowbrookmill.com Special Events Manager Mimi and Samantha Heberlein Event Capacity 150 for cocktail functions 135 for seated events

Voted Top Ten Wedding Venue 2017 & 2018 Traverse Magazine Red Hot Best

bay view weddings

wedding WEDDINGS WE LOVE

at gallagher farms

STORY BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY

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Cherry orchard photo ops are easy as, well, pie, at Bay View Weddings. The pale blue, blush pink and green color palette that Dani chose subtly captured the colors of water and cherry orchards that help to make this venue so gorgeous.

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bay view weddings at gallagher farms

Dani & Gabe JUNE 30, 2018

Dani and Gabe started dating in high school, so, seven years later when they were still a couple, Gabe says, “It was about time!” to get married. Dani might have known a proposal was in the works, but she had one request of Gabe: that she be surprised.

The couple was moving from Michigan to Iowa where Gabe was going to school so that Dani could take a job as product engineer at HNI Corporation, an office furniture manufacturer. Before they left, Gabe told her he’d ordered a ring and it would be delivered to her parents’ house. They’d bring it when they made their first visit. Then he’d figure out a way to surprise her with it.

Slick guy that he is, Gabe had the ring sent to Iowa—and as they were waiting for her parents to arrive on their first visit he put on romantic music, got down on one knee and pulled out the ring. She was so busy asking how he pulled it off she almost forgot to say, “yes,”—for at least a minute.

There was never any doubt that the wedding would be in the Traverse/Leelanau area where they were both raised. Both Dani and Gabe attended St. Francis High School but they also had a number of friends and family from Leelanau St. Mary’s High School.

After deciding on the quaint country church of St. Mary’s in Lake Leelanau for their ceremony, they decided that a tented reception at the stunning new Bay View Weddings at Gallagher Farms would be the perfect complement. Surrounded by cherry orchards, the site rises nearly a thousand feet over the surrounding countryside, East and West Grand Traverse Bay shorelines and Power Island.

The wedding day arrived warm with a bright blue sky. The drive (aboard Blue Lakes By the Bay party bus) on country roads flanked by vineyards and cherry orchards from Lake Leelanau to Bay View Weddings was postcard beautiful.

Imagine their delight when soon after they’d arrived Michigan State’s “Sparty,” showed up to help kick off the reception. The venue offers either carriage or tractor rides up the winding drive to the Bay View Hill Top reception area. The newlyweds chose a hayride for their riotous wedding party of 14 bridesmaids and groomsmen—and Sparty jumped on with them. It was a good time. Understatement. “At one point I thought a suit would rip ... there were cherries thrown,” says Dani.

When they arrived, the tent—large enough to seat the couples’ 250 guests—was perfectly set up with the soft blue palette Dani had requested for her tables and floral arrangements. The family-style dinner catered by Grandview Catering featured braised beef with rosemary glaze, roasted baby potatoes and chicken stuffed with prosciutto and spinach and covered in vodka cream sauce. In keeping with the Gallagher Farms’ theme, the dessert table popped with cherry treats.

As the newlyweds finished their first dance to Then by Brad Paisley, one of the many blessings of being married in this stunning setting was being painted across the sky—the fiery-hued sunset over Grand Traverse Bay. Dani and Gabe stole away from the party for a moment to enjoy the moment together.

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Ready to pour at the outdoor bar. The wedding party got a hayride to the reception. The reception tent set to go—note the band of blue on the horizon. Lawn games, including a monogrammed game of corn hole, were a hit.

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resources

Venue | Bay View Weddings at Gallagher Farms Photography | Dan Stewart Photography Flowers | Sweetwater Floral Caterer | Grandview Catering Cake and Dessert Bar | Brulotte’s Cakery & Sweets Music | Mr. Music DJs Hair & Makeup | M.O. Hair and Beauty Lounge Bridal Gown | Bianca Bridal Decor Rentals | 307 Events Event Coordinator | Fox + Fern Events Wedding Party Shuttle | Blue Lakes By the Bay

See more photos at MyNorth.com/BayViewWeddings Friend getting married? Get them a copy at ShopMyNorth.com/Wedding19

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Wedding Notebook

Dan Stewart Photography

Bay View Weddings at Gallagher Farms

A Breathtaking Destination Meets Rustic Elegance Weddings at Bay View Weddings are breathtaking, elegant, rustic, stunning, and unforgettable. The four hundred acre fourth generation family cherry farm provides a stunning backdrop for ceremonies and wedding receptions. With gorgeous views of Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, and Leelanau County all in one at elevations close to 1000 feet, you and your guests will be blown away not only by the magnificent beauty of the views of west and east bay of Traverse City but also of the pristine cherry orchards that romantically roll along the beautiful rustic landscape. We believe that you deserve the wedding of your dreams and we are here to help make your wedding dream become a reality.

Dan Stewart Photography

Wedding Venue When we think of a wedding, we think of the most beautiful and unforgettable day of your life. That is what you will find at our Bay View Hill Top Venue. An infinitely gorgeous destination venue on our family cherry farm. Our tented venue provides the outdoor grandeur and elegance that every dream wedding or event may desire. After taking in this spectacular view of Grand Traverse Bay, we believe that dreams do come true.

Ceremonies

Vendors

Dan Stewart Photography

Dan Stewart Photography

We appreciate and value each client in selecting their own vendors. It is a significant advantage for couples and allows couples to be creative in their selections. If a client prefers guidance and assistance in selecting vendors to help create their wedding vision, we are happy to support clients and assist them with the selecting of vendors for their wedding so they can focus on enjoying their special day.

With limitless ceremony options including our Bay View Hill Top, Elopement Overlook, The Little Pond, or Orchard Ceremonies, we have the location for your wedding that will inspire and move you and your loved ones with incredible heartfelt moments captured in time for years to come.

We are committed to providing a memorable experience for you and your guests. With a staff dedicated to supporting with set up, maintenance, farmers focused on caring for the aesthetics of the property, and event managers, we have the expertise needed to help and assist you. We also provide a wedding coordinator for the day of the event to assist with coordinating the rehearsal and day-of-the-wedding details in a calm and pleasant demeanor all with a smile as we are here to serve you and help you to relax, enjoy, and celebrate each beautiful moment of your wedding day.

Beautiful Traverse City Traverse City is a four-season playground for anyone who loves to be outdoors. With 180 miles of beaches, an array of delicious and enticing restaurant options, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and excellent hotels and inns, motels, resorts, or rental homes, there will be accommodations and activities to support everyone. Wedding guests will also enjoy inviting shops in historic downtown Traverse City in addition to the many downtown activities, including the National Cherry Festival that Traverse City hosts each summer, along with stunning sunrises and sunsets to start and end each day. These are just some of the many unforgettable opportunities that can be enjoyed in beautiful Traverse City.

8629 E. Lincoln Road Cedar, MI 49621 Located on the west end of Traverse City, Michigan

Dan Stewart Photography

231.645.2732 bayviewweddings.com info@bayviewweddings.com Wedding & Event Coordinator Rose Gallagher

Reception Capacity Up to 350 Guests

As a fourth generation family farm, we are committed to maintaining the agricultural strength and aesthetic beauty of the farm. We strongly encourage you to come visit and explore our farm as it is an unforgettable experience that you have to see to believe. Please contact us today to set up a tour. We are happy to help and serve you.

Dan Stewart Photography

Services

Breathtaking Destination Bay View Weddings is a new gorgeous and elegant rustic farm wedding venue and destination with landscape and bay views so stunning it is worthy of the journey.

Booking for Summer 2019

Š Dan Stewart Photography

Words cannot describe the beauty of our farm. Schedule a tour to visit with Rose, our wedding and event coordinator, at 231.645.2732 (231) 645-2732 | Located in Traverse City, Michigan | bayviewweddings.com

W e d d i n g s | R e h e a R s a l s | s h oW e R s

Elizabeth Blair

FinePearls

Creating food as as the bride (well, almost).

beautiful

Bridal Pearls 115 W. Main Street | Harbor Springs, MI | 231.526.7500 westmainpearls.com | elizabethblair.com Member Cultured Pearl Association of America

Weathervane Terrace Inn & Suites

A castle for your overnight stay Our Conference Room seats 25-30 and is a great place to have your catered rehearsal dinner or after wedding brunch.

