Brides & Weddings Magazine
Captured & submitted by Andrejka Photography
Matt and Kate met through mutual friends in Chicago – they instantly clicked and have been inseparable ever since. Kate grew up in Michigan and spent a lot of time on Mackinac Island in the summers – it’s one of her favorite places! The summer before her wedding, she was able to take Matt up there and he loved it as much as she did. Deciding to get married on the island was easy!
They wanted a fun and relaxed atmosphere for their family and friends on their wedding day. It was less about following traditional wedding rules and more about being classic, relaxing, and memorable.
They chose not to have bridesmaids and groomsmen; instead they had a most adorable flower girl and ring bearer. Kate spent the early afternoon with her close girlfriends and family before she and Matt did their first look and took some pictures with their families.
Kate arrived at the ceremony with her dad in a horse and carriage! (No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island where their wedding took place, so people get around with bicycles and horses!) She and Matt chose the gazebo at Mission Point Resort for their outdoor wedding ceremony. With the resort on one side and the lake on the other, it was a stunning spot. Guests were given parasols if they needed shade. In lieu of confetti or bubbles, their guests waved wands with ribbons as Kate and Matt walked down the aisle as husband and wife.
Kate and Matt hopped back into the carriage for pictures at some favorite island locations. The beach, the harbor, and the resort itself were gorgeous backdrops for their wedding photos. They brought along some fun paper props. One was a “thank you” banner to use for their thank you cards. Another was a parasol that said “just married.”
Kate gave a speech at their reception before they cut the cake – topped with two Adirondack chairs, a classic Mission Point Resort symbol. The band got the excitement and the dancing going as Kate and Matt enjoyed their first dance together as husband and wife. Each guest got a special Petoskey stone – a symbol of Northern Michigan – as a combination place card and favor. Each table featured simple but elegant flower and candle centerpieces along with an engagement photo of the couple.
This beautiful and fun wedding was memorable for its understated elegance and easy going vibes.
