Sarah and Jake’s Waterfront Wedding Weekend

by Amy Serrago

Sarah and Jake chose beautiful Mackinac Island, Michigan for their summer wedding weekend because it reminded Sarah of her childhood growing up on a lake in Indiana. The island is charming and small and doesn’t allow any cars, so everything from the flowers to the favors had to be brought over on the ferry, it was no problem for Sarah though, she’s a wedding planner herself, so she’s used to conquering the logistics. When the forecast called for a day of rain, it didn’t faze Sarah one bit. With just a little rearranging, the wedding went off without a hitch and there was even a long enough break in the weather to get some gorgeous photos on the porch of the Grand Hotel before the reception took place inside!

Sarah was beautiful in her off-white matte satin gown with its a-line skirting and vintage inspired neckline which she paired with a simple pendant, pearl earrings and a fingertip veil for a classically elegant look. Her bouquet was an absolute showstopper, packed with peonies, roses and greenery in vibrant summer hues and Jake was right on trend in a dark blue tuxedo with black shawl collar, detailing and bow tie.

Since guests would be staying for the whole weekend, Sarah put together welcome bags filled with goodies like homemade cookies, salt water taffy from the island, champagne and maps of the area for day time sightseeing. Of course, they were beautifully designed in gold and white, a design scheme that carried right through to the reception where the tablescapes shared the sparkle. Gold chargers and flatware sat atop white lace table cloths and the champagne flutes were accented in gold as well. Amazing floral centerpieces in vibrant pinks, purples and white were accented with grapes and plums to celebrate the summer and taper candles in brass candlesticks alongside plenty of shiny silver votive candles completed the reception’s stunning decor. Because Sara and Jake’s wedding was a small and intimate gathering, each guest had a personalized gilded wooden nameplate at their seat and dinner was served buffet style. Guests were treated to several different food stations as they reminisced over their favorite stories of the bride and groom before dancing the night away!