3 miles from Castle Farms rated hotel in downtown Charlevoix Free breakfast and high speed WI-FI Largest seasonal outdoor heated pool • Indoor hot tubs and fireplaces 32" Flat screen TVs in all rooms Featuring Weathervane Wonderbeds with triple sheeted bedding Group discounts available Only

231.347.0101 | wineguysCatering.com

www.weathervane-chx.com • info@weathervane-chx.com 111 Pine River Ln., Charlevoix • 231.547.9955

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Your Romantic Setting Up North

Serving high-end, seasonal pastries and confections using local ingredients

weddings • special events • private parties

We can accommodate 150 for a sit down dinner in the barn . The deck can seat an additional 90 guests . Unlimited tent space is also available. We are located in Williamsburg, Michigan, close to Lake Michigan and 10 minutes from beautiful Downtown Traverse City.

445 E FRONT ST � TRAVERSE CITY 231.642.5333 � sweettartlette.com 42

MYNORTH.COM/WEDDING

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

(810) 523.3873 • Bobgarvey@me.com www.traversecityweddingbarn.com

#LETSTAKEAWALKDOWNTHEAISLE in Downtown Traverse City

(231) 922-2050 downtowntc.com

events • meetings • banquets

Located in downtown Traverse City, Corner Loft possesses a 120 guest capacity, 3 large projection screens, WI-FI access and a modern rustic - chic vibe. Call for a tour today!

201 E FRONT ST • TRAVERSE CITY 231.883.9367 • CORNERLOFTTC.COM

Downtown Chili Cook-Off January 12

Traverse City Restaurant Week February 24- March 2

Downtown Street Sale August 2

Lilies of The Alley 227 E. State Street Traverse City, MI 49684 (231) 360-3620 cindyhardy29@yahoo.com wedding 2019

43

Destination (Wedding) TC Stephanie and Trevor Kierczynski wanted to make sure their out-of-town guests got both a bird’s-eye view and a tour of the place that has their hearts—the Grand Traverse Area.

TEXT BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY SLATER PHOTOGRAPHY

Reception Venue: Ciccone Vineyard & Winery | Photography: Ashley Slater Photography | Flowers: BLOOM Floral Design | Catering: Dan Kelly with Catering by Kelly’s; Moomers Ice Cream Cart | Cake: Top Tier Cakery | Event Execution: Stellaluna Events | Transportation: Holiday Charter | Rentals: Monstrey McDonald | Wedding Gown: Essence of Australia, Genevieve’s Bridal, Illinois | Hair & Makeup Stylist: Niki Novak & her team with M.O. Hair Design | Groom Attire: The Black Tux | DJ: Matt Rochford | Hotel Accommodations: Hotel Indigo

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Stephanie & Trevor JUNE 30, 2018

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Premier Floral Design An enchanting convergence of quality and creativity

She said “yes” to the Lake

She said “yes” to the Lake 2019 Dates Available

Add a touch of the extraordinary to your wedding with bouquets and centerpieces created just for your unique style and budget.

800 Cottageview Drive, Suite 55, Traverse City 231.947.1167 | premierfloraldesign@yahoo.com

Lake Michigan’s newest venue 704 Maritime Drive Lake Michigan’s NewestMI Waterfront Venue Ludington, 704 Maritime Drive Ludington, MI www.lakehousevenue.com Text: 317.997.5942 Text: 317.997.5942

L AKEHOUSEVENUE.COM

TOBACCO RANCH +WEDDINGS +PRIVATE PARTIES +CORPORATE EVENTS

Outdoor Weddings Lavabo Bathroom Trailers: where we can put your guests in comfort at your outdoor wedding or special event.

Houdek’s Bathroom Trailers for Outdoor Weddings & Special Events

231-633-5081 • HOUDEKSTRAILERS.COM

(989)386-2221

WWW.TOBACCORANCH.COM

CLARE,MICHIGAN

3 BARNS

HISTORIC BALLROOM

PATIO DANCE FLOOR

POND

PHOTO TRAIL

CLARE AREA LANDMARK

Rent the “Party Tender” our exclusive traveling wet bar!

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tephanie Tierhold and Trevor Kierczynski met four years ago in Chicago where she works as a retail consultant and he as a senior account executive for a freight brokerage company. They were at a mutual friend’s birthday party and struck up a conversation. About five minutes in, they both pretty much knew they’d met The One. The courtship that followed involved Trevor introducing Stephanie to Traverse City, his home town. Make that twice that she fell in love at first sight.

On an October evening in 2017, Trevor invited Stephanie to his apartment for dinner. Not unusual … except that this time she arrived to find a private chef preparing a very special meal. Oh yes, she said, “Yes!” After the proposal dinner the couple met Stephanie’s parents at Cindy’s

Rooftop bar at the Chicago Athletic Club where the view spreads across Millennium Park and out over Lake Michigan. A breathtaking panorama, indeed, and the perfect ending to a dream day.

