Molly and Ryan traveled from Chicago to Northern Michigan for their domestic destination wedding at Molly’s family home. We asked Molly to share a bit about their big day and how it all came together. “My family lake house is located in Central Lake, MI. My husband and I love to spend our summers at the lake in Northern Michigan, and Ryan drove up to the lake one summer, as a surprise, which ended in a proposal! We wanted to share one of our favorite places with our closest family and friends, so when my parents said “yes” to holding the ceremony on our front lawn, we jumped at the opportunity!” And so the ceremony was set at a sentimental spot, while the reception was held nearby at the Shanty Creek Resort.
“Our lake house is straight out of the 60s, and not much has changed, so we wanted everything to feel both nautical and a bit rustic. We wanted our guests to see the charm in the lake house, so we chose flowers and plants that paired well with our existing landscaping.”
What was this bride’s most memorable moment? “Walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing all of our family and friends gathered at our favorite place. I felt such an overwhelming sense of joy and love! We also tried to get a picture of the whole bridal party on my family dock, which started to give way! We have 10 or so action shots of everyone running off of the dock. Those are some of my favorite pictures!”
“We love the nautical feel that comes with being at the lake. Navy and green seemed like the perfect choice to compliment the natural colors found at our lake house.”
And what was Molly’s advice for those of you out there planning to tie the knot? “Don’t get caught up in the details. Being far away from your venue, you can’t always be there to make every decision. Trust in those who you’ve hired to make your day special. If you communicate your vision clearly, it will all work out! (And even if it’s not perfect, having all of your family and friends in one of your favorite places will more than make up for it!)”
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Paul Retherford Wedding Photography
Wedding Vendors: Band: Mac Daddy Band, Ceremony: Private Residence, Reception Venue: Shanty Creek Resort, Hair: Style North, Flowers: Cottage Floral, Invitations: Earthy Invites
