With a ballroom remodel completed in January 2024, he has refreshed the venue with a more modern look while still keeping the elegant atmosphere Laurel Manor is known for.
Chef Luciano has also revamped the menu and presentation with 35 year Laurel Manor Chef, Greg Vitale, to bring a new level of sophistication to all events.
The world-class service, exquisite cuisine, and beautiful ballrooms at Laurel Manor will give your guests an experience to remember
for years to come!
Tacori
250 N. Old Woodward Ave
248.723.7880
42825 Schoenherr Rd
586.997.0011
s a lifelong Michigander, it always feels amazing when we get to welcome springtime. But who knew it was going to be at the end of February?! Lucky for you, the milder climate was the ultimate inspiration for producing this incredible Spring 2024 issue of nearlywed!
For those of you getting married this year, congratulations — it’s finally here! Some of you have had short and quick engagements; some of you have had long ones where it seemed like the calendar would never say 2-0-2-4. But this is your year, and we are all so excited for you! As you get into those last few months and weeks of planning, be sure to check out our Resources section on nearlywed.com, as we have done most of the legwork for you with the last-minute details, specifically “Getting Your Marriage License in Michigan” and “How to Legally Change Your Name.” We also have helpful guides for the day of, including “How to Plan Your Wedding Day Timeline” and “What to Tip Your Vendors.”
For those of you recently engaged and just starting to plan, we welcome you to visit nearlywed.com to learn even more about the amazing wedding professionals you will find in this magazine. Whether it’s viewing their image galleries on their individual directory pages or reading custom blogs written specifically about each of them, you are sure to get to know them in a way no other resource allows, making choosing your vendors easy for you. Because wedding planning should be fun — and easy!
Lastly, I want to say thank you to all the couples and vendors that supported the launch of nearlywed last fall. We were able to share our publication with thousands of brides and grooms at Michigan bridal shows over the past few months, and it was amazing to see the positive reactions from everyone. Additionally, you made our magazine one of Barnes & Noble’s best sellers of the year here in Michigan, as well as all the other newsstands where you graciously purchased our first issue. Thank you all so much; your support inspires us to continue putting out the best content and resources for wedding planning in Michigan!
Publisher
- The Waddell Center in Downtown Grand Rapids
waddellbanquetcenter.com - The Harris Building in Downtown Grand Rapids
theharrisbuilding.com - Crossroads Banquet and Conference Center
crossroadsbanquet.com
elcome to the second issue of nearlywed — we’re so glad you’re here! Whether you’re at day one of your wedding planning journey or getting married next week, this issue is filled with ideas, inspiration, and resources for planning your one-of-a-kind celebration.
For this issue, we found inspiration in the glorious Michigan summers we all live for: long, sun-soaked days, fields of colorful wildflowers, and brilliant sunsets over a crystal blue lake. Michigan is rich in spectacular scenery, and in our opinion it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world to get married. Turn to our Real Weddings and you’ll see what we’re talking about. From the splendor of the Detroit Institute of Arts to the glittering shores of Walloon Lake, we bring you more than 40 pages of weddings that showcase what the state has to offer.
We’ve also curated a stunning array of stories to inspire your wedding celebration. Our cover shoot shines a bright light on some truly spectacular jewelry and manicures, and the sleek, minimal gowns and separates in this issue’s fashion story prove that less is more. In Something New, we hit the water with Retro Boat Rentals, introduce you to wedding content creator The Brunette Chick, spotlight some of the most unique new venues in the state, and more. To help you plan your picture-perfect bouquet, we asked four local floral experts for their favorite blooms for each season. And if all this talk of summer has you dreaming of the beach for your honeymoon, you’ll find some of the world’s most swoon-worthy destinations in our travel story.
Wherever you are in your planning journey, we’re honored you chose us to be your guide. And we hope this issue helps make your wedding dreams come true.
Cheers,
Editor
Find our rental catalog & contact information at alpineevents.com
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Spring 2024, Volume 2
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Publisher and Sales Director
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ith more than 3,000 miles of shoreline along the Great Lakes and thousands of inland lakes within the state’s borders, boating holds a special place in the hearts of Michiganders. Former WZZM 13 anchor and current Saugatuck mayor, Lauren Stanton, is no different.
A longtime Saugatuck resident, Stanton and her husband own and operate Retro Boat Rentals, a boat rental service that offers pontoon boats, duffy boats, donut boats, and vintage boats for rent in West Michigan. The duo was inspired to launch the business when a “for lease” sign appeared on a long-vacant, waterfront property in 2016.