But it was a different view of Lake Michigan that Stephanie and Trevor wanted to share with their family and friends on their big day, June 30, 2018. To that end, they booked the Top of the Park in Traverse City’s iconic Park Place Hotel for the rehearsal dinner. Set on the tenth floor of the downtown hotel, the view spreads from Traverse City’s charming Victorian-era storefronts out across Grand Traverse Bay. When the sun is setting over the water, folks at the Top of the Park have a balcony seat.

That was just the beginning of the Traverse area tour the couple planned for their 170 wedding guests, many of whom were from out 4

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Fall in Again

Authentically Northern Michigan

Authentically 231.383.5156 CrystalLakeCatering.com Northern Michigan

316 B N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay • 231.492.5057 GraceElizabethBridal.com

231.383.5156 CrystalLakeCatering.com

A unique environment where people come to connect, grow, and celebrate life events WEDDINGS | EVENTS Three distinct environments to accommodate up to three hundred people bluebridgeevents.com | 231.668.6950 48

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LUXURY HANDBAGS A N D L E AT H E R G O O D S HANDMADE IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN B . M AY B A G L A B

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P E T O S K E Y, M I

BIRMINGHAM, MI

231.622.4908

248.686.3389

bmaybags.com

of town. With the ceremony at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Old Mission Peninsula and the reception at Ciccone Vineyards on the Leelanau Peninsula, guests would travel one of the most beautiful 20mile routes in the region. Stephanie and Trevor made sure they did it in an air-conditioned motor coach outfitted with beverages and other celebratory amenities.

The motor coach tour started at the church, located midway down 19-mile-long Old Mission Peninsula, and proceeded past cherry orchards and vineyards heavy with cherries and grapes and breathtaking views of East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Then it was a right turn onto Grandview Parkway that hugs West Bay where—on that last day of June—the National Cherry Festival was in full swing, including a performance by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels in the skies above the bay.

From Traverse City, the bus purred out onto the Leelanau Peninsula, another tapestry of orchards, vineyards and blue water. It was all a preamble to the blow-out view of rolling vineyards and blue-water horizon that greeted them from Ciccone Vineyard & Winery. Stephanie chose Ciccone as her reception site, both for this view and for the fact that she could turn the venue into three distinct areas: cocktails at the vineyards’ edge with acoustic guitar by country singer Craig Smith, an elegant plated dinner under a tent catered by Catering by Kelly's, followed by dancing in the rustic barn.

Which brings us to the couple’s first dance to Perfect by Ed Sheeran—a song that describes this couple, the setting … the Traversearea-themed day.

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© Rayan Anastor Photography

Located in beautiful Benzie County, Crystal Lake Golf Club is the premier outdoor ceremony and tented reception wedding destination with panoramic views of Crystal Lake. We offer competitive bar pricing, full setup/teardown of the tent and your decor, tables/chairs, a dance floor, floor length linens, a private bathhouse with a bridal suite and assistance from our on-site wedding coordinator.

Crystal Lake Golf Course

8493 Fairway Dr. • Beulah, MI

Tracy Magoon • tracy@socialbutterflytc.com CrystalLakeWeddings.com • 231.218.9927 50

mynorth.com/wedding

Menus for all Occasions We welcome small groups and large groups - including 1,000 or more!

Pig Roast • Grilling • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Grill & Roaster Rentals - No Distance Too Far Come see us & Taste the Difference at the MyNorth Wine & Weddings Event

420 E. Prosper Road, Falmouth, Mi 49632 - 231.826.3333

Check out our menus online at www.ebelsgeneralstore.com ➡ Dawn Fresh Catering

WORDS CAN’T EXPLAIN. Everything was perfect. It just felt so right. This was exactly how it was supposed to be. The beginning of our happily-ever-after.

Design a celebration that is as unique as you are, with the help of your own personal on-site wedding coordinator and full-service staff. Schedule a tour with Carmen, our wedding expert at 844.277.0193.

MAKE IT YOUR MOMENT. 844.277.0193 | CRYSTALMOUNTAIN.COM Christopher Deau Photography

42204 MyNorth Weddings, 2019, Crystal Weddings Ad.indd 1

11/14/18 10:36 AM

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Gathering gown ideas at the One Oak Bride booth.

Ready for toasts in the bride's room at Aurora Cellars.

ODEN + JANELLE PHOTOGRAPHERS

CONRADIE EVENT DESIGN

SAT U R DAY APR I L 27, 1 0AM-5PM PARTI CI PAT I N G W I N E R I E S Amoritas Vineyards, Aurora Cellars, Black Star Farms, Ciccone Vineyard & Winery, Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery, 45 North Vineyard & Winery, and more.

MyNorth.com/WineAndWeddings

Décor accent by Amy Kate Designs and Conradie Event Design at Aurora Cellars.

CONRADIE EVENT DESIGN

Place setting by Amy Kate 52 MYNORTH .COMDesigns /WEDDINGand Conradie Event Design at Aurora Cellars.

Discovering the talent of Northern Art Photography.

CONRADIE EVENT DESIGN

ODEN + JANELLE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chatting to the background music of harpist Amber Joy Carpenter at Chateau Chantal.

ODEN + JANELLE PHOTOGRAPHERS

MYNO R TH W INE A N D WED D I N G S 20 1 8—

OH WHAT FUN IT WAS! MyNorth Wine and Weddings 2019—Oh What Fun it Will Be!

L

ast spring we launched our first-ever My North Wine & Wedding event, a concept we thought was a no-brainer: Let brides and their parties meet the vendors that can help them with their big day while wine tasting at our gorgeous, romantic Northern Michigan wineries.

Sunshine sparkled on the last of the winter snows as over a hundred brides and their pals headed out to Northern Michigan wine country where eight wineries signed on to open their doors to vendors from gown boutiques to wedding cake bakers—and everything in between.

By the time the event was a wrap, our guests had explored a creative, cool mashup of venue ideas that included barns, a ski hill, a golf course, a dedicated wedding center, a distillery, wineries and even a glamping resort; heard the gentle strains of music fit for a ceremony courtesy of a harpist and Spanish guitarist; sipped unique after-cocktails, browsed dozens of gowns; chatted with caterers and cake and dessert makers, and even learned how a shuttle service can do more than just get the wedding party around—it can help make the event!

MyNorth Wine & Weddings, this April 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., promises to be better yet! Tickets are $30, purchase yours at MyNorthTickets.com.

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Where Beautiful Memories Begin

your dream

wedding

at Black Star Farms.

A N O RT H ER N M I C H I G A N D E S T I N AT I O N W ED D I N G

Book your dream wedding at our luxurious vineyard estate in Leelanau County. The unique settings, venues and accommodations at Black Star Farms are a dream come true.

SUTTONS BAY, MICHIGAN

|

BlackStarFarms.com

Amore + Veritas True love in a bottle of wine ... sealed with a sip.

Aurora Cellars Weddings Old World Charm in Leelanau Reservations & Information

Ask about special case pricing for your wedding and serve your guests some love.

231.994.3290

events@auroracellars.com

6701 E DUCK LAKE RD LAKE LEELANAU, MI 49653 | 231.994.2300 7788 E Horn Road • Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

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WWW.AMORITASVINEYARDS.COM

5

Tips for a Fairytale Northern Michigan Wedding You have your prince. Now it’s time to plan your dream wedding.

TEXT BY CARLY SIMPSON & ELIZABETH EDWARDS | PHOTOS BY LUX LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

T H E S E T T I N G | These enchanted Northern Michigan towns are guaranteed to cast a romantic spell.

Ah, Mackinac Island, 8 miles around and oozing old-fashioned amour.

Romantic Victorian architecture abounds but nary an automobile— horseless carriages are banned so you’ll want to rent a carriage (or bicycle built for two!).

The tiny city of Charlevoix, wedged between Lake Michigan and Round Lake, is filled with storybook-looking stone buildings (courtesy of Early Young, a last-century local artisan). Want to talk princess settings? This city even has a drawbridge!

The Victorian Italianate architecture (turrets, red spires and all!) of the Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City exudes the age of chivalry.

Did we say photo ops?

Lumber baron mansions and the elaborate community buildings to go with line the streets of the Victorian Port City of Manistee. And yes, a lazy river winds through this picturesque Lake Michigan kingdom.

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events@ironfishdistillery.com

events@ironfishdistillery.com

Journey Should Begin on

Your

Grand Traverse Bay Intimate Outdoor Waterfront Gazebo & Reception Deck

Dedicated Wedding Planning Staff

ur Yo

D re

ch Wedding am Bea Des ti n ati on

Photo by: Lux Light Photography

!

