real weddings 2008 :: daisy + greg

Couple :: Daisy + Greg, 8.2.08
Pearls Events service :: Day of coordination + Set up
Ceremony + Reception :: The Homestead
Officiant :: Jackie Freeman
Photographer :: Amy Carroll Photography
Florist :: Marla Courtney Wood
DJ :: George McDonald
Cake :: Sugar Delites
Bridal Gown :: September's Bride

Wow :: this was one amazing wedding. It could be because it was a Northern Michigan destination wedding, or maybe because Daisy was a knock out bride in her awesome gown from September's Bride, or possibly it was because Daisy + Greg got married on the top of a ski hill overlooking Lake Michigan. Or it could be that my husband, Greg, was my assistant for the day. I think it was a combination of everything. Daisy and her mom, Cindy, planned an unforgettable party for their 200 guests in Glen Arbor, Michigan, and I was so thankful to be part of this gorgeous day.

My day began around 1pm when Greg + I arrived at The Homestead to begin bringing in all the decor into the Mountain Flowers Lodge. I worked on getting flowers passed out to the wedding party, as Greg set out all the place cards in the moss-filled trays. The florist, Marla Courtney Wood, our out the blue Mason jars filled with wildflowers, and I went behind her placing all of the votive candles, table numbers and other various paper-products the bride created. Jennifer Dontz, from Sugar Delites, delivered + set up the most beautiful fondant cake I've ever seen. The cake topper, made by a friend, was a blue + green stained glass heart, and so original and unique, all of the guests were oohing + aahing about it! (including me and Amy)

At about 3:15pm, guests began arriving and getting on the ski lift to make their way to the ceremony site. We lined up the bridal party (including Pixel, the couple's dog), and sent them up the hill. The ceremony was short + sweet and included a sand ceremony. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and the weather couldn't have been better.

As guests made their way to the bottom of the hill to enjoy cocktail hour, Daisy, Greg + their wedding party were off to the beach for a fun photo session. Guests enjoyed catching up with one another, and also had fun putting together a scrapbook page for the Polaroid guest book. The hand-passed appetizers were out-of-this-world, and the fully stocked bar made sure no one went thirsty.

Dinner hour began at 7pm as Daisy + Greg greeted each guest as they entered the Mountain Flowers Lodge. From the salad + rolls, to the dinner and cake, the food was amazing. Dancing began around 8pm, and guests didn't sit down all evening. Everyone was either a.) dancing, b.) hanging out by the fireplace on the patio, or c.) on the back deck socializing.

The Homestead is in its first season hosting weddings, but it is no newbie to the area. They are a ski + golf resort that has been around for years. This beautiful wedding location is perfect for the couple looking for a destination wedding without leaving Michigan. I had an amazing time with this gracious couple, and am so thankful I got to experience this remarkable location. I'm very much looking forward to my second wedding there later this year for Bree + Brad!

As usual, I will have some pro photos to show you this week. Amy Carroll Photography was there for the entire night and got some awesome shots of all the couple's awesome details. This will be one photo preview you don't want to miss!