“My husband and I had fun brainstorming ideas [for the property] and landed on the Retro Boats concept — saving vintage boats from landfills and making them an eco-friendly, stylish, affordable option for people to enjoy the waterways of Saugatuck,” she says. The idea quickly grew into a passion, and in 2018 Stanton left her career in media to operate the business full time.
Since then, the Retro Boat Rentals fleet of meticulously maintained, rare, and classic Fiberglass boats from the 1950s and 1960s has grown to include five vintage stunners with delightfully throwback names like “Ruby,” “Gladys,” and “Beverly.” With their big fins, headlights, chrome details, and vibrant color combinations, the boats aren’t just popular with vintage enthusiasts — they’re also picture perfect for weddings. From proposals and engagement shoots to bachelorette parties and post-wedding photos, the boats have been a hit with Michigan couples.
“It’s so fun to be a part of a couple’s big day,” Stanton says. “Customers have rented our boats to have a really special arrival to their wedding, whether it’s a bride and bridesmaids, the whole wedding party, or a bride and her father. Stepping out of a vintage boat onto a dock to ‘walk the aisle’ to their outdoor wedding is just a beautiful and unique photo op.”
To learn more visit retroboatrentals.com.
To learn more visit wedcompanygr.com.
f you’re in downtown Traverse City this summer, you may see a bright yellow cargo bike out and about making flower deliveries or selling bouquets at local events.
Known as The Flower Petaler, this unique flower bike was inspired by florist Libby Hogan’s travels to Copenhagen. “I love our cargo bike — it’s a Christiania Bike, a really lovely Danish producer of bikes,” says Hogan, who owns floral design studio Lilies of the Alley. “I visited Copenhagen in 2021 and the bike commuter culture there was very inspiring, as is Danish floral design with great minds like Nikolai Bergmann and Tage Andersen.”
With The Flower Petaler, Hogan has brought that ethos to Northern Michigan, highlighting the walkable and bikeable coastal tourist town she calls home. “We use The Flower Petaler for flower deliveries in downtown Traverse City during the warm months, which is great to promote how bikeable our city is, not only for commuting but also transporting goods, and it really gets the community engaged,” she says. “The Flower Petaler always turns a lot of heads when we petal/pedal downtown.”
The bike has also caught the eye of the wedding world, with a couple reaching out to book the bike for a fun activity for their welcome party. Each guest at the party was able to select from an assortment of locally grown blooms as Hogan and her team created petite bouquets on-demand. “It was super fun,” Hogan says. “We got to chat with guests about the beautiful bounty of flowers Northern Michigan has to offer during the late-summer months, sharing the stories of our local flower farmers that we cherish so much and work with closely throughout the year.”
To learn more visit liliesofthealley.com.
When I started The Brunette Chick in July 2023, Wedding Content Creation was not new. Many talented creators had already established their footing within this industry, but no one existed for my Ohio and Michigan brides. I decided it was time to step up. I have always had a passion for social media and photography, so this quickly became the best of both worlds. Early on, I was unsure how I would have the opportunity to showcase my talents without any experience or bookings. I owe it all to my friend and the incredible photographer, Alan Chavez. He believed in my vision and allowed me to tag along to a few of his weddings to get my business off the ground, and I am forever grateful for that opportunity.
In the WCC world, we like to refer to ourselves as your BTS bestie or personal paparazzi. And that is exactly what I do and who I am. I am by your side all day long capturing the raw, candid moments from a behind-the-scenes POV. I use a WCC-dedicated device (at the moment an iPhone 15 Pro Max) along with a few other pieces of equipment to really enhance the content you receive and your overall experience. I am fully immersed in your day and make it my mission and utmost priority to not miss a single moment, so you get to experience it all over and over again within 48-hours of me leaving your side.
I want my clients to know that the Wedding Content Creation process is fully customizable and unique to you and your day. Selecting a package is the easiest part, and we strategize from there. Your bridal vision is representative of your aesthetic, personality, venue, etc., and I want to emulate that in what I capture. So, what does that mean exactly? We will have the opportunity to share ideas and outline the process to best suit your day-of needs. I heavily prioritize one-on-one calls with my clients so that we can make the most of our time spent together. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m your BTS bestie. Send me ideas, DM your TikTok and Reel inspo, all of it. I want to know your love story, why you chose the venue, what makes your wedding unique, moments that mean the most to you, what’s causing you stress or adding chaos, and beyond.
Typically, I have averaged at least three to four weddings or events a month. While my books are open for 2024, dates are going fast with several inquiries pending for 2025. So, I’d recommend connecting with a WCC once you determine if content creation is right for you. This will provide the opportunity to connect with your Wedding Content Creator, establish a relationship, and determine if you’d like to solidify the booking process with a contract. I’d like to mention that WCCs are not only covering weddings exclusively. I personally include Digital Vendor Marketing as part of my offerings. This gives businesses and vendors the opportunity to receive BTS content for their own personal social media pages and websites.
The most enjoyable part of being a Wedding Content Creator is having the opportunity to freeze time through my work. My clients are hand-selecting me to capture moments that they will get to relive over and over again; that is a truly remarkable concept to grasp. While I play such a small role in a huge day, they’re relying on my lens to capture their authentic selves. I absolutely love it, and never take that opportunity for granted. I am equally as grateful for the relationships I have created with other WCCs across the globe. It is such a special community full of talent, passion, and total boss babes.
I tell all of my couples and cannot stress it enough: WCCs are not videographers. My content does not replicate what a videographer can create for you, and vice-versa. That is the beauty behind it all. Their perspective, the product, it is all so uniquely different. So, please don’t go into the vendor-selection process of the mind that you will pick one over the other. We both play such a special role in your day. I once attended a wedding with two photographers, three videographers, and myself — we all worked so seamlessly together but each brought such a different experience to the table. It’s one of my favorite collaborations to-date.
To learn more visit @thebrunettechick on Instagram.
or couples who want to curate a one-of-a-kind experience for their wedding, these new, multi-faceted venues — each with a distinct personality — are guaranteed to provide the perfect home for an unforgettable celebration.
To learn more visit mammothparty.com.
“I found myself with all this extra time,” she says. “After making a board for my family for Easter in 2020, I had the idea to start a business doing just that — making cheese boards and delivering them around Grand Rapids. I officially launched my Instagram on April 18, 2020, and it completely took off! … I really had no idea what I had just started.”
With Say Cheese GR, Thorn creates beautiful and fully customized charcuterie boards for weddings and special events, serving Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas. Despite starting the business during a pandemic, Say Cheese GR was an immediate success, with more than 30 orders coming in for Mother’s Day only a few weeks after launch. Since then, the business has grown, and Thorn has expanded to offering workshops where she teaches others how to style their own charcuterie boards.
Thorn is grateful for the trust her clients place in her as they plan their events, and she loves knowing that her work has been part of so many people’s important life moments.
“I think of my work as conversation starters, the type of thing that brings people together. I really don’t take this lightly,” she says. “I know that people are spending their hard-earned money on my services, and it’s important that I deliver.”
To learn more and enjoy your own custom charcuterie board, visit saycheesegr.com.
s our culture becomes increasingly focused on health and wellness, one of the biggest trends in the wedding world is prioritizing self-care and skincare — for the groom. More men than ever are booking facials, rejuvenating treatments, and other services to ensure they look and feel their best on the big day. Here we chat with Nicole Gregory, founder and CEO of Urban You — a leader in aesthetic care and accessibility with four locations across Michigan — about this growing trend and how to ensure healthy, radiant skin on your wedding day.
More men than ever are prioritizing their self-care leading up to the big day. What are some of the services you recommend for grooms?
We at Urban You know that the world of med spa services can be intimidating. That’s why we created the Men’s Menu, which makes it easy to find the most popular men’s med spa services, learn about them, and book appointments. We highly recommend CoolSculpting to remove unwanted fat, “BroTox” to rewind any unwanted signs of aging, and Juvéderm Volux jaw filler for any guy who wants his jawline to be more defined on his big day.
How far in advance of the wedding should groom’s schedule those treatments?
While some services, like Juvéderm filler, provide immediate results, others take multiple treatment sessions before optimal results are achieved. We recommend booking CoolSculpting, Botox, and Laser treatments one to three months in advance to ensure the desired results by a groom’s big day.
The most essential products in any skincare routine are a high-quality moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen. These three products will protect the skin from harmful UV rays, cleanse it of any debris or grime, and hydrate to maintain a healthy look. Because we know skincare can be intimidating for anyone, but especially men, we’ve created The Men’s Box. It’s the perfect basic skincare routine that gets delivered right to your door and includes medical grade products from SkinMedica: the Rejuvenative Moisturizer, Facial Cleanser, and Essential Defense Everyday Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 47 Sunscreen.
What’s your most important piece of self-care advice for a groom leading up to his wedding day?
Other than taking the time to appreciate your big day and soak up the love before your wedding, our most important piece of self-care advice for a groom-to-be is to prioritize skin health. From using medical grade skincare products at home to investing in rejuvenating services, we encourage grooms everywhere to start the newest chapter of their life with healthy, radiant skin. Not only will this ensure that you look great in your wedding photos, but using high-quality skincare products can help to protect your skin for years to come.