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1401 US 31 North Traverse City 231-947-3800 www.parkshoreresort.com

mynorth.com/wedding

Photo by: Michelle Bates

Photo by: Michelle Bates PhotoS by: Heather Dixon

PhotoS by: Heather Dixon

Northern Michigan fairytale TH E SEA SON No doubt, sun-kissed summer has romance down. But imagine the possibilities of an autumn wedding where the foliage’s fiery reds and glittery golds fairly trumpet love? Or spring, when the breeze stirs a flurry of cherry and apple blossoms and wildflowers line forest paths. Ah, but winter, when snow and ice build their own palace and wrapping in furs is as much necessity as it is glamorous.

LUX LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

BONUS: Off-season weddings are more affordable!

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Northern rental management Specializing in beachfront vacation rental cottages and Crystal Mountain resort homes for your out of town guests or romantic honeymoon.

1-888-326-2352

BIG CIT Y EXPERIENCE SMALL TOWN CHARM 231.347.1840 - 1888 E Mitchell - petoskey

taylorrentalpetoskey.com

www.northernrental.net

There are many factors to consider when planning your outdoor event. Let us help you make your event memorable.

We will work with your caterer to make sure they are set up with all the equipment that they need.

We provide the highest quality equipment in Northern Michigan. We rent tents, chairs, flooring, lighting, heaters, and more!

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

PO Box 879 • Traverse City, MI 49865 • 231.631.1804 • monstreymacdonald.com • alex@monstreymacdonald.com 58

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Northern Michigan fairytale TH E GOWN

LUX LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

Princess style of course! Traditionally that means the gown is fitted on top and then eases out at the waist—to descend to the floor in a bibbidi-bobbidi-boo big skirt or a graceful sway. A confining style? Hardly. Necklines can range from sweetheart to camisole and fabric from lace to chiffon. And who said Cinderella’s gown was white? White wedding gowns weren’t even en vogue until Queen Victoria wore one—more than a hundred years after Cinderella waltzed with Prince Charming. Give blush pink or café au lait gowns a try. Better yet, your lifelong favorite color.

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dream

Whatever you may

let us make it a reality.

EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN • DAY OF COORDINATING DECOR RENTAL • FREELANCE FLORAL • DRAPE SERVICE

Specializing in custom design & designer collections.

SU TTONS B AY, M I | FO U R A LLE V EN T S. C O M

www.wexfordjewelers.com

Nestled on The Point between Portage Lake and Lake Michigan with stunning views. The Historic Portage Point Resort is the destination for your special event.

• Weddings - Reunions - Retreats • Overnight Accommodations • Beach Frontage w/Two Lake Accesses • Saltwater Pool & Hot Tub • Boating & Water Sports • Bar/Lounge & Seasonal Cafe • Close to Dunes & Traverse City

8567 PORTAGE POINT DR | ONEKAMA, MI PHONE: 810.348.3586

PORTAGEPOINTRESORT.COM

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mynorth.com/wedding

Northern Michigan fairytale T H E TA BL E S E T T I NGS

TH E IN VITES

Channel Beauty and the Beast here— long wooden tables with raw linen runners decked in wax-dripped candelabras, moss, stones and pieces of driftwood, flowers under glass cloches.

Use antique breadboards and wooden trenchers for cheese and crudités. Don’t be afraid to mix and match antique silver and china for the place settings. Resale shop road trip!

Nothing will do but handmade or linen paper lettered with gold calligraphy, of course! Have a local artist create custom calligraphy for you.

LUX LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

PLAN YOUR FAIRYTALE. See all 15 ideas. MyNorth.com/FairytaleWedding

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A Spectacular Setting. A Perfect Day. Three incredible northern Michigan resorts and award-winning spas, each an achievement of grace and style.

Whether you are seeking the destination for your special day, for an unforgettable honeymoon, or for a setting to relax and have fun with friends, BOYNE’s resorts are the perfect choice. And with three spectacular spas, our experienced staff can delight you from head to toe...feeling refreshed and beautiful for your wedding day.

866.988.2042 BOYNEWEDDINGS.COM

What ambiance are you dreaming of for your wedding?

In Northern Michigan it all begins with the water, sand and trees ...

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ON THE BRANCH: Leland Blue & Petoskey Stone Unity Bead Necklace ShopMyNorth.com/KG

Wedding favors, bridal party gifts & welcome baskets.

Old, new & something Leland Blue.

Sweet as cherries, in season & out.

Unique Petoskey Stone gifts.

Local fare for your welcome baskets.

Meaningful gifts for your wedding party.

Jewelry with a sense of place.

Private beaches are perfect for small, intimate weddings. Don’t be afraid to set up your reception in a cottage either, as this couple did.

MICHAEL MURPHY IV PHOTOGRAPHY

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The elegance of yachts adds a Monte Carlo-style drama ... find that backdrop at the Bay Harbor Yacht Club on Lake Michigan near Petoskey.

NORTHERN ART PHOTOGRAPHY

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Grand Rap 49th 50th 49thand andBridal 50th Annual AnnualSh Grand Grand Rapids Rapids Bridal Show Bridal Show January 4 & 5, January 3 & 4,

January January 44 & & 5, 5, 2019 2019 January January 33 & & 4, 4, 2020 2020

DeVos Pla

Downtown Grand R

DeVos Place DeVos Place GRBridalShow.

Downtown Grand Rapids Downtown Grand Rapids

Presented by:

GRBridalShow.com GRBridalShow.com

Presented Presentedby: by:

616.538.1760 616.538.1760| www.BunnyTuxedos.com | www.BunnyTuxedos.com| |3956 395630th 30thStreet StreetSW, SW,Grandville, Grandville,MI MI(Off (OffChicago ChicagoDrive Drivejust justEast East ofof Wilson) Wilson)

616.538.1760 | www.BunnyTuxedos.com | 3956 30th Street SW, Grandville, MI (Off Chicago Drive just East

Yes, we love our cherries—and cherry orchards in Northern Michigan. Find the orchard and rustic barn to go with it at Cherry Basket Farm in Omena.

DAN STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY

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Check Our Website for January 2020 Shows in Lansing & Saginaw

Doors open from Noon to 4pm. Tickets are $6 at the door.

Don’t miss an opportunity to meet over 90 of the most sought after wedding professionals and learn new and creative ideas for your perfect wedding! Many exhibitors will be offering samples, demonstrations, and money-saving specials the day of the show. Talk one on one with the wedding experts and professionals.

Pre-register at www.bridalworldshows.com for ½ off admission coupon!

Call 989.534.1135 or visit www.bridalworldshows.com for more information!

Presented by:

WEDDING SERVICES DIRECTORY Browse featured venues, bakers, florists, photographers and more! MyNorth.com/Wedding Services

The rolling landscape and wedge of blue West Grand Traverse Bay can make your wedding at Suttons Bay Ciders a bounty of natural beauty. The cider is delish, too!

CREATIVE DIRECTION, DESIGN, AND STYLING: KENDALL ROSE, OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT THE REVEL ROSE // FLORAL DESIGN AND STYLING: LINDSEY PRITCHARD, OWNER AND DESIGNER AT WINDFLOWER DESIGN CO. // LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: ALLEN-KENT PHOTOGRAPHY // SECOND SHOOTER: JOSH HARTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY // VENUE: SUTTONS BAY CIDERS // MODELS: SAM GUTOWSKI AND BEN ANDERSON // BEAUTY: ALLISON SHAUGHNESSY HAIR // RINGS: BECKY THATCHER DESIGNS // WEDDING DRESS BOUTIQUE: GRACE ELIZABETH BRIDAL // WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER: DESIREE HARTSTOCK

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At only $24 for the first one and $20 each gift after that, Traverse Magazine gift subscriptions are perfect for your bridal party, your new in-laws and even yourselves. mynorth.com/bridal | 800.678.3416

MISSION POINT mackinac island

Recent reviews from Our wedding ceremony took place at the Mission Point Gazebo and the reception on the Promenade “ Deck. Everything was so beautiful and went off without a hitch! The food was amazing and all of our guests enjoyed themselves. Mission Point could not have done a better job! ” Marcy C. My experience with getting married at Mission Point was absolutely perfect. Everybody there made “ planning a wedding so easy! Our day flew by and was absolutely seamless from beginning to end. The staff at Mission Point was very professional, very helpful, and so easy to work with. They thought of every detail!

Including making sure my husband and I got a plate of appetizers to try because we didn’t have a chance during the cocktail hour. We are still getting comments on how amazing the food was. I would highly recommend Mission Point to anybody!

Alissa H.

”

Kate Koster, Wedding Sales Manager | 906.847.3057 | weddings@missionpoint.com 2018