Isn't it Grand!
Story by Jessica Bauer. Photos by It’s Wonderful Photography
Matt and I live in Brooklyn, New York and were married on July 25, 2025 at Grand Hotel.
Mackinac Island was the very first place Matt and I had traveled to goether as a couple and we fell in love with the Island and it's unique beauty. We knew we wanted to be married on Mackinac Island.
Grand Hotel was the perfect location for us, because we loved the Grand at first site, and we loved the convenience of having everything we needed for the wedding right at the hotel.
My florist was St Ignace in Bloom. I absolutely loved our ceremony and reception florals. The flowers matched our color pallete -we chose a suite at Grand Hotel with the perfect colors of turquoise and lavendar. One of my favorite photos was when my bridal party got together at the Cupola Bar.
Our first look took place in the Secret Garden. Our wedding photographer was It’s Wonderful Photography. Sara Wright was everything we could have ever asked for in a photographer. We had our family and bridal party meet us for photos and the setting was surreal. As we walked back to the hotel through the tea garden we took more amazing photos. Now for the big moment - the wedding ceremony!
Our ceremony was oerfect. The walk down the porch and all of our family and friends together as we exchanged our vows facing the water and Mackinac Bridge.
After the wedding ceremony, we celebrated during our cocktail hour and a champagne toast. We loved the live music probided by the Grand Hotel Orchestra. The weather was ideal – not too hot, and we loved the breeze coming from the lake
Our reception at Grand Hotel followed our cocktail hour. Our guests make their way across the hotel lobby and after passing through the Main Dining Room - so impressive! We entered to a full room of family and friends and immediately cut our wedding cake that had been created by Bella e Dolce. The full orchestra played our favorite wedding song to which we danced together in an unforettable moment. Following our 5 course dinner, the band kicked it up and we danced through the evening.
If I were to give any advice to someone planning a wedding on Mackinac Island – Remember that your wedding is for you. Choose the place and the people that make you the happiest. I loved having elveryone we know on the Island at one time. That made our entrie weekend that much more special.
Follow your heart and keep lots of notes on on your google sheets. 😁 Take advantage of the local knowledge-listen to the Island professionals and save yourself a lot of work!
Jessica & Matt Bauer & Wedding Date: 7/25/25
Wedding Ceremony: Grand Hotel Porch
Bridal Suite: Grand Hotel
Reception: Grand Hotel -Grand Pavillion
Photography: It's Wonderful Photography
Hair styling and make-up: Astor Salon at the Grand Hotel
Florals: St. Ignace in Bloom
Wedding Cake: Bella e Dolce
Reception Favors: Murdick’s Fudge
Music All provided by the Grand Hotel
Ceremony: Harp
Cocktail hour - Jazz trio (guitar, bass, drums)
Reception - Grand Hotel (singer, drums, piano, bass, guitar, and trombone)