To learn more and order The Men’s Box (new customers automatically save 20 percent on their first purchase), visit theurbanyou.com.
ne of the most exciting parts of getting married is that it marks the beginning of a new life together. Registering for your wedding means choosing home goods — a new place setting, luxurious bedding, or even furniture — that signify a new chapter in your relationship. Our favorite way to find items that are unique is by scouring boutique home stores throughout the state. Here’s a look at four independent boutiques from across Michigan to help you find the pieces that speak to your personality and style.
hen Sharon Fleurissaint, owner and designer of Pretty Petal Papers, started planning her own wedding, she had a problem. “When I got engaged in 2015, I had the hardest time finding an invitation design that matched my vision for my big day.”
With a degree in apparel design and merchandising from Central Michigan University and nearly 15 years of experience in the apparel industry, Fleurissaint’s now-husband suggested she take matters into her own hands. “I decided to design our wedding invitations to create exactly what I envisioned,” she says. “I fell in love with designing wedding invitations and other stationery, and I also realized that other brides may be experiencing the same struggles. I decided to create Pretty Petal Papers to help couples find a design they’ll love, for the day they will always remember.”
Since then, Fleurissaint has collaborated with couples across the country to create custom wedding stationery that’s a reflection of their unique love stories. For Brittany and Harrison Little’s October 2023 Charleston, S.C. wedding, Fleurissaint created a vintage newspaper-inspired suite to share their story with their guests.
“The design process started with Brittany telling me all about the newspaper-style invitations she wanted,” Fleurissaint says. “She wanted them to be unique, tell a story, and incorporate a photo of them from their engagement shoot. We wanted to make sure it folded perfectly just like a real newspaper. She also told me about her love for incorporating vintage details and how she would love to have it wrapped in twine. Some of my favorite details are the vintage fonts we incorporated, the stunning photo of them from their engagement session, as well as the custom map of Charleston I designed for them. These unique details truly made these custom invitations one-of-a-kind and unlike anything I’ve ever created before. I loved being able to bring their vision to life.”
For Fleurissaint, bringing her clients’ visions to life and creating meaningful stationery is what she loves most about her work with Pretty Petal Papers.
“Our joy lies not only in delivering meticulously crafted invitations but also in witnessing the cherished moments of the couple’s big day through the photos they graciously share with us,” she says. “Their satisfaction is our ultimate reward, and we take pride in being a part of their journey towards a beautiful beginning.”
Whether your wedding is at the peak of summer or during snowy mid-winter, four Michigan florists share their favorite flowers for your celebration
ith so many beautiful blooms to choose from, picking the perfect flowers for your wedding can seem a bit daunting. Here, we ask four Michigan experts — Ashley Brunette of Brunette Blossoms, Rachel Chaffee of Eastern Floral, Josephine Brown of Michigan Flower Barn, and Libby Hogan of Lilies of the Alley — for their favorite flowers for all four seasons.
Winter
“White anemones are iconic in the winter,” says Libby Hogan, owner of Lilies of the Alley in Traverse City. “The deep-colored center adds the perfect amount of contrast and drama to a bouquet or arrangement. If monochromatic is more your speed, Anemone the Bride is a variety with white petals and a pale green center that’s also gorgeous.”
Hogan also loves white scabiosa for winter because “it’s a wonderful, fluffy flower. It’s a pure white, not cream or ivory, and has the most romantic shape. It’s reminiscent of a fluffy snowfall.”
With grand, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of red and pink, amaryllis is “the perfect holiday winter flower,” says Rachel Chaffee of Eastern Floral in Grand Rapids.
While also popular in the spring, Chaffee loves hellebore for winter because of the bloom’s “perfect, moody colors — mauve, dark purple, green and white.”
Roses are a classic wedding flower for a reason. “Nothing beats a good red in a winter wedding color palette,” Hogan says. “I love a black pearl rose for a deep, rich red or a piano garden rose for a softer, more delicate red. Think classic, but with a modern touch.” If red isn’t in your winter wedding color palette, roses come in so many colors you will find one that works with your aesthetic. Ashley Brunette, owner and creative director of Metro Detroit-based Brunette Blossoms, suggests Westminster Abbey roses for a champagne blush hue or Quicksand roses for “the perfect mauve/brown/blush color.”
Brunette has crowned the peony the Queen of the Spring. “Her beauty is unmatched by any other statement bloom in the spring,” she says. “Peonies are a showstopper and you only need a couple to make a statement — my favorite thing about them. I also love how many different varieties and colors they come in. You can generally use a peony with any color palette. My favorite variety is the Claire de Lune in blush.”
