Michigan Summer Wedding: Michelle + Dave

Today’s wedding reminds me of a perfect summer day in Michigan and that is exactly how Michelle + Dave pictured their wedding. From Michelle, “We work hard and spend our free time with family + friends on the lake in the summers. We picked a venue near our favorite Michigan summer vacation spot with many lakes, wineries, and microbreweries. We wanted a venue on the water and the idea of a barn reception appealed to our rustic + relaxed taste. Also, my father likes to use old barns as his subjects in his watercolor paintings and I grew up admiring his colorful Michigan barns which are really hard to find these days. We served our favorite summer cocktails as signature drinks – cucumber gimlets + manhattans – down by the water as we would during any summer party. Our favorite musicians came out to play during our ceremony and dinner which made us feel right at home.”

Such a gorgeous day for a wedding! Congrats to Michelle + Dave and thanks to Kai Heeringa Photography for the photos!

pink peony bouquet

I just LOVE Michelle’s Amsale wedding dress! So so pretty…

bride in spaghetti strap dress

wedding invitations

bride by white fence

bride on swing

ring bearer

Ok, how cute is that little guy?! Adorable. And speaking of adorable little ones at your wedding – we are doing a special post on fashion for the little ones later today! Can’t wait. I think you guys will love it. :)

wedding sign

moss ring pillow

ring bearers

get away car

bride and groom exchanging vows

Our Musical Choices

Processional: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Recessional: "You and Me" by Dave Matthews - You and Me makes David and I feel so accomplished and in love - we have done so much together and been successful professionally and in our relationship!

First Dance:

Also, we heard a beautiful song at a friends’ wedding the weekend before, “We are man and wife” by Michelle Featherstone. We asked our musicians to play this during the ceremony and they learned it in 5 days! A family friend spoke of love and water, comparing the two, and hearing it on the lakeshore made for a very personal and heartfelt ceremony.

bridesmaids in pastel

bride and groom in woods

bride and groom by wood house

wedding potted plant

chalkboard reception menu

reception center pieces

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

My bridesmaids and some guests learned a dance to the song “Like a G6” and surprised us with a flash mob during the reception. It was hysterical!

reception dancing

dessert bar

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Planning was all sorts of fun! I researched my vendors carefully and they were all so wonderful to work with! My advice is to hire a coordinator! She made my life so easy, especially with a destination wedding. Also, do not be afraid to do something out of the ordinary. Weddings are often so much alike but don't have to be. Celebrate your love the way you want to!

vendors:

photography: Kai Heeringa Photography // venue name: Crooked Creek Ranch, in Traverse City, MI // event design: A Day in May // planning: A Day in May // wedding dress: Amsale // hairpiece: KAJElove // bride's shoes: Butter // bridesmaid dresses: J. Crew // paper goods: Dapper Paper // catering: Catering by Kelly's // floral design: Christina of a Field of Flowers // veil: KAJElove // groom: J. Crew // groomsmen suits: J. Crew // invitations: Dapper Paper // DJ: Scott Perry of 2Bays DJs

Explore: