Today’s wedding looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale! Katherine grew up going to Torch Lake in Michigan and she knew she wanted to get married there. She + Norman wanted the ceremony to be the main event, while having a full weekend wedding, including a sandbar cruise, a welcome BBQ, a gorgeous rehearsal dinner, and then the official wedding! And the moment we saw the ceremony designed by Juniper & Lace Events, our jaws dropped…
Why? Well, Katherine wrote a letter to the owners of a private, tree-lined road that was surrounded by beautiful pines. In the letter, she talked about growing visiting Torch Lake every summer. She talked about her grandparents and how inspired she was by the scenery and the landscape of Michigan. They ended up falling in love with her story and let them use their private drive for the ceremony! They even watched from afar with their kids! Isn’t that incredible?
Sounds positively enchanting, right? It was. But don’t take our word for it—see it for yourself in the snaps by Kaley from Kansas!
The Wedding Party
Katherine opted for neutral tones and navy for the bridesmaids, so the hues complemented the natural scenery.
Looking dapper, gents!!
The Ceremony on the Private Tree-Lined Road
Holy. Smokes.
They lined the aisle with candles and it honestly looks like something out of a fairy tale!
His: Her silhouette behind the curtain right before she walked down the aisle.
Hers: Walking down the aisle and seeing him. It truly felt like it was just us in that moment, we kept eye contact the entire time and couldn't stop smiling.
The rain let up just an hour before their ceremony. As they had 61 guests, the aisle was rather small and everything felt moody + intimate.
Processional: Forever by Ben Harper performed by Miriam Pico
Recessional: Come Away With Me by Norah Jones performed by Miriam Pico
First Dance: Dance Like Nobody's Watching by Donavon Frankenreiter
Our ultimate goal for the ceremony was to be very romantic and super intimate. The ceremony was intimate and important for each and every person to feel apart of, as if they each had a front row seat.
The Newlyweds
Having the wedding in Torch Lake, Michigan helped make that very easy for us as it’s a very special place for both of us. I have been going there for 30 years as my grandparents have a place up there, which I have always referred to as “my heaven on earth.” It’s my happy place, and it’s my family’s happy place. When I first brought Norman up to Michigan it was the most perfect trip, the 2nd time we went to Michigan he asked my dad and brothers for my hand in marriage, the 3rd time we were up there we got married.
Take my hand and wander through the forest with me…
Isn’t her dress INCREDIBLE?! The gown is the Gigi by Emmy Mae Bridal, from Bride KC.
The Reception
For the ceremony, they had 616 Balloons come in to create these gorgeous installations!
Carousel
Carousel
Keeping it luxe + minimal, the tables were set with gold chargers and an abundance of greenery.
By the Beach…
Stay true to what you want and your vision. It’s about the two of you and your love so don't let the pressure of "traditionally you would" keep you from doing what YOU really want to do. We had a great support system that encouraged us to stay true to that and it was so worth it. It made our wedding day exactly what we had wanted and better than what we had envisioned. Everyone told me to really take in and enjoy every moment because it goes so fast and that couldn't be more true. Really savor every moment.
Lastly, I think something nobody ever tells you when you start planning a wedding is people will get upset with you... There are always people that are upset that they were not invited or just wedding items that are sensitive and require working through. That part is hard but try to stand strong together and know that it’s all worth it in the end.
Some parting advice from these two sweethearts: Pick your big items to focus on, let go of the small items. Have fun, don’t be controlling and enjoy the process!
Congratulations, you two!
photography: Kaley from Kansas // venue name: Private Road, Torch Lake, Michigan, USA // event design: Juniper & Lace Events // planning: Juniper & Lace Events // florals: Amy Kate Designs // wedding dress: Emmy Mae Bridal 'Gigi' // wedding dress boutique: Bride KC // hairpiece: Emmy Mae Bridal 'Mae' veil // bride's shoes: J.Crew // bride's ring: Genovese Jewelers // bridesmaid dresses: Reformation // hair stylist: Bare Esthetics // makeup artist: Bare Esthetics // groom attire: Knot Standard, Watch and 1963 Omega // groom's shoes: To Boot New York // groom's ring: Genovese Jewelers // handmade details: Simply Pretty Pieces // catering: Siren Hall // desserts: donuts from The Flour Pot // tabletop rentals: glassware from Gigi & Laclede // furniture rentals: Monstrey Macdonald // linen rentals: Special Occasions // specialty rentals: pipe + drape from Sensational Events TC // music: Mr. Music Dj's // officiant: Tim Moore // photo booth: The Magic Shuttle Bus // ceremony music: Miriam Pico // candelabras: 307 Events // balloon artist: 616 Balloons // late night pizza: Chef Charles // girl's getting ready food: The Purple Beet // groom's silver cuff : All the Wire // place cards: Paper Dainty
Wow, that’s a stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony. I can see why they wanted to get married there.
Wow what an amazing ceremony location!
Amazing place for wedding!
Love the location it’s so magical – stunning photos💕
Great! a wonderful idea for a wedding location! I love it!
What a whimsical and modern take on a bohemian wedding. The grandeur of the forest is the perfect backdrop.
What going on down in the woods today well and absolutely stunning wedding great images the bride definitely works out she looks gorgeous!
Wow this is just all kinds of wonderful !
♥♥
woow!!! This is amazing. That bamboo location is so cool. Nice Photography sense
Absolutely breathtaking and enchanting! I think the candles (I assume they are flameless- duh) are just the right touch! A little greenery along the chairs would have been a wonderful addition! We will have to add this to our wedding ideas!
The Tiny House Farm
I know this venue was a private street, but do you know if they allow others to do ceremonies or if it was an exception for this couple? Thank you!
I am wondering if this ever got answered? Do you know if they let overs get married on this private street? I am looking for something!
stunning pictures!
Sounds kinda strange, but I love the wet floor. Makes the pics so much more intense.