Josephine Brown, an Owosso-based, first-generation flower farmer and founder of the Michigan Flower Barn, loves specialty tulips for spring weddings. “I know a lot of people hear tulips and picture your grandma’s garden tulips — that is not what these are,” she says. “We grow double, parrot fringe tulips that come in a variety of beautiful natural shades. The double tulips specifically remind me of peonies or even garden roses and are such a treat after a long winter.”
These early-blooming perennials “provide incredible texture and come in fun colors
from green, to white, to mauve,” Hogan says.
For spring weddings, Hogan also recommends specialty daffodils, especially the aptly named Bridal Crown Daffodil. “They have sweet, petite clusters of blooms and smell absolutely divine,” she says.
Chaffee says hyacinths “always make me think of spring. They come in some beautiful periwinkle and purple colors, and the smell is also amazing.”
Chaffee also recommends freesia, “a delicate flower with multiple blooms per stem, with a lovely, fruity smell.”
Delicate poppies are an eye-catching spring favorite for Brown. “They almost look fake because their petals are so thin and bright,” she says. “Poppies add such great movement to our designs.”
To add bounce to a whimsical, organic floral design, Brunette recommends scabiosa. “Scabiosa are really cute and fun blooms. They come in several different colors and have round heads that I consider a ‘dancing/bouncy’ bloom. Their stems are sturdy, and they last a long time in water, so they are perfect for bouquets and centerpieces.”
Thanks to a multitude of beautiful varieties that come in countless shapes, colors, sizes, and textures, dahlias are a nearly universal favorite. “Dahlias are an incredible flower that come in an insane array of shapes, sizes, and colors, all with their own unique — and often funny — names,” Hogan says. Brunette adds, “Dahlias always wow wedding guests, and they provide a funky, fun, trendy element in any design.”
For summer weddings, “there’s nothing more charming than feverfew,” Hogan says. The petite, white blooms with sunny yellow centers “embody happiness — they’re so small and cute. And the smell! Whenever I get a bunch in the shop, the first thing I do is stick my nose in and take a good, deep inhale.”
“Another favorite in the garden, cosmos offer a whimsical feel to any summertime wedding,” Chaffee says. Hogan and Brunette agree. “Cosmos add a dance-y, floaty element to arrangements and bouquets that create a feeling of levity and ease,” Hogan says, while Brunette loves the “wildflower feel” they lend her summer weddings.
Another wildflower popular for summer weddings is Queen Anne’s Lace. “The range of colors this flower shows is remarkable — from pale lavender to deep eggplant,” Hogan says. “It’s quite the fan favorite of our clients.”
Available in a variety of colors and sizes, zinnias are a favorite for Chafee and Brown. “I know zinnia’s might not be a go-to for most designers, but they really add character,” Brown says. “If you can get your hands on some of the giant varieties, they’re comparable to dahlias.”
Carefree, summer-blooming perennials that brighten shady gardens with their brilliant flowers, astilbes “offer dense, plume-like blooms. These are great for texture,” Chaffee says.
photo by sean cook weddings
Because they are “cut and come again” flowers with a long growing season, Brown says dahlias are perfect for fall weddings as well. They “come in such a wide range of colors and sizes, each stem feeling so unique,” she says. With dahlias, Chaffee adds, “you’ll be sure to find the perfect blooms for your palette.”
“Yarrow comes in the sweetest colors, from buttercream to white to blush to magenta to bright yellow to orange sherbet,” Hogan says. “Its versatility allows these blooms to fit seamlessly within any wedding color palette, and they have such a unique shape and texture, too.”
These late summer blooms are a fan favorite, Chaffee says, and they’re available in a range of hues. “They come in other colors besides golden yellow — you can find varieties of white and even burgundy.”
“My go-to fall bloom is chrysanthemums, and these are not the big-box pots of rainbow mums,” Brown says. “We grow and work with cut-flower chrysanthemums that are over a foot tall and come in stunning shades. I love to pair them with a mix of any fall foliage and grasses, giving an arrangement such a feeling of elegance and texture.”
Available year round, Brunette turns to ranunculus as flower varieties and availability start to dwindle in the fall. “Ranunculus comes in several colors, but in the fall, I love the deep oranges, reds and burgundy,” she says. “They are hearty and last a long time in water and open really pretty with lots and lots of petals. They’re cute in bouquet work and provide that dancing, whimsical element for an organic design.”
With several bell-shaped blooms on a single stem, campanula is another fall go-to for Brunette. “It comes in a couple different colors, but in the fall, I like using it in white to add a pop of contrast,” she says. “They are bouncy and tall with strong stems, and fabulous in bud vases as well.”
nce the hustle and bustle of your big day subsides, it’s time to enjoy wedded bliss — just the two of you. Whether planning a mini moon right here in Michigan or the ultimate getaway on the other side of the world, there is no better place to soak up newlywed moments than a stunning and scenic sandy shoreline. Pack your swimsuit, grab your sunglasses, and toast to the start of the rest of your life at one of these iconic beachside destinations.
When to Go: June – August
Where to Stay: Falling Waters Lodge
Where to Eat: The Cheese Shanty
What to Do: Top of the Island Hike
Remote and idyllic, South Manitou Island is part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and located 16 miles off the coast of Leland. Its isolated location is what makes this destination so untouched, disconnected, pure, and perfect for a romantic honeymoon. During summer months, a daily ferry shuttles visitors over to the island starting at 10 a.m. and returns to the mainland at 4 p.m. Whether trekking to the sand dunes on the far end of the island, paddle boarding around the Francisco Morazan shipwreck, or picnicking on the beach next to the ferry dock, couples will have a perfect day with every adventure.
When to Go:
June – September
Where to Stay:
Happy House on Haight Airbnb
Where to Eat:
Ludington Bay Brewing Co.
What to Do:
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Strolling along the sandy beaches as the evening sky lights up in hues of red, pink, orange, and yellow, one will wonder how this paradise remains hidden from the rest of the world. With nearly 30 miles of shoreline, there are endless places to explore, relax, and enjoy wedded bliss together along Michigan’s premier coast. Here, a perfect romantic honeymoon starts with a beach day at Stearns Park, followed by dinner and ice cream at the famed House of Flavors, conveniently located a few short blocks from the beach. After dinner, hike hand-in-hand 1.5 miles to the Big Sable Dunes Lighthouse for sunset.
When to Go: September – November
Where to Stay: Anna Maria Island Inn
Where to Eat: The Porch Restaurant
What to Do: Private Fishing Excursion
Couples searching for white-sand beaches that stretch for miles in every direction: Anna Maria Island is Florida’s best-kept secret. Located a short drive from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (with non-stop flights available from Detroit, Flint and Grand Rapids), the seven-mile barrier island is located far enough away from popular tourist destinations but close enough for easy airport access. It’s one of the last existing places in the state that cherishes what locals call “Old Florida,” meaning there are virtually no skyscrapers, beachside resorts, cruise ports, or theme parks nearby — just a quaint coastal gulf town, quiet seaside neighborhoods, and miles of perfect soft-sand shoreline.
When to Go: October, November, January, February
Where to Stay: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Where to Eat: Eating House 1849
What to Do: Kauai Helicopter Tour
No passport? No problem. Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most jaw-dropping and romantic beaches. There are four main islands for honeymooners: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai. All have their own distinctive features, and all are home to imposing and wondrous shorelines. Although Maui is known as the “honeymoon island,” Kauai’s beaches reign as some of the most scenic and romantic in the world. With pristine snorkeling, towering seaside mountains, and endless romantic excursion options on catamarans or helicopters, couples can’t go wrong choosing one of Kauai’s spectacular resorts.
When to Go: April – October
Where to Stay: Tropical Glamping Nusa Penida
Where to Eat: Warnakali Restaurant
What to Do: Private Island Tour
This other-worldly beach appears almost photoshopped, like a scene straight from a movie. Located on the small island of Nusa Penida, a short ferry-ride from the famed island of Bali, Kelingking Beach is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Choose to enjoy the sights from above, or hike down the steep staircase 492 feet to enjoy the beach from below (but watch out for monkeys). Most visitors stick to the top, making the beach relatively uncrowded even during peak tourist months. Besides Kelingking, Nusa Penida is also home to other famous beaches, including Diamond Beach and Crystal Bay Beach.
When to Go: September – November, January – March
Where to Stay: Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Where to Eat: Marie Antoinette
What to Do: Catamaran Island Charter
Step aside, Maldives, the Seychelles Islands are the next big honeymoon destination. Located in the Indian Ocean roughly 860 nautical miles off the coast of East Africa, the Seychelles (pronounced say-shellz) have some of the most unique, pristine, and scenic beaches in the world. Although it includes a long travel day — or two — the reward is apparent from the first step on the beach. There are plenty of luxury hotels strung throughout the 115-island archipelago, including the Six Senses Zil Pasyon, a world-renowned five-star resort. Don’t miss a day at Anse Source d’Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world and a popular filming location for movies such as Castaway.
Glen Arbor, MI 49636 // thehomesteadresort.com // 231.334.5000
Glen Arbor, MI 49636
thehomesteadresort.com
231.334.5000
- Photography
Michelle Cuppy - Styling
Rebecca Voigt - Hair
Shannon Bishop - makeup
Aubrey Emerson - Floral
Niloo Rosi Design - Assistants
Nick Figueroa
Kelly Jean Passage
Niki Marie Photography
Styling
Meaghan Chiesa,
Birch Affair
Niki Marie Photography
Styling
Meaghan Chiesa,
Birch Affair
For this custom invitation suite, Petoskey-based designer Ciarra Claire drew inspiration from the couple’s wedding venue, Mackinac Island’s historic Grand Hotel. Design elements include a custom pattern inspired by iconic designer William Morris, which included the couple’s monogram and geraniums, a flower found throughout the Grand Hotel. The hand printed suite features blind and green letterpress, matte white foil on green paper, and custom, keepsake map with hand drawn icons. Custom wedding invitation prices range from $3,000 to $9,000, at Ciarra Claire Fine Art, Petoskey; 231.330.6370; ciarraclaire.com.
For this custom boxed invitation suite, LePenn Designs found inspiration in the couple’s garden fairytale-inspired wedding theme. Featuring a tri-fold panel style opening, the front of the box has a blind debossed leaf pattern and a die cut tag with a platinum silver foil stamped monogram. The first flap opens to reveal the main invitation panel, which has two layers of metallic white and lavender paper with platinum silver foil and deep lavender offset printing. The second flap opens to reveal a watercolor painted floral die cut pocket holding the platinum silver foil stamped floral insert cards and lavender return envelope. The shadow box center of the invitation features the couple’s monogram framed by watercolor printed florals with several layers of delicate laser cut florals along the full border. Custom boxed invitations starting at $8,000 to $10,000 for 100, by appointment only at LePenn Designs, Southfield; 248.342.9971; lepenndesigns.com.
The fully customizable Layla Suite, part of Rock Paper Scissors’ in-house collection, is a digitally printed suite featuring an invitation card, details card and reply card set on savoy paper with a matte finish. A watercolor floral pattern of peonies is accented with blue and cream berries and greenery on the envelope liner and vellum belly band. Starting at $850 for 100 suites at Rock Paper Scissors, Ann Arbor; 734.531.6264; rockpaperscissorsshop.com.
This custom-designed invitation suite by Leah E. Moss Designs was inspired by the couple’s love of nature. It features a wood grain envelope liner, letterpress printing, an embossed, hand drawn floral design, gold foil stamping, and gold edge foiling, all tied with a silk ribbon and tucked in envelopes hand calligraphed with each guest’s address. Custom invitation pricing available upon request at leahemoss.com.
The Meadow Flower 5-Piece Wedding Invitation Suite from Noteworthy by Design comes with an invitation with envelope, response card with envelope, and details card. The suite is digitally printed and features a custom printed vellum gatefold and silk ribbon with custom wax seal closure. Starting at $6 each at Noteworthy by Design, Richland; 269.203.5853; noteworthybydesign.com.
The Garden Crest Invitation Suite is part of Midland-based Jes Rose Design’s Semi Custom Invitation Collection. Digitally printed on cotton paper and available in custom colors, the suite includes an invitation card, a detail card, and an envelope. Optional additions pictured here include a printed vellum wrap, vintage postage, and a rehearsal dinner invitation card. Starting at $8 each at jesrose.com.
Lians Jadan
Styling
Rebecca Voigt
Hair + Makeup
Monica Jadan
Ashley Berthiaume
Digital Tech
Dave Dalton
Photo Assistant
Eric Siegfried
Lians Jadan
Styling
Rebecca Voigt
Hair + Makeup
Monica Jadan
Ashley Berthiaume
Digital Tech
Dave Dalton
Photo Assistant
Eric Siegfried
n July 14, 2023, the weather in Holland was that of a perfect summer day, with the shores of Lake Michigan glittering from the bright sun above. It was on this day that Danielle and Kyle Jacobson were married at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant.
Their venue was decked out with lush flower arrangements, elegant table settings, and even a greenery wall. But what’s unique about their wedding is that from the save-the-dates to the table numbers, almost everything was DIY-ed by the bride herself.
“I’ve loved art and projects ever since I was little,” Danielle says. “I always knew I wanted to create a lot for my wedding day because one, I’d save money doing it myself, and two, I also wanted it to be exactly what I wanted.”
Danielle and Kyle met in 2018 and were engaged in July 2022, giving them about a year to plan and create their wedding projects. So, what’s the key to planning out a DIY wedding? First, set the date.
“Once that was in place, that was a huge relief,” Danielle says. “We probably nailed down our venue within a month and a half after we got engaged, and then we planned everything around that.”
By April, though — about three months before the wedding — she was in full DIY mode. “I work in the hospital as a physician assistant, so I worked a seven day on, seven off schedule, and I had every other week off,” she says. “It worked out really well where I was able to knock a ton of stuff out during the weeks off. Around that April time, my goal was to complete one big project every week that I had off.”
Some projects were simpler — such as the table numbers that she painted to match her colors, or the mirror she bought off Facebook Marketplace and decorated with a DIY floral arrangement and Cricut lettering. Others were much more labor-intensive.
Once her projects were completed and the venue was decorated, Danielle and Kyle said “I do” in front of 175 of their closest family and friends. There were several special touches throughout the day in addition to the handmade items, including a special reading from Danielle’s grandmother during the ceremony and a champagne tower at the beginning of the reception.
When all was done, Danielle had DIY-ed roughly 75 percent of the wedding. Every element came together seamlessly, making their special day a truly unique, personal celebration.
“My goal was to have something that fit our vibe as a couple and also our vibe growing up in West Michigan,” she says. “I wanted it to feel classy but still fun, not so stuffy or extravagant. Simple in some ways, but also letting West Michigan speak for itself.”
For more DIY projects and inspiration, follow Danielle on Instagram @the_nextproject_.
Ceremony & Reception Venue Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant
Wedding Gown Casablanca, Becker’s Bridal, with custom sleeves made by the bride
Wedding Shoes Amazon
Wedding Suit Dunhill Tuxedos
Rings & Jewelry Kesslers Diamonds
Hair Marianne Heeringa, Locks & Lashes
Bridesmaids Birdy Grey
Groomsmen Dunhill Tuxedos
Music & Entertainment Rhythm & Lights DJ
Florals Picket Fence Floral
Stationery Designed by bride on Canva
Photobooth Prestige Photobooth
Rehearsal Dinner Venue New Holland Brewery
To see more from Danielle & Kyle’s wedding visit nearlywed.com
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98Sydney + Matt
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100Janelle + Harry
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102Alexa + Ryan
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114Ashlie + Chance
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118Lou + Vincent
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120Violet + Max
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122Abbey + Joe
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128Allison + Bailey
Located on 27 beautiful acres, Zingerman’s Cornman Farms and its venues were restored from their 1834 foundations with the most discerning guests in mind. Featuring a beautiful exhibition kitchen, chef’s garden, a classic farmhouse and four-season barn, guests can enjoy the beauty of the countryside just minutes from downtown Ann Arbor.
Our team will work with you to create a custom experience that’s perfectly suited to your vision. Cornman Farms offers inclusive wedding packages for intimate celebrations for four to 75 guests. We’re experts at planning and hosting events of all kinds — especially if they involve gathering around fantastic, farm-to-table food. That’s exactly why Chef Kieron Hales reimagined this historic property as an event venue with an emphasis on excellent food. The way we see it, nothing brings a family, a team, or community together like good food.
Time and time again, we hear from people who celebrate with us that we come to feel like an extension of their family — and to us, there’s no greater compliment. After all, weddings and other momentous occasions are about family — the one you’re born into, the one you join by marriage, and the one you create for yourself. At Cornman Farms, we want to be more than the backdrop to your most important day. That’s why we put so much love and care into making your wedding perfect. We understand that the little details are what make your day distinctly, undeniably yours, so from the time you reach out to us through your event and beyond, we take the little things just as seriously as you do. We’ll take care of everything for your wedding, giving you the chance to relax and be fully present for every magical moment.
- Contact emailcornmanevents@zingermans.com
- Number of different rooms2
- Number of affairs at the same time1
- Separate cocktail areaYes
- Room capacity – cocktail reception75
- Room capacity – dinner reception75
- Outdoor reception areaNo
- Room rental feeN/A
- Deposit required50% of Base Package
- Kitchen on premisesYes
- Must use in-house cateringYes
- CuisineVarious
- Pricing for plated mealsIncluded In Package
- Pricing for buffet mealsN/A
- GratuityNot Required
- Dietary AccommodationsVarious
- Must use in-house liquorYes
- On-site ceremoniesYes
- A.V. equipment availableNo
- Valet parkingNo
- Handicap accessibleYes
- Pets allowed for ceremoniesYes
- Lounge for bride/groom/bridal partiesYes
- Complimentary overnight stay for bride & groomNo
23810 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48124
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248.698.1200 | White Lake
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wittetravel.com
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alpineevents.com
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heartygreetings.com
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applause-catering.net
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2060 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
centreforpureskin.com
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